I had viral meningitis 8 months ago. The doctors said I’d feel better after a few weeks. They were wrong!
I was diagnosed with VM and was in the hospital for a week. During my spinal tap the doctor puntured the wrong location which caused spinal fluid leaking and created another type of excruciating headache on top of the meningitis pain. To repair the leakage they has to take blood from my hand and inject it back into my spine as a type of “fix a flat” thankfully it worked and the spinal headache subsided. I was still left with the neck and headache and back pain from VM. Now 8 months later, I still have headaches daily, neck and back pain and now joint pain. From my weak immune system, I then got shingles on my back. With meds that clears up in a few weeks.
I have 6 very busy kids and a full time job. I try not to complain too much to my husband, but there are days that I just can not deal. Motrin and yoga only easy the pain. But I would love to be pain free!!
My fear is being too run down and ending up in the hospital again. I’m so glad I found this website. It’s actually kinda nice to know that I am not the only one dealing with this. I’m no longer alone. Thank you
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TarLus
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I agree. Finding this forum aswell as speaking to the nurses on the phoneline has been a godsend. I had obviously heard of meningitis but had no idea how hard hitting and varied it is. And that is if you survive! I am surprised that such a brutal illness doesnt have a higher profile (maybe because of the numbers involved?)as it clearly affects whole families.
Being in recovery i totally understand the misconception that we are well because we look well, when in actual fact we have a long uphill battle ahead, physically and emotionally
It is nice to be able to share your experience and gain little titbits to aid your recovery. So many many thanks to the people who run this site and phoneline. Without it we would be completely in the dark.
Slow down you shouldn't have started doing any lifting or stairs for 2 month so slowdown listen to your body if it hurts stop it will get good luck helpman
TarLus; I promise things will improve. If the headaches remain have your doctor recommend a pain specialist. People don't believe me when I tell them but you do get used to life with a headache. My doctor gives me morphine to use as needed. I will pray for you and yours. Hang in there.
Thank you for your prayers. I am starting to get used to having the headaches. I just expect to wake up everyday with one. I guess one day I will wake up without one!! Thank you
My daughter had the same problem and to date has had 3 patches but the headaches have returned except for last patch which was done with a 3 day hospital stay. Hoping this time works. Contact your Dr to get you re evaluated.
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.
Hi, Sorry to hear of your difficulties. I have just joined this forum and put a post up last evening. It is important to get lots of rest but to keep physically active but not to the point of fatiguing. I walk a lot and I find diclofenac (there are different brands on the market) is very helpful for the severe headaches. Take care. Dave
Hi, have no idea how u r coping with 6 kids & job? Miracle women for sure. I had VM 3 yrs ago,& feel life is almost back to normal but couldn’t imagine kids or working. Try everything u read of or research everyone is different , but VM is so hard on a body. Time will heal u, but that doesn’t make your days easier, I wish u energy and lots of love you are a brave momma.
Thank you so much. I’m just taking it one day at a time. My husband is a huge help to me and the kids. My kids are all very active, but the older ones can see when mom is doing too much and have helped out a lot! Stress is a trigger so I try to avoid it as much as possible. Thank you!!
Hi! Thanks so much for posting! Are you finding it's possible to return to life despite pain and fatigue? You find yoga helps? I am really afraid I won't be able to return to work and dying to hear from someone else on likelihood. Xxx
I'm in the same boat - I have an active lifestyle with children that I cannot put on hold to deal with symptoms. I'm sure taking time off would help, but it's just not a reality. Acupuncture treatments have helped me beat back the worst fatigue and headaches. If you have a local clinic, perhaps give that a try? It may not be intuitive to think it would be helpful, but it has worked for me and apparently others with VM. Good luck and take care.
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.
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