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second bout of viral meningitis

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Victoria_Butler-Sloss
Victoria_Butler-Sloss

I am in hospital with my second bout of viral meningitis due to the herpes virus. Both attacks were sudden. Started with extreme hedache that was in the back of the head and neck. Headache was almost manageable with pinkillers but persisted. Pain then moved to excruciating pain in a wide band across lower back, up spine and neck and back of head, accompanied by nausea.No fever.

Came to ER both times. Both times treated with intravenous Acyclovir. Pain managed by morphine and also given something for nausea. Worst syptoms over in 24 hours, feeling woozy for a week and less than perfect for a while- maybe a month or so. First episod followed having a baby and several stressful circumstances, second bout was almost exactly 2 years later and followed an extended period of travel- physically exhasuting.

Am keen not to have to go through this again and it has been suggested that if I take intravenous Acyclovir for maybe two weeks and then continue with a lower dose orally for several months we may be able to knock it on the head. Any other suggestions for keeping healthy? I have two active boys at home- 7 years and 2 1/2 years old. Also husband is really busy and not around much. Thanks vix

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    I have had this for 22 years. I am 40 now, and its getting to be more dibilitating. But I think its because of all the stress. I have been receiving help from others with their experiences. I am going to give Yoga a try and try to stay healthy. Your right, it gets you when your immune is down due to sickness, tiredness or stress. I have had the two weeks of acyclovir intraveinously. I think it helped for sure. But I have heard that the med is hard on some peoples system. It was fine on mine. No kidney or liver problems. Hope some of this helps.
  • Car
    Car

    Posted

    Hi, I have just been diagnosed with Mollaret's Meningitis. I have been into hospital 4 times now and wouldn't wish this on anyone. I was told on average it last 5yrs but have had contact with others who have had it up to 26yrs and do not know of anyone who has overcome this.

    The first time the symptoms were at its worst and each time the severe head pain, photopobia and sickness isn't lasting as long. I am constantly shattered and trying to build up my fitness. Since the second time of having it which was a year after the first time, I have not fully recovered. I am hoping when I see the specialist in a couple of weeks that he will give me one of the drugs to try and fight this. It started in Dec 2005 and still ongoing. I feel drunk a lot of the time, especially when I do too much. Everytime I have had bouts of cold sores around my mouth.

    On the internet there is not enough information about this type of meningitis and going on American website for Meningitis tell you more. I just want to try anything now to overcome this, any ideas would be welcome.

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    My first bout of this condition was in 1990 at the age of 25. I am now 43 and have had it a total of 8 or 9 times. They have always called it viral meningitis until this last time 2 weeks ago and seeing a infectious disease specialists. He calls it Mollarets. Even though I have no outbreaks of herpes simplex, my blood tested that I have had it in the past. The doctor will have me taking Voltrex 1000mg everyday to keep this from reoccuring. I will try anything. The head pain associated with this condition is something you would wish on nobody.
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