Need help for paralysis...

[wheelchair4me]

Survived severe bacterial meningitis about three years ago now,

Praise God, but I am left with paralyzed legs that seem to be getting

worse rather than better. I do all the rehab exercises.

Any advise or direction for help would be appreciated.

I just turned 60 this year.

[ignoreit]

Hi Wheelchair4me,

I was only 33 when I was stricken so I'm guessing that my recovery TIME was probably a lot less than yours will be. As I SLOWLY improved in the hospital (Meningoccal, sepsis, & DIC), my leg pain lessened to the point where I no longer SCREAMED out in pain frequently...but the leg pain definitely remained. When I returned to my apt, I was living alone. For months I walked...no, very slowly shuffled... only to the bathroom. A friend in the apt complex brought me fast food every other day. My MIND seemed to be ok, but my legs had lots of problems. (I had great pain relief by placing my legs on the back of my sofa...altho I remember that the hospital staff would shake a finger at me, when I sneakenly raised the lower portion of my hospital bed.)

Because I was afraid that my employment position would be replaced, after 10 more months, I returned to work. I knew I'd never get promoted at work if I had medical problems, so I faked it. I NEVER mentioned my pain and wore long slacks that basically covered my feet so no one would see that I wore just thick socks...because of my foot pain.

Gradually my leg pain disappeared and my foot pain lessoned. By gradually, I mean 4 years. Then I was promoted to a regional position, requiring air travel. Still had to wear thick socks and sandals because my feet couldn't tolerate anything even touching my toes. Again, I NEVER mentioned my pain. Never.

Ten years later, I was able to tolerate a closed toe shoe! Yay...that was a HUGE improvement!

It's now been 40 years. My toes still hurt 24/7...but not excruciatingly. I found a flat shoe than shifts my weight from my toes to my heels...and I bought 15 pairs. The shoe's not bad looking...and no one seems to notice. I've had to make wardrobe changes (no skirts or shorts, in order to hide my shoes and thick socks), but life has been good...great, in fact!

Here's something that might help you: When I was released from the hospital, my doctor warned me NOT to use a walker. He said I'd become reliant on it. So instead, I held on to furniture to slowly...very slowly..."walk" to the bathroom.

You didn't write WHY you're in a wheelchair. Are your legs still in horrendous PAIN? Are you able to take a few steps (maybe 1 "sliding" step in 10 seconds)?

[bcr1]

Malignant Meningitis mimics Vitamin b12 deficiency