Viral meningitis-August 2017

[MrsO2510]

Hi, I had VM in August this year. Stupidly I associated meningitis with children and because I didn't have a rash ignored what was happening until I was hospitalised and had to have lumbar puncture. I then went back to work much to early and tried to keep going for too long. This was made worse by the fact that I was severely iron and Vit D deficient. I've been off work since the end of September and still struggle with fatigue breathleness and recurring chest infections and lower back pain - I have other issues re thyroid also being investigated but I wondered if anyone would mind sharing ways in which you've overcome the fatigue etc...

Thanks

[Jonad724]

I had near fatal VM 15 years ago and unfortunately recovery can take a long time from this strain of the disease. The only option is, I'm afraid, to rest, rest and when you feel better rest some more. As you have discovered if you try to do anything too quickly it bites and it bites hard. Doctors will tell you that you will recover from VM in 2-3 weeks because that's what they're taught in training and they assume all strains of meningitis are the same. It took me nearly 6 months to go back to work and I was away from intense sport for 5 years to let the brain injury settle down. The recurrent infections is evidence that your immune system is on the floor, at one point I had four recurrent infections so I know how you feel. Things that helped me with my immune system are beta glucans tablets and a regular multivitamin. Lysine has also, anecdotally, been found to help with the after effects but fundamentally the only option is to take it easy. If you have a good day, and you will, don't be tempted to do too much because the next day you will suffer. It's as frustrating as anything but recovery can be a long process. I wrote a blog about my experiences of recovering from VM, if you click on my profile then if you want you can click on my posts which I hope help.

I am also a Meningitis Now Community Ambassador so if I can help at all please message me. Good luck and hang in there, Jonathan

[Lippistix]

Hello, You can find my 28 year old daughter, Rosie S' Story, via the link on the forum stories from the home page.

We found that cranial massage worked wonders for her. Her job is working with horses on pretty much a daily basis and is very physically demanding.

It is rare for a story to be so positive and we have tried to let people know that this amazing complementary therapy worked for her. It helps release the spinal fluid which VM leaves a blockage for. Rosie is pretty much cured after around 10 sessions coupled with actupuncture, although found awesome relief after only one appointment. She is now free of all pain killers and antidepressants and feels right back to her old self.

We can only let you know what worked for her. It's not for all, but has now given amazing relief for many. It seems the success could be to do with the skill of the cranial osteopath you use. So it is important to find out the osteopaths credentials and experience in this specialised field particularly dealing with VM sufferers, if you can. (Not all osteopaths realise that this helps VM sufferers, it is often carried out on young babies with birthing problems). You need an osteopath and not a therapist who mearly has some training in cranial massage.

If you find you are getting the violent headaches and feeling lethargic and depressed after a few weeks, give this complementary therapy a go, it really could be worth it and save you being on prescribed drugs, along with months, years, of unnecessary suffering.

Kind wishes and best of luck

[RestisBest]

I sleep an hour after lunchtime. It helps interupt the gradual build up of fatigue.

[FuckedUp]

I'm sorry, but the only thing that helped me with the fatigue was time. I hope you are able to have time to rest spiteless the children and everything. Hope you get well soon. <3