Recovery from viral meningitis

[kugrrr]

I spent 5 days in the hospital in July with a pretty severe case of viral meningitis.  I've since recovered but for the past few weeks I've had continued muslce and joint pain.  It's there all day long and doesn't seem to be getting better.  My doc did complete blood tests to rule out a number of things but they all came back negative.  Is this common?  I've heard six months to a year to completely recovery but this is driving me crazy.  I'm already on anti-depressents so it's not that.


This discussion is related to Diagnosed with Viral Meningitis / Still have symptoms 7 weeks later.

[narobbins]

For some treatments that have worked for others, see http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Neurology/Viral-meningitis-for-two-years/show/1840660.

[adels]

Listen I don't think there's a real nailed down time for recovery in a lot of these cases. I've had a similar experience to yours and I still have burning nerve pain after a couple of years that is basically consistant since onset.  That doesn't mean it won't go away one say, but I just think it's beyond the current scope of knowledge how to effectively treat people in cases like this. That said, I'm being treated for some cognition trouble and fatigue and I'm trying to work out in my house every day and it has made a significant difference in my quality of life.  Keep fighting and positive because stress will make any symptom a lot worse.

[ForestFool]

Feb '09, I had 3 epidurals as protocol for chronic DDD pain (I've lost most of 4 discs in my neck & have 2 lumbar fusions).. this was to help put off a cervical fusion.   Within the next week, I started feeling crummy. Normally very healthy other than the bone/disc issues. Pain patients tent to 'work thru' discomfort and I did just that. By end of March, I thought I must have flu.  By t2nd night of fire screaming headaches, I was in a twilight state. Neighbor got me to ER. CT scan clean, while vomiting. I wrapped my head in towels per light and sound. Severe body pain that went beyond normal nerve burn. can't walk alone....fatigue and pain. Spinal tap says it's Viral Meningitis.  I was in hospital 7 days. Still could not care for self at all. Daughter flew in , so they let me go home. She cared for me 3 weeks, nothing getting better. 2nd girl came in for the next week.  Meanwhile, we found a new pain Dr. for the spinal issues (cross problems) who started me on Levorphenol so I could stop the Dilauded that hospital prescribed me. Girls had to rtn  to their jobs, of course. Now, I'm still living in bed, barely able move. Neighbors help handle some things and get food to me.  After 2 months, I was able to wash dishes this week.   That set me back worse for following days. Getting sicker. Wondering if the pain med might be adding to, rather than helping me. Muscle spasm don't let me sleep. Spine problems make laying down harder due to severe nerve pinching.  Feet are swelling. I have one neighbor who "walks me" to end of block & back for strength work. I'm a young 58 and scared I may not change.  Literature says this is 7-10 day illness, but I'm going into my 3rd month with little improvement. Typing is a huge challenge & I sound drunk when I speak. Ability to read comes and goes. I mentioned the epidurals as some info states that meningitis can come from too many mixed chemicals being introduced, rather than just the injections themselves.  I'm very discouraged and feel like I"m falling thru cracks.  Dr.s say 'it'll go away" but living alone is becoming scary.  Any words of wisdom or support are welcome.  Please.

[ForestFool]

Feb '09, I had 3 epidurals as protocol for chronic DDD pain (I've lost most of 4 discs in my neck & have 2 lumbar fusions)..hoped to help delay a cervical fusion.   Within next week, I started feeling punky. Normally very healthy, other than the bone/disc issues. Pain patients tend to 'work thru' discomfort and I did just that. By end of March, I thought I must have flu.  By 2nd night of fire screaming headaches, I was in a twilight state. Neighbor got me to ER. vomiting. dehydrated, severe aches.etc. I wrapped my head in towels per light and sound. can't walk alone....fatigue and pain. Spinal tap says it's Viral Meningitis.  I was in hospital 7 days. Still couldn't care for self or keep food. Daughter flew in, so they sent me home w/dilaudid and her care. She stayed 3 weeks, nothing getting better. 2nd girl came in for the next week.  Meanwhile, she got me to a new pain Dr. for the spinal issues (still a variable & needed to stop dilaudid) He started me on Levorphenol . Helps my ddd cervical pain some, but not meningitis pain (which also affects the neck - oy!). Girls had to rtn  to their jobs, of course. I'm still living in bed, barely able move. Neighbors help some things and get food to me.  After 2 months, I was able to wash 4 dishes this week.   That set me back worse for following days. Getting sicker. Wondering if the pain med might be adding to, rather than helping me. Muscle spasm interferes w/ sleep. Spine problems make laying down harder due to severe nerve burn.  Feet are swelling. I have a neighbor who "walks me" to end of block & back for strength work. I'm a young 58 and scared I may not change.  Literature says this is 7-10 day illness, but I'm going into my 3rd month with little improvement. Typing is hard & I sound drunk when I speak. Ability to read comes and goes. can't retain. I mentioned the epidurals as some info states that meningitis can come from too many mixed chemicals being introduced, rather than just the injections themselves.  I'm very discouraged and feel like I"m falling thru cracks.  Drs. say 'it'll go away" but living alone adds to the fear.  Any words of wisdom or support are welcome.  Please.

[56gracey]

I too am recovering from viral meningitis.  It's been four weeks and I have absolutely no energy and have severe pain in my back.  I also get very light headed and feel as though I am going to pass out!  How long does this stuff last!!!???