Viral Meningitis

[SophieMae]

For one, it is so nice to be among people who understand what it’s like to have been through Viral Meningitis. I got it at the end of September, and was in the hospital for 3 days. As you all know, that headache is unlike anything else in this world. The confusion was unreal as well, and the room couldn’t have possibly been dark enough. My hospital stay was actually quite fine all things considered. Can’t say I remember much of it. But I was sent home with a) not many answers or much information [my ID doctor was awful] and b) a picc line in my arm for 10 days. I’m about a month and a half out, and I am just exhausted ALL the time. I already suffered from depression & anxiety but it has gotten a million times worse. I get migraines almost every other day and I just feel awful. Someone please just tell me I’m not alone! Also open to suggestions. Thanks for reading!!

[Gnugoo]

Hi Sophie!

You are so, so not alone. You are in good company and, if such a thing is possible, we are all beaming our love and support to you (many from under a duvet in a darkened room.)

Browse back along the timeline of posts, look in on the profiles of those who seem to speak best to you and check out their “posts” and “replies” for encouragement and nuggets of wisdom. In time, come add your experiences of what works for you.

Most importantly, give yourself love, and time and the peace in which to heal.

As regards anxiety and depression, I wittered on a bit about that yesterday in a reply. Click on my picture above, and find it in my “replies”, or see if this link works:

healthunlocked.com/meningit...

Good luck, SophieMae !

[Jess2032]

Hi Sophie,

You are not alone at all, I had VM a year ago this month and unfortunately I remember everything about it! It took me a good few months to get back on my feet unfortunately I still get extremely tired, catch many infections and illnesses and headaches everyday which are very annoying! I’ve only recently been diagnosed with anxiety and not coping with it to well 😞

I find going for long walks to the woods into the nature helps ease the anxiety a bit. I put a posted on here the other day about anxiety and a few people commented on ways to help! Have a read see if anything helps you! The best thing to do is just rest as much as possible listen to what your body is telling you 😊

Hope you feel better soon! Xx

[SophieMae in reply to Jess2032]

Thank you so much for your reply Jess! I will look into your post. It’s just great to not feel alone. I thought I was crazy because my doctor NEVER told me what happens after, and I was totally unaware how long it can linger!!! I am sorry to hear of your anxiety, I have had it for about 3 years now and it has worsened since VM So I really feel for you. I hope you can find peace and relaxation. Hugs ❤️

[Rodman21]

I would suggest seeing a Neurologist and getting Topamax or another anti seizure med that's proven to work on the headaches. I have Mollarets and very familiar with the post meningitis headaches, 40 years worth. The anti seizure meds can change your world. Best of luck.

[Mojo67]

Hi l to found this site very useful even just to know that what l was going through was perfectly normal and not the v.m. coming back. I am 2years tomorrow and unfortunately my life has changed alot, a befor and after really, take your time be good to yourself and not so unforgiving if you are tired , forgetful or just fuzzy headed. You will unwittingly invent coping mechanisms for yourself to help you through the day l have and don't be slow in asking for a neurologist mine has been fabulous. There is also a brain team l have just been referred to ( to help with tiredness mobility etc.) ask the hospital. Headaches are still a huge mostly daily problem with me haven't found anything that works yet but there has to be something ? Good luck it is a long process at a year l thought l would be fine but don't be impatient with yourself it will take as long as it takes to reach a place you feel strong in yourself again, you might not be the same as before v.m. but l feel at least more understanding of what other people are going through ( lm clutching at silver linings here). Good luck and be good to yourself not to demanding .

[Hidden]

You are not alone! I caught VM in August and was in hospital for 5 days. I still get cognitive problems and am seriously thinking of making a flash card to keep on me for when I go shopping or to the bank ...or anywhere. I have awful confusion problems at checkouts and must do something about it. I like walking and try to focus on something ahead of me anything ... a leaf on a tree, a door things like that. I aim for the target then do another. It works nicely. I turned down the opportunity to see a neurologist and am regretting that now. Best wishes to you. David

[spouseM]

So sorry to hear of your struggle. Try cranial sacral massage, it helps the spinal fluid move around in your cranium, helped my husband immensely. My husband was 100% back after 3 months. I know everyone is different, but dont discount that you may fully recover. He was in hospital for 7 days. West Nile virus. My very best to you, Michelle