Fever for 5 weeks (viral meningitis)

[Roosvanderv]

Hello everyone, last week I was finally diagnosed with viral meningitis. I had been experiencing fever, headaches, and various other typical meningitis symptoms for four weeks already. I suspected it was meningitis, but the doctors didn't recognize my symptoms because they weren't severe enough and the only thought of bacterial meningitis. I underwent various tests, including a brain scan, and finally had a lumbar puncture a week ago, and bingo. They've looked for many viruses, but so far, they haven't identified the specific one. If I want to know, I'll need another lumbar puncture. I've been bedridden for five weeks now, with almost no symptoms left since a week except extreme fatigue and fever. I'm particularly concerned about the fever and can't determine if it's a normal part of the recovery or if it poses a danger. I take paracetamol daily, but every time I stop, the fever returns. The uncertainty is causing anxiety, especially with a baby and a 17-year-old to care for. My partner is taking care of me and the kids, but this can't go on indefinitely. I fear there may be lasting effects, particularly the possibility of brain damage. Any advice or support is welcome...

Love,

Rose (38, Netherlands)

[Bellesmom12]

I had a terrible time getting mine diagnosed too. Finally with the lumbar puncture and diagnosis they put me on antivirals. Mine was only getting worse til I was seeing double. After IV antivirals it subsided but I am still left with many after effects. According to CDC we should get better in like two weeks. Very untrue. I am not sure how bad my brain damage would have gotten had I not insisted on intervention. Good luck from a fellow sufferer. I was probably at least 4 to 6 weeks ill before diagnosis and treatment. They should have you on an antiviral.

[Roosvanderv in reply to Bellesmom12]

Thank you for your reply and sorry for the late response... could you tell me what antivirals they prescribed? I was told there's nothing that could help but time passing...

[Walkingintheforest in reply to Roosvanderv]

Antivirals CAN help although it is correct that if you dont know the exact virus it is not possible to be 100%sure if antiviral help! I have beet treated over 10 days with antibiotics and antiviral the same time and i dont know if anything helped but i m glad i got it just in case!

[Bellesmom12 in reply to Roosvanderv]

I was given IV antivirals in the hospital for two days and then antiviral pills for two weeks after. It was called Valacyclovir. Upon starting to have it administered my symptoms stopped worsening and my double vision subsided. I continued to have symptoms but at least I stopped throwing up. I seriously think if I had been diagnosed earlier I would not have so many long lasting side effects.

[Walkingintheforest in reply to Bellesmom12]

Yes i think so too!! If it is a virus for sure they should treat you with antiviral in any case!!

[Bellesmom12 in reply to Walkingintheforest]

I think they should have prescribed antiviral too. Mine was HSV 2. Was NOT getting any better in its own. Contrary to what the CDC says. The antiviral was Valacyclovir. I checked on my MyChart from 5 years ago. I thought 4. Geesh!

[Walkingintheforest in reply to Walkingintheforest]

I also had aciclovir for 10 days 3 times a day through the venes

[Walkingintheforest]

Dear Rose,did you get any treatment? antibiotics/virostatica? I think the fever is showing that something is still wrong,…i had meningitis and encephalitis in march this year and i had very high fever but when i was treated with virustatics (in my case it ess never clear if it was viral or bacterial) the fever went down.did they check your blood (crp?) if it is still high you really should get a proper check.fever is a sign that there is still something that is working in your body.i hope this helps!! Take care!!

[Roosvanderv in reply to Walkingintheforest]

Hi, thank you so much for your reply. The fever has subsided last week, and I'm feeling much better. However, I experienced severe dizziness today, accompanied by a return of fever and nausea. After getting some rest, things have improved. I didn't undergo any specific treatment, though antibiotics were administered in the second week before the diagnosis of viral meningitis, unfortunately with no success. This illness is truly dreadful...

[Walkingintheforest]

I think you should check your blood as you did not undergo any treatment! Fever and dizzines after being diagnosed with meningitis should be checked as i think fever shows that something is not right.maybe it s only a flu but best would be to check your blood!

[CiroandSals]

please see a different doctor / practice