Chronic Fatigue

I am hoping someone can relate to me and maybe give me advice. I contracted bacterial meningitis 2 weeks ago. At first I thought it was a simple flu, I lasted 4 days with temperature starting at 102.9-104.7, since I have no insurance, and I make a little over the limit to qualify for government help I did not go to the doc. on the 4th&5th day I began to hallucinate, of course throughout this entire time I had hot & cold flashes, stiff neck, vomit, vertigo.. basically the whole 9 yards.
I called the ambulance because the 5th day I had a migraine that blinded me, plus hallucinations would not stop, and fever increased. I stayed hospitalized 2 days and luckily felt better immediately after anti-bacterial & all sorts of meds. I lost 15lbs during that time.
It has been a week since I have been out of the hospital, I still have an annoying cough, my body is constantly aching, headaches and I have been very emotional, and have been extremely and unusually exhausted. I cannot even go up one staircase without feeling exhausted, or even clean my home without my arms and legs feeling I have weights on them. I really cannot do any physical activity. I no longer go to the gym, my house is a mess cause I live alone.. HELP what is wrong with me?

I have wondered what is wrong with me. I am so tired and weak some days I can hardly function. In January 2010, I contracted bacterial meningitis as the result of a cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) leak following a sinus surgery accident. The bacteria involved was methicillin-resistant staph (MRSA). I nearly died and spent several weeks on IV antibiotoics. It took months, but I thought I had recovered. Then, lately I have completely lost my strength. I am glad to have found this blog. I was ready to give up on life. I hope there is a solution.

Victoria

Many of our members have also suffered chronic fatigue following meningitis, which can last for varying lengths of time after recovery from illness. In addition, depression can certainly affect those who are living with ongoing problems.

It may be useful for you to take advantage of our befriending service which would put you in touch with people who have had a similar experience. Alternatively we can post literature to you regarding other similar experiences if you contact our helpline on 080 8800 3344.

Best Wishes

Claire

I had bacterial meningitis and scepticaemia two years ago at 49. I feel as if I have been struggling ever since with extreme tiredness and migraines. Every time I have a cold it seems to take weeks to recover and I currently have vertigo for the second time in a year. I know I could have a much worse legacy from such a horrible disease but I can't tell you how relieved I feel to have read this blog and to know that this feeling of weakness and tiredness is normal. I am afraid I don't have any suggestions Liz but it is good to know other people understand what it is like. Best wishes, Gill

I had CFS/ME before I contracted bacterial meningitis and septicaemia.I have always felt there is a link as the symptoms I had with meningitis were just like a very bad ME relapse.thE chronic fatige was much better before I took Meningitis but has relapsed badly since.Me charities like Action for ME (IT HAS A YOUNG PEOPLES BRANCH) m.E association are great support.

Thank you all for your replies. We was not sure if there was many others that suffered this after having Meningitis. Charlotte is now nearly 19 years old and its been so hard coping with it all.

Onor you reply was very interesting and we have been considering some therapy for Charlotte and will think about now getting this from a neuro psychologist.
I have also posted a long reply to this discussion on the facebook page.

Thank you all once again Liz.

Hi
My son had meningitis and meningicoccal scepticaemia in Sept 07 aged 11. He made a very good recovery but 6 months later started to suffer from Chronic fatigue. Now, nearly two years later he still has chronic fatigue. He is very slowly getting better, but it is slow. He goes to school approx 3 short days a week and we have to take each day as it comes. Mornings are very difficult for him but as the day goes on he improves and by late afternoon you wouldn't know he had CF at all. He has great difficult sleeping at night, often not falling asleep until between 12 and 2am. We are being supported by medical professionals but unfortunately there does not appear to be a short term solution.
The most useful way to handle his condition, we have found, is for him to pace himself and not overdo it the days he is feeling really good, which is difficult for a 14 year old boy.

I wish you all the best and try and stay positive. There is no reason why our children should not make a full recovery and that helps us stay positive.

Sheryl

Hi, I contracted bacterial meningitis last year in my first term of first year of uni. I had to suspend my studies because I was incredibly tired all the time, confused, and very emotionally unstable.

A year on I am back at uni but only because of a massive support network behind me. If I do too much, I crash and end up holed up in my room.

The only thing I can advise is that she needs to firstly 'keep her pecker up'- she's doing really well regardless,and secondly, to remove as much as she can in her daily routine. This is the only way I can cope, with extended deadlines, help from the Disabled Students Association etc.

As for help with depression, after I was examined by a neurologist I spent one day a fortnight with a neuro psychologist who really helped explain what had happened to me, what was going on inside my head to make me feel the way I was etc.

What is more is he compiled a detailed report on me which I am able to provide people so they understand if my behaviour is a bit strange or I am struggling at any one time.

Best wishes
Onor

I had Viral Meningitis 9 years ago at the age of 34 and suffered very badly from chronic fatigue. 3 years ago, I had a few sessions of cranial sacral therapy and after the first session, my energy levels were amazing I didn't want to stop doing things in case the energy went away. A year ago I had Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy which has helped enormously as my lymphatic system wasn't functioning correctly and 3 weeks ago, felt well enough to join a gym, I go twice a week and have had no reaction to the additional exercise. (Note, I retired from competitive sport 18months prior to my illness and was still training - weights & cardio 4 or 5 times a week)
If you can find a practitioner (I went to a privet physiotherapist practice) in your area, the cranial sacral may be worth a shot.
All the best Al