? X

[Hann19]

Hi

I’ve come out of hospital after 3weeks had VM. Was discharged last Monday . I am on my own most the day with my 2year old son.

Is there any natural remedies I could take for pain relief?

X

[Vmzoster]

So sorry you had to go through this experience too. Meningitis is hard. As you have probably already seen on here, recovery is long and slow and there isn't much that you can do aside from rest. However, there is some of the pain that is caused by inflammation, so incorporating anti-inflammatories into your every day diet, such as cinnamon, are natural ways that can help a little. Their effects may be subtle but at least slightly helpful. In addition, a balanced, mostly plant based diet with an emphasis on vitamins (essentially the more fresh and colorful your salads and meals, the more likely you are doing this properly). Avoiding heavy thick, cheesy, breaded, fried and fatty meats as much as is possible will reduce inflammation. Taking a good multi-vitamin, additional vitamin D and C will also help and mostly if you do it on a consistent every day basis. Also, zinc binds to the same receptors as many viruses. The theory is that if zinc is on those receptors, fewer viruses can bind to those receptors and replicate. So, additional zinc can help reduce colds, flus, etc. Read the daily amounts of zinc since too much is also bad.

Those are the natural things that I can think of as well as making sure to take at least a short walk outdoors even on the hardest of days and rest and be kind to yourself.

Especially if you were in the hospital for 3 weeks, you likely had a very severe bought. As such, it would be good for you to trust that you may need something stronger than natural remedies at times. Get a good pain killer from your doctor to use sparingly only when it is more than you can handle and more than what natural remedies have any power over.

I had trouble meditating consistently before meningitis but I have begun meditating each day. It is hard but it has been very helpful with the moods, tolerating pain, and giving a little bit more mind clarity throughout the day.

Best of luck to you!

[Hann19 in reply to Vmzoster]

Thankyou so much for all your kind beautiful words x

[Hann19 in reply to Vmzoster]

When I was in hospital i got this sensation of like ‘pins and needles’ from under my breast to my feet. I could not walk. I can now but the sensation has not completely gone and also effects my hands is this normal ? Does it go ?

X

[Vmzoster in reply to Hann19]

I’m not really sure about the pubs and needles. I had breast cancer at age 31 and one of my chemos does nerve damage that causes pins and needles sensation. I’m 39 now so I’ve had pins and needles sensation off and on for 9 years now even before meningitis. However, I do remember feeling this more so for a while after meningitis so I guess it could be common. I had coordination and balance problems. My legs and feet would fall asleep just from sitting down. I get dizzy and almost pass out quite a bit. Unfortunately you should expect some of this to continue for quite a while. You should look up coordination and balance therapy videos online for brain injuries. Those can help. They might make your brain dizzy early on though.

[Suzluz in reply to Vmzoster]

Meditation is my lifeline through

this snail’s paced recovery!!! ❤️

[Zengal]

I have found that removing caffeine has massively reduced the headaches and I ensure I drink plenty of water. Yoga has also helped A lot. Wishing you a speedy recovery xx

[Jmac999]

I concur with other suggestions below.

I am 3 months post Shingles VM (also have small kids) and had 2 weeks IVAV.

I’ve approached recovery holistically, but first month I was still on heavy pain relief (endone, 4 hrly neurofen /Panadol). So don’t try to be a hero!

In addition to the above, i’ve seen a naturopath (Vit D, K, zinc for immune support. EPA/DHA (fish oil) for brain support. Chinese herbs (ginkgo) for cognition. Magnesium nightly for sleep/adrenal support. Probiotic for gut health (have been on lots of antibiotics during recovery too due to low immune system).

Was having Accupuncture 2x/week for first month, now have it 1x fortnight.

Diet per suggestions above re anti inflam but I wasn’t super strict - more focussed on a wide variety of foods and mostly plant based. Still had some sugar occasionally but no alcohol.

Also seeing psychologist to help deal with mental adjustment.

Do you have some support to help w childcare? I have a 5 and 2 yr old and know how hard it is - my husband is stay at home which was great as I was so fatigued, unwell and sleeping a lot.

Good luck and take it easy.

[Vmzoster in reply to Jmac999]

Yes, good point on the alcohol too. I wasn't a big drinker before meningitis anyway but, when my girlfriends could finally get a night out, we would happily kick back a few and get a good buzz on Now...forget about it!!!! I will occassionally have a glass of wine but I don't even know why I bother to try. It smells and tastes horrible to me now no matter what kind it is. Plus, my body just can't seem to tolerate it now. If I meet a friend and have a drink, I pretty much have to limit to one and I drink it REALLY slow. I don't drink even with one drink because the effects are much greater than before. Some days, even if I'm with someone who is having a cocktail or glass of wine, I won't join because I can just tell that day by the way I feel that my body just doesn't want it at all and can't tolerate even a small amount. I guess the main point is that everything is just much more sensitive and primarily the brain is far more sensitive to any stimulus or influence. We all have to learn to listen to our bodies on a much, much finer and more sensitive scale than ever before.

[Hann19 in reply to Vmzoster]

This is so true ! I use to smoke not even a stupied amout maybe like three a day I can’t go near it and the smell makes me feel sick.

I did want to ask on here what do people suggest about cannabis I use to smoke that but since I can’t handle the smell of fag or the thought I haven’t touched anything. And like you say listening to our body’s and how sensitive everything is even more so now

Xxx

[Jmac999 in reply to Hann19]

I used to have 2-3 drinks on 2-3 nights a week and never had a problem with how I felt afterwards/next day. Now, I have 1 glass and the next day I feel tired and sluggish. I am occasionally having 1/2 glass of wine but generally not drinking. Listening to my body - for someone who used to love a couple of drinks at the end of the week, I now don’t need it. I also don’t go out as much as too tired and not interested in boozing!

I have seen on another FB group that people have reported good pain relief from cbd oil but haven’t tried myself.

[Vmstein in reply to Hann19]

I’ve found cannabis to be VERY helpful. I get more restful sleep.

[Princess123456]

There is an herb called Lions Mane that was recommended to me by a herbalist. She also recommended Bacopa. Do your own research to see if it might be something that might be beneficial. Be blessed.

[Hann19]

Hey x I have orderd this today it is in capsule form is that ok ? X

[Gwatters]

Lots of water helps. I found that just sitting in the fresh air was good too especially if it's peaceful. Must be hard with a little one. Colouring and drawing might be something you could both do that wouldn't be too much effort. If you're still suffering, go back to the docs. Good luck. X