2 years post VM

[thomasmlopezjr]

I still check this forum after 2 years because reading posts while recovering helped me feel like I wasn’t alone. Nothing is crazy “wrong” right now, but I wanted to give an update. Who knows, it might be helpful to someone.

I was diagnosed with VM almost exactly 2 years ago. I was in the hospital for a week because I had to lay flat or else I would get a huge headache and start vomiting almost immediately. I remember having to literally run to use the restroom. I also remember all the staff pretty much scolding me to sit up and move around constantly.

I was able to go back to work a month later. And I was able to start lifting weights (light squats and deadlifts) about a year later. I checked my ability to squat with a barbell once every month starting 5 months post VM. I would literally feel like my body would “turn off” during a single squat. So I would rack the barbell and try a month later.

I would sometimes have headaches from allergies, if I snored in my sleep, was in the heat too long, etc. pre VM and post VM these instances occurred more frequently and more intensely. But I could tell I was getting bette— r slowly.

Now, what I assume to be my permanent side effects are mainly two things: as good memory and pain at the base of my skull if look any direction, but straight in front of me. Even if I duck down to get in my low sitting car, I can still feel the pain. And if I am in the shower and look up to rinse my hair, the same.

As far as my memory, it’s not terrible. But there are times every day where I can’t quite remember something that I know I “should”. Like I will remember asking someone a question, but not the answer.

I hope everyone continues to be active on this forum. It really helped me through some down times post VM. And still seeing emails in my inbox actually reminds me of how appreciative I am that others are willing to share their experiences and advice.

Thanks everyone and I hope everyone recovers from their experience with meningitis.

[Allium11]

Thank you and yes you are right, reading posts does help to make you realise that you are not mad and not alone. I posted recently as was feeling desperate and frustrated. Still am as seem to have had a set back - I suspect due to trying to do the things I need to as a mother and running a business severely impacted by COVID as well as wanting to do the things that make me happy such as walking, training, staying up past 9.00pm - wild! I have had days when I feel great, but these are followed more often than not with days when I can hardly get out of bed with crushing fatigue, a headache and a brain that just doesn’t work properly. I feel like my body has been drained of all energy and my mind gets very dark as a consequence. It is so tough so thank you for continuing to be there and I wish you all the best.