Meningitis Recovery

[MamaHerring]

I was diagnosed on Jun 26 with viral meningitis, I was only admitted to the hospital for a few days, then  returned after a day of being home feeling like something was seriously wrong.  Following my spinal tap I laid in bed for about 2 weeks. I could not move. I'm on week three now and I still feel tired, nautious, bad back pain and headaches, not as bad as the initial pain, but enough to where I have not been able to return to work.  I've followed up with my doctor, she poked and prodded at me and sent me home with more pain pills.. wich adds to the nausea.  At this point I wonder if I may need a second opinion? Should I be recovered by now?  And is it strange that I've missed 3 weeks of work with this sickness?

Thanks,
Kaylin

[Carmel66]

Hi, when you first come home from hospital it can be frightening as you feel not well enough to go home, all you can do now is rest and take it easy.  I took three months to recover and slept a great deal, sleeping is part of the healing process. When you are able go for short walks to try and regain your energy levels, but do not push yourself or it will set you back again.
I went back to work too soon for me after three months, struggled on through and took me six months till feeling hundred percent.
I know the Meningitis Trust website is of help, but it just states how long the meningitis virus lasts, and not the side effects of recovery.  Remember you had a virus which takes time to leave your systemm
Take care and I hope you have a speedy recovery.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

How are you?
Although some people make a fast recovery after meningitis few may take longer sometimes even weeks and months to recover. Please do not be in a hurry to resume your normal daily activities.
Possible side effects can be tiredness, recurring headaches, difficulty in concentration, depression, mood swings, soreness and stiffness.
Please be patient and give yourself some more time and continue follow up with your doctor. Take care!