I almost died. Just spent 3 days in ICU.

[midwestfisherman]

Glad you're doing ok!

 

[HardcoreRobot]

get well soon dude

 

[MaxDepth]

Maybe the OPs can change your nick to NotAmused


By the way, wow! I stand in awe of you actually making it to the hospital. And I am glad you are alive.

I know you cannot take a muligan for this year, but hopefully new and better things will come your way next year. Right now you need these next couple of months to recuperate both physically and mentally from all your hardships.

I am an email away if you need anything.

 

[Gibsons]

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: Gibsons

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: destrekor

Originally posted by: ICRS
Most herpes meningitis is caused by genital and oral herpes simplex. You sure they said herpes Zoster.

Lots of people die each year from Herepes Simplex Meningitis and Encephalitis.

While HSV-1 is a common Herpes link for Meningitis, Zoster is kind of just as common. What ends up happening is the body gets shingles, but instead of presenting shingles on the skin, it is activated in the spinal column, which in that case usually ends up resulting in meningitis or encephalitis.

Wiki'd how Zoster works, but I knew it was the link between chicken pox and shingles. didn't know you could get shingles without having the characteristic rash.

Oh yes! If you are prone to stress induced shingles, it is very common to get them with little to no rash. In fact, not long ago I had a case on my head with no rash caused by overtraining in the gym.

I have had 3 bouts of shingles since I contracted Chicken Pox at the age of 30 (that was exciting). All from extreme overtraining when combining intense lifting routines with intense cardio and cutting. Not healthy, I know, and I learned my lesson... or so I thought. Only my first bout came with a remarkable rash.

You've had THREE recurrences? That's extremely unusual, have you had any other unusual diseases?

It's rare, but not THAT rare. Read the others in the last few posts who have had, or know people, with recurring shingles.

No other unusual diseases here. My body just has trouble with the Herpes Zoster virus. Probably because I caught Chicken Pox at such a late age (33ish) and my body didn't have years to get used to it. My immune system didn't mature while having to deal with the virus like most people's did. As with all Herpes viruses, outbreaks diminish after time.

Do you know how the diagnosis was done? Unless they did some molecular tests, it's quite possible it's HSV, not Herpes Zoster.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: Gibsons

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: Gibsons

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: destrekor

Originally posted by: ICRS
Most herpes meningitis is caused by genital and oral herpes simplex. You sure they said herpes Zoster.

Lots of people die each year from Herepes Simplex Meningitis and Encephalitis.

While HSV-1 is a common Herpes link for Meningitis, Zoster is kind of just as common. What ends up happening is the body gets shingles, but instead of presenting shingles on the skin, it is activated in the spinal column, which in that case usually ends up resulting in meningitis or encephalitis.

Wiki'd how Zoster works, but I knew it was the link between chicken pox and shingles. didn't know you could get shingles without having the characteristic rash.

Oh yes! If you are prone to stress induced shingles, it is very common to get them with little to no rash. In fact, not long ago I had a case on my head with no rash caused by overtraining in the gym.

I have had 3 bouts of shingles since I contracted Chicken Pox at the age of 30 (that was exciting). All from extreme overtraining when combining intense lifting routines with intense cardio and cutting. Not healthy, I know, and I learned my lesson... or so I thought. Only my first bout came with a remarkable rash.

You've had THREE recurrences? That's extremely unusual, have you had any other unusual diseases?

It's rare, but not THAT rare. Read the others in the last few posts who have had, or know people, with recurring shingles.

No other unusual diseases here. My body just has trouble with the Herpes Zoster virus. Probably because I caught Chicken Pox at such a late age (33ish) and my body didn't have years to get used to it. My immune system didn't mature while having to deal with the virus like most people's did. As with all Herpes viruses, outbreaks diminish after time.

Do you know how the diagnosis was done? Unless they did some molecular tests, it's quite possible it's HSV, not Herpes Zoster.

Well, when they poked me in the spine three times they got a good sample and found HZ in my spinal fluid along with white blood cells. So I'm guessing that they aren't guessing.

Either way, if it was either HSV 1 or 2 or HZ, the antiviral treatment is the same, as is the prognosis.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: MaxDepth
Maybe the OPs can change your nick to NotAmused


By the way, wow! I stand in awe of you actually making it to the hospital. And I am glad you are alive.

I know you cannot take a muligan for this year, but hopefully new and better things will come your way next year. Right now you need these next couple of months to recuperate both physically and mentally from all your hardships.

I am an email away if you need anything.

Thanks, man. I appreciate that. Yep, it's been a bitch of a year for me.

