I have Meningitis and fibromyalgia

[Pen59]

I was hospitalized a week ago with viral meningitis. My symtoms were so severe, memory loss, severe whole body pain, stiff neck, etc. Had a spinal tap that showed proteins and sugars....don't know what that means.
I'm home now and not feeling much better except pain ebbs and flows severely. I can't think clearly sometimes. How do I tell if I'm getting better with the Meningitis if I'm haveing Fibro pain? I've had FMS for 13 yrs. What is my prognosis? How long should I rest before trying to "push-through" like I do with Fibro?

[medchick0523]

Every website I've found suggests that viral meningitis should resolve within 7-10 days, with bedrest and increased fluid intake, although it seems it's been at least a week for you already? I don't have FM, nor have I ever had meningitis, though I can relate. I have a chronic neuro disorder, I've had a headache nearly every day for the past two years, and I feel when I get the flu or even a cold, it hits me harder than it did before I became sick. It is possible for me to get a tension headache or migraine on top of my usual pressure headache and sometimes I have issues differentiating. I usually know I am back to "normal" when I can go about my day as usual, (for me that is being able to be up and about for 5-6 hours), or I feel my symptoms have come to a plateau, if you will.

I hope you start feeling better soon!!

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

How are you?
Elevated levels of proteins in the csf indicates an infection, in your case it is meningitis. Elevated sugars can be due to high blood sugar levels due to diabetes.
Sometimes it takes more than a few days to recover from meningitis. Please relax and do not be in a hurry to resume your daily activities.
In some individuals it may even take up to a month to recover from meningitis. Recurrent headaches and tiredness are the last to go; since you have fibromyalgia also it will be difficult to say if the tiredness and fatigue is due to an after effect of meningitis or fibromyalgia.
Please give yourself some more time before you take charge. Take care!