September 12, 2006
I have decided that I want to share some background information concerning my quest for bypass surgery. I think this might help others who may be in my similar situation. My journey has been a long and sometimes difficult one. I will share this background in several postings so that none of us have to sit and read what seems to be a novel.
I contracted Viral Meningitis from my infant daughter. I had a very easy pregnancy, and worked until the day before she was born. My daughter was 11 days early and arrived hour and 3 minutes after leaving my house. Really, I promise this is true!!!
She was a very healthy child when she was born, and the light of her father’s and my life. Within the first two weeks our “picture perfect” new family came to a screeching halt. Our daughter started becoming very sick. We were very fortunate to live in a city with one of the nation’s leading childrens hospitals. She was admitted five times in her first ten months of life. One of those times she was admitted with Viral Meningitis.
My ex-husband and I were both exhausted by this point trying to work full time and take care of her. It was my turn to stay with her and his turn to work when she was admitted with this illness. The fabulous and most important news is she recovered adn is a happy healthy seventeen year old. The other news is I contracted the illness from her.
In 1990, I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. My life has never been the same since. Prior to 1989, I was a ”type A” personality with lots of energy. I worked two jobs and went to college with energy left over to maintain a social life. Post 1990, I am exhausted and my muscles are painful. My immune system is also comprimised. Despite my health, I continued to work full time in a management position.
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I have personal experience with viral meningitus. My son in law contracted the illness last Thanksgiving. He was admitted to the hospital for 5 days. He lost his job and his strength. They gave him a spinal tap to confirm the diagnosis. He was home in bed for weeks.
He had three children at the time and his wife was pregnant with number four. She was admitted also and given a spinal tap as a precaution. I am thankful that her tests were negative and there was no danger to the baby. Having the test while you are pregnant is scary enough.
It was some time before he was able to work again, and full time employment was not an option. He never returned to his previous strength so factory work that paid so well before is out of the question now. He is pursuing a teaching degree and has a passion for music.
I hope it helps to hear that you are not alone in your struggles.
I haven’t had any experiences with Viral Meningitis (fortunately) and I don’t know anybody who has. I’m not too familiar with what it actually means but it doesn’t sound pleasant. I’m glad to hear your daughter is healthy despite the illness when she was a baby!
Due to the recent outbreak of Meningitis at Washington High School I am worried about my brother and sister. While they do not attend Washington there school did play them in football the week three of the players were diagnosed with the disease. I got the vaccine but my sister started saying some of her classmates were coming down with similar symptoms. I hope that neither of them gets it. I do not know much about Meningitis either but I know it can be deadly.
I am glad to know that your daughter has recovered. It’s frightening to hear how much suffering is involved and how long term it can be. I have no experience with viral meningitis but I feel for those who do.
I understand where you’re coming from, its great to be sharing my life with others, I am so glad I can do it. For many years I was also undiagnosed, I had chronic pain, fatigue, muscle cramps, I couldn’t sleep and was totally depressed. I just wanted to end my life. Finally a few years ago I saw a rheumatologist and he diagnosed me with fibromyalgia also, finally someone had an answer for me. The doctor was extremely helpful. I used medications which had side effects that didn’t work well for my body, felt lethargic and miserable all the time. I don’t like to be negative and depressed but I really didn’t know how to get out of this cycle or what to do. But what I did do is try alternatives for my symptoms since I had nothing that was working. I tried acupuncture and massage which really helped my pain and gradually I was able to sleep more normally. I started to eat more healthy, exercised, I started meditation classes and used vitamin and mineral supplements. I am writing because I feel so much better now and I want to share my story. There is hope, just don’t feel sorry for yourself, you can change your state, if I did anyone can.