Viral Meningitis

[Carmel66]

I had viral meningitis in December 05, and was in hospital for 2 weeks the condition was confirmed by the neurologitst having a lumbar puncture. I was so ill I thought I would die, I could not move of the bed the pain in my head was explosive and my eyes hurt so bad. It took me three months to get over this, and until september 06 until I was one hundred percent again. Then in January 07, down I went with this again, had a lumbar puncture again that showed white blood cells in the spinal fluid, but they said they were not sure if I had it again. (I am certain it was as the way I felt, there isnt anything like it!! my own doctor said so too) I was bad but not as severerity didnt last as long as the first time. Three months into recovery I got very ill again, they did not do another lumbar puncture as said its too soon and I am still recovering, has several different rashes going on that they were not sure on what they were and my own doctor said its viral rashes after the meningitis again, (rashes have now gone) but now it is January 08, I am still not right, I know something is wrong with my brain, my concentration is still not back fully, I have mild headaches constantly and I cannot do too much or I am exhausted and feel really ill, I get dizzy and disoriantated when I go out and it makes me feel drunk or like I have a bad hangover, yet I am not drinking!  I am really getting worried now that after a year I should be okay shouldnt I?  Any sugestions on what to ask the doctors for or where do I go from here?  The only thing I am waiting for is to see the infectious disease department at the hospital to see what has gone on with me.  Any advice or tests you feel I should ask for I will, just do not know where to go from here?  

[maggio123]

I had viral meningitis back in 03. I didn't have insurance, but when I had a stiff neck and massive headache, struggling to keep my eyes from crossing I went to a doctor. She didn't do a spinal tap, just a quick basic neuro exam. No CT scan of my head. Nothing.  I'm pretty sure I had a relapse in 04. Again no insurance, no spinal tap no brain scans. But I could barely lift my legs to walk.  

Since then I've been to research hospitals and seen infectious disease specialists. Nobody has explained this. I have no treatment plan and I'm still lightheaded and fatigued.

I did get an MRI once where they found brain lesions on my frontal lobe. I have had CT scans at the ER where they find nothing.  I've seen Harvard educated neurologists and neurologists who specialize in brain infections. I still have no answers.

I wonder if I'm ever going to get back to normal.  Since it's been so long, I kind of doubt it.  

[janicek]

I had this same thing happen to me.I had viral meningitis 4 times within a year. Suffered with a lot of problems. I now have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Brought on by meningitis.Good luck to you.