The importance of good health and fitness

[Gangstalicious]

Hello,

This is a post intended for those who experienced as an adult or are currently experiencing VM.

I suppose I am writing this post in an effort to share my experiences with viral meningitis (VM) recently. It was absolutely terrible, and based on the experiences of others I read on here I thought I wouldn't ever recover and that life would just get worst.

I'm not sure how I got it. I'm 28 years old and live in a city where owning cars isn't something most people do, and walking/subway use is common (so I'm constantly interacting with lots of strangers). One day I experienced terrible migraine-like headaches and horrible neck stiffness and pain. Following was nausea, hyper sensitivity to light and lack of appetite. It truly was terrible.

I recovered fully in two weeks, and the doctors never seemed too worried about me. Why? Because I am clearly somebody that lives a very fit and healthy lifestyle. I don't eat out, I hardly drink, I exercise intensively six days a week. Doctors told me that the adults who experience longer-term effects from VM (and other viruses and illnesses) the hardest are the ones who don't take care of themselves.

Please take care of yourselves. There's an epidemic of unhealthy life styles in most adults in the West, and taking care of yourselves is the best thing you can do to mitigate the impact of any illness or infection.

My two cents. Not trying to preach to you guys, but this VM experience was the worst thing that's ever happened to me and I would hope it doesn't hit you.

[Eli_Acct]

Thank you for the words of encouragement. I am sooooo glad you recovered so quickly. And yes, always living a healthy lifestyle will only help and not hurt.

Unfortunately, from the many support groups I'm in and accounts, it seems every person's situation is different. Some have it much worse than others. I live a healthy lifestyle and I'm at my 3rd month post VM and can hardly walk more than a couple blocks without feeling like I need to sit down (I'm 31 years old). Exercising at this point is completely out of the question. My doctor suggested when I get tired, rest. If I feel energized, do but not over-do. Also I do notice if I don't eat right, my body hates me for it and I'm more susceptible to feeling the joint pain etc.

I've been prescribed fiuricet and gabapentin for pain and headaches.... I have started acupuncture and although it's not taken my pain away completely, I've had more energy and my neck is the loosest its been since the VM. This is why I completely stopped my meds, I'm hopeful acupuncture will continue to provide an alternative method of healing. I had my first appointment last week and seeing her again this week.

To anyone out there, yes, healthy lifestyle will only help! ... wishing everyone the best of luck with recovery! I wouldn't wish meningitis on anybody.

[Gangstalicious in reply to Eli_Acct]

VM is no joke, and three months is so long. Do they know what virus caused it? Were they able to pinpoint it? Also, are any of the prescribed medications they gave you sedatives?

I wish you a speedy recovery. I don't know how much of a help it is, but I want to be involved on the forums/chats to try and be there for those who suffered from this.

[Eli_Acct in reply to Gangstalicious]

Hi, yes they said it was an enterovirus. And it is definitely no joke!!!

The meds they prescribed are not sedatives as far as my research has shown me (why?). One is a barbiturate with acetaminophen and caffeine and the other is anti-seizure medication but commonly used for pain. I've stopped taking both and hoping acupuncture and rest will help. I don't like taking pills.

[Gangstalicious in reply to Eli_Acct]

I see, I think you took the same thing I took. It would put me to sleep fast whenever I took it. I really hope you make it! It's so violent and seemingly everlasting. It'll go away with time. Some quicker than others.