Is this related?

[Natalia87]

Hi,

I've just discovered this forum, I was hospitalised and diagnosed with viral meningitis back in June 2016. A family member has been saying to me for a while that I've 'never really gotten over it'. After feeling like rubbish for what feels like forever I thought I'd try and look into it further. I have seen my GP on numerous occasions with how I'm feeling but never really got anywhere.

I'm permanently exhausted, I have tension headaches, my head feels cloudy and stuffy, I get dizzy spells, I can't focus for long periods of time. I can barely read from a screen anymore whether PC or phone. I suffer from anxiety, and nowadays the smallest thing can send me into an emotional wreck where I'm either stupidly angry or crying my eyes out or both. I never used to be like this. I feel rubbish nearly all the time.

I used to work full-time most of the time well above the normal 40hour week, but I struggle to work part-time at the moment without feeling like I need to sleep for a week. My partner keeps calling me a granny because of how tired and unwell I am all the time.

When I left hospital I took an extra week off work to try and recover, then got back into it, no-one ever said anything about following anything up so I just presumed once I had finished the meds they gave me everything should be fine and plundered on as normal, it was hard and a real struggle to get through the day most without needing a break or a sit down.

I'm working part-time now, I have good days and bad days, but somedays I really feel like that's it I'm just never going to feel the way I used to.

Could this be because of the viral meningitis? Does anyone else get like this?

Thanks

[Amrita-A]

Hello Natalia,

My illness is too soon to say, but gee, everything you describe is how I feel now. It scares me if I can never be better than this. The exhaustion is crushing. I feel seasick all the time and I can't process complicated thinking. And I get angry! Asks my cats. I think they think I've gone off the deep end. Nice mommy/mean mommy.

I hope you feel better. I wish I had answers for you. Hopefully someone else who has been dealing with it longer can help. Perhaps looking through old posts.

Let's take good care of ourselves, as much as life will allow.

Best,

Amrita

[Maisie23]

Hi Natalia

I am now 4 years post VM. I know exactly how you feel.

I think most of us have suffered after effects of VM for a considerable time. I reduced my working hours from full to part time, and though this put a strain on me financially, it does mean I have the energy to do stuff outside of work.

Things do get better, stay positive. I think like you, I never have got over the VM and have lasting symptoms, but now am accepting the 'different me' . I avoid busy crowded places as I get very irritable, I am better with verbal information rather than written, and am having counselling to help with the anxiety I suffer.

Have you tried going down this route? I find it extremely helpful, and know that Meningitis Now, can help with funding for this if needed.

Don't be hard on yourself, rest plenty, and eventually things will improve. Take care x

[Hidden]

Sorry so long!! I thought I was permanently damaged. Over a year and half of constant head pains, fogginess, fatigue, etc feeling like I couldn't function anymore, I researched until I found things that really helped, and made me feel normal again.

Graviola tea (I buy Omura 30 organic teabags). Miracle stuff. Literally got rid of all my head issues and pain in less than two weeks. I started at two cups a day, steeped 10 minutes and I sweeten with raw sugar or raw honey and creamer.

Gotu Kola, grape seed extract, and apple pectin. Started at every morning. Apple pectin upon waking, everything else after eating. All three of these are great for brain function (including cognitive) and fighting fatigue.

Because mine is viral meningitis from a herpes virus, I also took neem Capsules everyday. And a couple of immune boosting things like echinacea and Dandilion roots (teas or supplements), increase vitamin c.

And one milk thistle before bed to keep liver from getting overloaded.

Within two weeks of taking this regimen, I felt more normal than I ever expected.

After two months of feeling great, I cut back all supplements to one week on, one to two weeks off. And graviola tea to one or two cups a week.

Two years now of feeling pretty good, only time I feel like crap, is if I run out of graviola tea for more than a month.

Having a normal life again is possible!!!!

Adrenal blend helps as needed for anxiety and depression. It's a great natural chill pill, no loopy side effects!

[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