Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Yes, it happened again

This past weekend I had to admit myself to Beth Israel (BIDMC) because I contracted viral meningitis (again). For those unfamiliar, meningitis is a relatively rare infection that affects the delicate membranes called meninges (men-in'-jeez). These membranes cover the brain and spinal cord; generally the only way to confirm one has meningitis is to have a lumbar puncture more commonly referred to as a spinal tap.

Viral meningitis (the variety I seem prone to) is more common than the bacterial form and generally less serious. The really frustrating part of contracting this is that it really knocks the wind out of me and that doctors cannot seem to identify why I seem so susceptible.
I first contracted meningitis about 10 years ago. That first instance was the most excruciating of the four probably in part because I thought I was suffering a migraine and delayed going to the hospital to get treatment. Many of the symptoms used to describe meningitis sound similar to a migraine and since I never suffered headaches - I just assumed that was what I had. I did not have another episode until Memorial Day Weekend 2009; I wrote about it in my entry, Thank goodness for Percoset. Because of my previous episode, I was able to more quickly self-diagnose and get to a hospital to receive treatment. Approximately 16-months later (September 2010), I contracted meningitis for the third time. I wrote about my frustration in my entry, Meningitis (again). However, I have to admit I was completely taken by surprise with this latest episode occurring seven weeks later.

Unfortunately, the doctors are no closer to figuring out why I'm so susceptible. I've always been quite a healthy person so these episodes definitely shake my own confidence. I try to live a fairly healthy life by working out regularly with a personal trainer, eating (relatively) healthy, and getting sufficient rest. On this most recent visit, I requested that the doctor extract extra spinal fluid from my lumbar puncture to allow them plenty to run tests. We'll see what happens and if any test results come back conclusive. I have to schedule a follow up with my primary care physician and am going to request to see if a specialist will be able to help crack this seeming conundrum.

18 comments:

robertga99 said...

I hope they can find out why you are susceptible and stop it from recurring. That's awful. Sorry :(

A Lewis said...

All of my good wishes for health and healing. ....and for getting to the bottom of it! That's a terrible way to spend the weekend.

Anonymous said...

Oh, my goodness. I hope you feel better soon. I didn't know so much about meningitis before, but I DO know what a migraine is! And if that's one of the signs, I should be paying closer attention.

Sharing your story may help more people than you know.

wozzel said...

oh no! sorry to hear that this has happened again! Like Robert said, lets hope the Dr's can sort this out asap!

Mike said...

Sorry to hear this news -- hope the docs can get to the bottom of this, and stop your suffering

AJohnP said...

I contracted viral meningitis when I was 10, and thankfully, I've never had it again. I was in the hospital for about 3 or 4 days though and I'll never forget it. I had a super high fever, couldn't move my neck, hallucinations (from the fever), etc..etc...
Definitely not something I ever need to experience again. Hopefully your doctors will figure it out and fast!!
Take care of yourself... :-)

Anonymous said...

sorry to hear and I hope you're feeling better soon! and I hope the docs can tell you something to help ease the uncertainty.

Wonder Man said...

get some rest and feel better

Anonymous said...

Probably just a genetic predisposition.

Kind of like me. I don't as a rule ever get chest colds. Sinus infections sure but it never moves past the throat.

I still remember my first time seeing this doctor years back. He asked about how often I got sick. Told him I could not remember any incidents other than sinus involvement.

My doctor suspects that I'm one of those CCR 32 Delta 5 mutants. I don't get viral infections at all.

WranglerMan said...

Hope you feel better soon, man!

WickedGayBlog.com said...

Get well soon handsome! xoxoxo

Anonymous said...

I wish you well, and this stops happening ever again. And I hope they find a reason, and something to do about it.


Sha.

Christopher said...

Wishing you a speedy recovery!

BosGuy said...

My thanks to all of you for taking time to express your kind wishes. I'm nearly better - just a bit weak but that will work itself out in time.

Please have fun this Halloween. My plans have been dashed and I'll be sulking on my couch - so plan to have fun for two.

Cheers,
BosGuy

Will said...

I'm hoping this passes quickly and that they'll find the cause of the recurrences once and for all. Hang in, best of luck, and take care of yourself.

Damien said...

Get better soon mate.....

Gay Guy said...

What's going on with you sweetie?

Are you getting better?

Need someone to come flip your pillow?

Sergio Mazon said...

I am glad you are feeling ok, but please don't push it too much. I wish I was there with you but it has been a perfect time to visit my family in Brazil. If you need help, GayGuy can come flip your pillow. Maybe...