Neurological discomfort.

[Earthfox20]

It is 16 months since I suffered my attack of Bacterial Meningitis. The worst problem I have now is neurological discomfort. I have had it for the entire 16 months but it has steadily got worse and during the past two months it has become quite unbearable. My legs are swollen, heavy and numb. This swelling now goes up my back, my tummy is swollen, sore and bloated, and it seems to go up into my head and I have a weird feeling around my left eye. My legs always seem to be fizzing, sometimes they are burning and feel they are likely to explode. Just occasionally I have a throbbing in my legs which can be frighteningly severe. I have seen Pain Specialists and they have not been able to help me. Suggestions of Diet, supplements, exercise and now antidepressants have so far not helped. Acupuncture has been suggested. Has anyone any positive suggestions or experiences that might help me?

[Eli_Acct]

Hello, my neurologist told me acupuncture would not hurt. I would ask them to make sure they feel ok with you trying acupuncture. I got VM in September 2019 and my after effects might not be as severe as yours but included; joint pain from my hips down to my ankles, stiff neck, upper back pain, neck pain, light sensitivity, fatigue, I'd get dizzy if I overexerted myself, no regular bowel movement.

Tomorrow I go to my 5th acupuncture session! I go every week, but by my fourth session I felt much more like myself! I think this has helped me the most, more than medications. I stopped taking my medications because I didn't feel a noticeable difference in how I felt.

Like I said, check with your doctor's to make sure they are OK with you doing acupuncture. The way I see it, I rather do that than put a ton of crazy chemicals and meds in my body. Now I'm not in leg pain. It's made a huge difference in my life.

[Earthfox20 in reply to Eli_Acct]

Sounds good, thanks!

[Cliffey]

I support Eli_Acct in that after contracting BM in May 2019 and no help from mainstream medical - I started with an Osteopath and Acupuncturist in Dec 2019. What a change. I was living on ibuprofen for headaches etc. and now might take is once or twice a week. No guarantees but definitely worth a try. Do some research on highly recommended ones.

[Earthfox20 in reply to Cliffey]

Thanks, will give it a try when I get out of hospital.

[Caroline-T]

Hi Earthfox20 I'm sorry I don't have any positive suggestions, only to say that my irritable legs, pains, headaches, and odd random shooting or stabbing pains in different places of my body each time have been diagnosed as Fibromyalgia, I just wonder what they would have said if I was a fella, I'm really not getting very far with my docs, almost as if they have no clue themselves, all I can say is try and find whatever works for you individually. Good luck

[Earthfox20 in reply to Caroline-T]

Thanks, nobody has mentioned Fibromyalgia but it’s something I’ve looked up and it seems to fit.

[menchild]

Medical practitioners cant help me. I have taken lots of probiotics, vitamins and homeopathic remedies. I had some craniosacral massage and now have recently had 3 Bowen therapy sessions. The Bowen has helped so much that I now have energy and less of the weird head symptons and no more numbness/tingling/heavy legs. I am 4 1/2 months post bacterial meningitis and septicemia. I take no pharmaceutical drugs. The whole immune system is totally stressed by this serious infection which causes all kinds problems. Drs cant help. Natural medicine may be the only option.

[Earthfox20 in reply to menchild]

Yes, that’s what worries me,doctors can’t help.

[Earthfox20]

I have now been admitted to hospital. The discomfort was so severe in my whole body. I am stiff and can hardly move. It’s almost as if I have had a new attack. It really is quite frightening. Blood tests and x rays so far but nothing else. Neurological most probably. Will keep you posted. Getting on for 17 months now, no real sign of recovery.

[Caroline-T]

Sending hugs

[Dukeyreay]

Hi. I can completely sympathise with your neurological problems. I contracted bacterial meningitis and sepsis in 2005. I have gone on to make a full recovery but have been left with nerve damage in my legs and feet. I find winter is always worse and getting to sleep is difficult.. my neurologist put me on amitrytaline and it does give me some relief although the burning and stinging never completely goes away. I also massage my feet and legs with with massage oil which helps a bit.. when I focus on the pain I find the pain gets worse so I try not to dwell on it too much. I find that controlling my breathing and staying away from stress helps. The more stressed you are the more it hurts. I tried acupuncture and for a little while the treatment seemed to help but after a few months stopped working. Give it ago it may work for you. I found it a very relaxing treatment. Good luck and I wish you all the very best for the future. Dukeyreay

[Earthfox20 in reply to Dukeyreay]

Thanks Duke, a very helpful reply. Delighted that you have been so successful. Best regards

Mike

[Dukeyreay in reply to Earthfox20]

Hi again Earthfox. Glad you liked my post. I think when the symptoms are new to you it can be very worrying and frightening. When I first experienced those horrible stinging, burning and numb sensations in my limbs I was making myself ill with worry, not sleeping and feeling very depressed. Years later I have accepted what the meningitis did to me. Now I have accepted it, I realise that these symptoms will stay with me forever. I am no longer afraid. I am very grateful to still be here. It is such a truly horrendous disease. They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Dukeyreay.