Dealing with first Cold virus and Bronchitis 1 year after having VM.

[Kitsismimi1]

Hello, I’m EXACTLY 1 year post VM, and have come down with my first illness since having the VM last April.

I have been to my Doctor and have a head cold and Bronchitis.

The Cold is obviously viral and will have to run it’s course. The Bronchitis is bacterial and antibiotics were given which are help clearing this up.

I feel so unwell and it is much worse than having a normal Head Cold before having VM.

My thoughts are that viruses now affect us differently now after having VM?

Especially a head cold since it could possibly flare up inflammation in the head from the previous VM last April and makes us feel worse?

My question is if others out there have experienced this with illness after having VM?

I have felt very blessed and fortunate to have stayed healthy these past 12 months.

But my goodness has this Cold knocked me off of my feet

Thanks so much for any reply or experience shared.

It’s very much appreciated.

[Rowi]

Fourteen months later, I am battling some sort of virus. I rest, I feel like I've gotten over it (although I still have the VM after effects), I go do something, and I feel worn out--or totally sick--again. So, yes, I can relate.

[Kitsismimi1 in reply to Rowi]

Hi Rowi,

Thank you so much for your reply.

How are you feeling today?

I’m back in bed today still feeling sickly.

I’m always afraid that the VM will come back.

I just want to feel better.

Such a hard road after having VM.

Hope you are feeling better today.

Take care.

[Rowi in reply to Kitsismimi1]

I'm doing slightly better, thanks. I have similar fears about the VM coming back. I guess I'm just not as strong as I used to be. For whatever is going on now with this current illness (on top of the VM after effects), I've decided to take the approach of just doing a little bit even when I do feel better. If I manage that, I'll try increasing my activity level little by little. I already had a weakened system from the VM, so I guess my body just can't fight things like it used to. Rest, good food, vitamins...

[Kitsismimi1 in reply to Rowi]

Very glad to hear you are feeling a bit better and today was a better day!

I rested most of the morning and then got up and out to the store with my husband to get our little girls Easter surprizes.

She is 4 years old and keeps me going as I struggle many of my days, 1 year post VM.

I keep waiting for the hard days to become less and the good days to become more prevalent.

I try to remember how incredibly Ill I was just this exact time last year, and I realize I have come a long way!

I’m limited now but I am able to take care of my family and home and that is what is most important to me.

My Daughters 5th Birthday is next week and last year I lied in the hospital so sick and missed her 4th Birthday.That was so painful for me.

I’ve been slowly preparing for her Birthday party at a nearby park..

But things are kept very simple now and I know my limits. My daily rest is always scheduled.

Yes, we are weakened for some time it appears after having VM.

That has been so hard for me to accept. Especially being a Mom to such a young child who has so much energy!!

I don’t believe it will be for the rest of our lives though. I believe we will improve. It’s just unfathomably long...

My local Neurologist told me expect to lie low for about 2-3 years.

Recovery is long.

I like what you said about just doing just a little bit when you feel better..

It’s hard to do that with this illness, because you get so tired of resting and you want to get out and do things! We just want our normal lives back again.

I hope you have a great support group around you.

I am very fortunate and blessed to have all of my family within 10 minutes of me, my husbands family as well.

They are a huge anchor to hold on to when the days are still so tough.

They come quickly when they hear me struggling.

My Husband, Daughter, Mom and Brother are a godsend.

I know this has all been very hard on them as well. They cannot understand how much suffering we endure and how hard this is, but they are there to listen and to hold on to.

We do our best and take a day at a time.

Brighter days are ahead.. I just know it. It’s just getting through these first few years now..

Have a great Easter weekend (if you live here in the US)

Feel better soon and take good care.