Viral Meningitis- Recovery Length, Rtn to work

[Lynnsey]

I worked for 2 weeks with viral meningitis, and deteriorated to the point where I have no been placed on bedrest, antivirals,antibiotics,steroids, and meds for severe headache. My co-workers ran me into the ground with little or no regret. I made mistakes at work, and was VERY irritable (nice of them to tell me that to my face-nasty witches)After 2 weeks of meds and bedrest I am a little better, but very weak. I thought (and was told by a really LAME doctor) that I had a cluster migraine-I am no MD, but I am not as stupid as her). The nausea, vomiting, night sweats, blinding headaches, shivers, coughing,etc, etc are the most miserable symptoms/signs I have had in my adult life. MY doctor diagnosed me with 1)The FLU 2) a secondary bacti infex 3) viral meningitis. The last 2 weeks of work were horrible, and I was scared that something in my "thinking" had gone awry. I had become very confused, and disoriented. I am having trouble with my memory/tasking, and I cannot tell my employer this-what should I do? I am still ill, and fear going back to work, and that they will "kill me", just as before. I need my job, and while my boss has been great, I am frightened I have residual effects from this illness. Should I go to a shrink, or a neurologist. I am not recovered yet, and still clearly do not feel as sharp mentally or well enough to even go out. Is there a "safe" recovery time from this? And what do I tell my doctor about going back to work. We are a very busy hospital, and shortstaffed like most. I am new, so the older folks treat me badly b/c it's their hazing. I get really angry when I keep reading that viral meningitis is NOT SERIOUS- the hell it's NOT!!

[sweetlips99]

I've been diagnosed with viral manigitis 7days ago as I'm writing to u I hve had 3seizurÉs 3days ago.da headaches vomiting confusion and stiffness has stopped for 3days bt nw has rapidly attacked my body and started again.I hve been resting for da past week never left my room and its as dark as da night.hw is it possible that al da symptoms is surfacing all over again.pls I need to undastand y every doctor say viral manigitis is nt as dangerous as bacterial manigitis

[wlk86]

i was diagnosed with viral meningitas 3 weeks ago was in hospital for one week of that got the lumbar puncture several ct scans as they found a bleed to the brain and a kink in a nerve at the back of my brain im still feeling i dont know how to explain it its like your lost???  and i also still get head aches like there is trapped pressure that best describes it?? im sighned of work just know as i work offshore im due back in a week any1 know if ill be ok to get back to work dont want to get all the way offshore and relapse ect cause out there would be the worst place to be ill???

many thanks

[DorothyParker]

Hi Lynnsey,

I was diagnosed with viral meningitis a month ago, was hospitalized for five days and have also suffered the brain "dullness" you mention.  I still have much pain, headaches, neck stiffness, soreness, extreme fatigue, and all the rest.  I also have fibromyalgia, which must be exasperating everything.  I am so bitchy and angry and tired of being in so much pain; I'm wondering if I should take some time off, or work partial days or what, of course totally discounting what my employer might have to say about this.

How are you feeling now?  Has the pain lessened significantly?  I'm such a positive, happy person but this has really darkened my outlook.

[J97]

I was diagnosed with viral meningitis at the beginning of February.  I spent a few nights in hospital hooked up to IV antibiotics and fluids.  I still get headaches and a pressure feeling in my head like everything is very swollen.  My neck stiffness has gone and the rash I developed has finally cleared up.  I have been on the sick from work for the past 3 weeks.  I still feel very tired some days but I have been told that some people may have recurrent headaches and experience tiredness, problems concentrating and/or may be irritable or depressed.  My GP signed me off work for 4 weeks I go back to be reviewed next week.  Would you be able to have a word with your manager to see if you can return on a staggered basis so when you are feeling worn out you can go home and ease yourself back into work.   Good Luck.