Don't know what to do

[ShaikASC]

Hi everyone iv been diagnosed with vm three weeks ago iv been in hspl for a week have done two spinal taps but poked 6 times in total cos Dr's could not get fluid. While doing it they hit my nerve which is now affecting my right leg. I feel tired n miserable all the time. I don't even know how to help myself to avoid this or what to do to care for myself. Ppl say it's cold n I should keep warm is this true. Pls someone help.... Dr's didn't even say what to eat etc or things to avoid

Pls help

[Jonad724]

Hi, I had near fatal VM in 2002 and so I do understand what you're going through. The best advice I can give you is rest, rest and when you feel better rest some more. I wouldn't necessarily avoid any foods, it's a brain injury so your body may do funny things for a while. Not sure about your right leg and the nerve but in my experience of sport injuries it will settle down. I'm now a Community Ambassador for Meningitis Now and so if I can help support you, please let me know, I'm happy to help so please PM me and I'll share my email address with you. I also wrote blog posts about my recovery and experience of VM and again please click on my profile and click on 'post's.

Hang in there and good luck, thanks, Jonathan

[Starry]

Big hugs xx having vm is very traumatic and stressful.

Lots of rest and being patient with yourself in building up a gradual recovery is key. Don't try to do too much too soon.

Good nutrition can aid recovery. Eating lean low fat protein and lots of fresh veggies especially orange ones. Among others vitamins a, c, d and zinc are important as well as protein and omega 3. There is a helpful table in this pdf.

hss.edu/files/Nutrition_for...

Ginger and turmeric (used with black pepper) are known to have anti inflammatory effects. (see examine.com for scientific evidence)

I developed severe reflux esophagitis after my vm due to the extent of the vomiting and medication I was given so personally would recommend avoid consuming lots of highly acidic foods like wine, vinegar, alcohol, sugary fizzy drinks and avoid ibuprofen to help prevent triggering that.

Hope these tips help. X

[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