That is what really concerns me. My Neurologist believes my hospitilization back in 2003 and subsequent abnormal MRI & little neuro twitches and spasms is explained. But he stated that my labs showed IGG antibodies my IGM were negative. Therefore, it is an old virus and can't hurt me now (similar to finding chicken pox when you had it as a child). I'm hoping it is due to
stress from pregnancy bringing out old problems that will resolve once I am back to baseline (more rest, get rid of preg hormones, etc etc). All my other labs have been normal so far. Proteins,
Glucose, Albumin, etc etc. My WBC, RBC, etc etc. Therefore my Neuro doesn't think anything else is going on. I have been told ID specialists only diagnose West Nile. They don't really follow after the initial illness. I still plan to see one and try to get help and answers but I'm a bit concerned. Also I want to see a Rheumy in case I am having an autoimmune response. Since these new symptoms happen after childbirth. Don't know! Wonder if having an epidural and releasing West Nile IgG throughout my body might cause more problems. seems unlikely b/c they are old antibodies. Scrambling trying to find answers. I really want to put a stop to any new damage but again, praying it's stress that's bringing out some old issues that my youngerhealtheirr body could compensate for back after my illness and now that I am sleep deprived and stressed from 2 back 2 back pregnancies they are coming out. Ever hear of autoimmune condition after
west nile? Any treatment suggestions for dizZiness?
Wow, West Nile is a powerful cause of encephalitis and can have significant lasting damage. If the infection was 6 or 7 years ago, you have healed all you will likely do, but the brain can sometimes be trained "around" the areas of damage.
However, any symptoms that have occurred since then I do not think can be blamed on WNV. That is a good question for the Infectious Disease Specialist. Does WNV relapse?
Quix
I'm definitely going to consult with an ID and Rheum Specialist. I wish I could find a center who specializes in West Nile complications. Do you know if she was able to recover any of the functions she lost? I am hoping the stress from 2 pregnancies back to back has pushed my body to the edge and some of these neuro probs have appeared. Going to try a specialized diet, rest, water, exercise, acupuncture and supplements. I was fine for years until I had my 2nd child in 08 and I haven't been the same since. Hoping if I get back to "normal" my body will recover back to where it was previous to pregnancies. I know what damage was done is done, but I believe these new symptoms might subside if I live a more stress free life! Anyone out there with success stories or hope for me :)
I work with someone who got westnile and was off work for nearly a year because of it. She ended up with encephalitis (sp?) and some lasting cognitive problems. She is a senior crown attorney here. She eventually came back to work but works from home a lot etc. This is a major health condition. I would make sure to be referre to an infectious disease dr.