10 days post vm absolute agony in strange places kneews shouldrs hip arms etc...

[Sarahka85]

I have been discharged from hospital over 10 days ago and still feel just as bad as I did I feel like I'm not getting better and even though I'm on strong painkillers they work for a while and then I'm back will be aching all around my knees my ankles my hips my shoulders my neck awful headache just feel so tired very unsteady on my feet I can't remember some things as simple as spelling my last name which was a bit scary I just don't know what to do as I am in so much pain I feel like it's all I talk about I'm sedated from the meds. I work for care company and they're not very understanding or have given me any options while I'm poorly

[Jonad724]

Hi Sarah, although the medical profession may tell you that VM is no worse than flu and you should be better in a fortnight, unfortunately their knowledge is wrong. You are very very early on in the recovery process and I'm sorry to say you probably have quite a bit longer to recover coming up. Recovery times vary with VM from a few weeks for a minor case to months if not years for a serious attack. i had near fatal VM in 2002 and I was off work for just under 6 months and only went back to work after my salary was cut and I had a family to support. Meningitis Now has some really good information for doctors, employers and for those having had VM and their relatives. You can find it here: meningitisnow.org/meningiti...

I am a volunteer Community Ambassador for Meningitis Now with special interest in VM and so if you would like to PM me I can share my email address with you to see if I can provide more ongoing support. Meningitis Now also has a helpline 0808 80 10 388 if you're in the UK. There is a lot of support if you need it.

The key thing now for you is to rest though, if you try to press on regardless then this will just slow down your recovery. I wrote some blog posts about my recovery, if you'd like to read them please just click on profile and then click on 'view posts' and I hope they help.

What you're describing though is not unusual for VM in my personal experience and seeing what others on this site have reported. I had to learn to walk and talk again after my VM attack and when I pressed on I ended up being rushed back into hospital under blues and twos with no discernible blood pressure and heart rate dropping through 27. The only thing I remember of that journey is, shortly after we set off the paramedic said to his colleague 'better put the lights and noise on Dave, we're losing him' then I passed out.

There is though light at the end of the tunnel. After a 5 year break from triathlon, since 2007 I have completed three half ironman triathlons and several shorter ones. VM can be a life changer but it's not a life that's less rich than before, just different but for now please rest, rest some more and when you feel better rest a bit more than that.

Take care, Jonathan

[Sarahka85 in reply to Jonad724]

Hi thanks for your reply. I just feel stuck and in so much pain. Wotk only giving me ssp s9 thats a worry too. I can only walk a few steps then i become dizzy lightheaded then almost faint.

[Shameless]

The first weeks are very hard it does get better I have just gone back to work after having 5months off I had bacterial meningitis you have to take a day at a time baby steps I have been to the doctors lots they gave been very good I really hope you are feeling better soon

[Helpman]

Slow down no heavy lifting, no stains ,walks on flat ground for 6 to 8 weeks listen to your body if it hurts stop take your time good luck helpman

[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