Dear Patti:
I am sorry to hear about your
recurrentRecurrent cystitis symptoms. Mollaret meningitis is usually diagnosed by exclusion of
recurrentRecurrent cystitis bacterial meningitis,
recurrentRecurrent cystitis viral meningits (e.g. Herpes),
sarcoidosisErythema nodosum associated with sarcoidosis
Neurosarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis - close-up
Sarcoidosis on the elbow
Sarcoidosis on the nose and forehead, hydatid cyst, fungal meningitis, intracranial tumors, Behcet syndrome, and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome. Unfortunately, there is no therapy for shortening the attack or preventing fresh attacks. One usually has remission after 3-5 years, so having the symptoms for 10 years might indicate that you might have another problem (e.g. Herpes). But, I can't tell over the internet. Again, I am sorry that your having these symptoms.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
Your illness sounds horrible! I wished I had some positive feedback/encouraging feedback to give you. Unfortunately, I do not have any, but my heart goes out to you for having to struggle with what sounds like such a tragic illness. Are you in a position to go for another opinion at some leading research center (i.e. Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins, Mayo)? It seems to me that maybe your illness could be better defined and possibly treated. I cannot imagine what you have had to endure over the last 10 years. My thoughts and prayers are with you.