I am taking off the next month at least. Luckily I am semi-retired and financially secure so I can do that.

 

[Gibsons]

Originally posted by: Amused


Well, when they poked me in the spine three times they got a good sample and found HZ in my spinal fluid along with white blood cells. So I'm guessing that they aren't guessing.

Either way, if it was either HSV 1 or 2 or HZ, the antiviral treatment is the same, as is the prognosis.

If they did PCR or serology then I'm convinced, but if they just did cell counts, I'd bet on HSV.

Not that it matters, I'm just particular.

In any case, glad you came out okay.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: Gibsons

Originally posted by: Amused


Well, when they poked me in the spine three times they got a good sample and found HZ in my spinal fluid along with white blood cells. So I'm guessing that they aren't guessing.

Either way, if it was either HSV 1 or 2 or HZ, the antiviral treatment is the same, as is the prognosis.

If they did PCR or serology then I'm convinced, but if they just did cell counts, I'd bet on HSV.

Not that it matters, I'm just particular.

In any case, glad you came out okay.

Me too.

Though I am still pretty sick and in pain. The worst part of this besides the pain and weakness is the irritability. I'm such a raging asshole right now and constantly have to check myself.

Hell, look at my solution to the piracy issue in the other thread.

 

[GiggleGirl]

Originally posted by: Muse

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: GiggleGirl
some years back, probably about 10ish, my mom had meningitis, realllyyy bad. she also gets really severe migraines so at first she just thought it was that. she was in the hospital for over a week and i was terrified to go and visit her. she looked like death. she had meningitis once as a child also and the doctors said something like that if she hadnt gotten to the hospital when she did, even 20 minutes later, it could have killed her. scary scary.

then, the shingles thing. my father gets shingles. I remember as a kid, he would get them fairly often. at least once a year, and it was always really awful and painful. but he seemed to really tuff it out like a big strong man. its pretty nasty and very contagious. so in regards to whoever saying it is uncommon for shingles to reoccur, not in my dads case!

yikes though. im glad youre kicking some meningitis assssss

Well, shingles is not contagious unless someone who has never had Chicken Pox comes in contact with one of the rash blisters... and then they get the chicken pox, not shingles.

I would think this accurate.

growing up we werent allowed to HUG my dad when he had shingles because it was contagious. and its nasty. its swollen, pussy, and very sore. We all had chicken pox and so did my dad once as a child. we were reducing the risk of ever contracting shingles from my dad.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: GiggleGirl

Originally posted by: Muse

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: GiggleGirl
some years back, probably about 10ish, my mom had meningitis, realllyyy bad. she also gets really severe migraines so at first she just thought it was that. she was in the hospital for over a week and i was terrified to go and visit her. she looked like death. she had meningitis once as a child also and the doctors said something like that if she hadnt gotten to the hospital when she did, even 20 minutes later, it could have killed her. scary scary.

then, the shingles thing. my father gets shingles. I remember as a kid, he would get them fairly often. at least once a year, and it was always really awful and painful. but he seemed to really tuff it out like a big strong man. its pretty nasty and very contagious. so in regards to whoever saying it is uncommon for shingles to reoccur, not in my dads case!

yikes though. im glad youre kicking some meningitis assssss

Well, shingles is not contagious unless someone who has never had Chicken Pox comes in contact with one of the rash blisters... and then they get the chicken pox, not shingles.

I would think this accurate.

growing up we werent allowed to HUG my dad when he had shingles because it was contagious. and its nasty. its swollen, pussy, and very sore. We all had chicken pox and so did my dad once as a child. we were reducing the risk of ever contracting shingles from my dad.

You and your parents were fed misinformation. You cannot "catch" the shingles. I promise you this. Look it up if you don't believe me.

 

[Locut0s]

Originally posted by: alphatarget1
what doesn't kill you makes you stronger... glad you're okay.

or weaker. yeah actually it's almost always weaker come to think of it

Sorry to hear about your horrible ordeal Amused hope your recovery is swift and uneventful. Meningitis is some serious shit! Look at it this way once you get better you now have a hell of a real conversation starter

 

[Regs]

Good lord glad you're ok. Two infections at once, rare infections at that (Herpes Zoster), must of made a hell of a month. Did they have to do a spinal tap to diagnose the Viral Meningitis?

 

[ryan256]

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: GiggleGirl

Originally posted by: Muse

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: GiggleGirl
some years back, probably about 10ish, my mom had meningitis, realllyyy bad. she also gets really severe migraines so at first she just thought it was that. she was in the hospital for over a week and i was terrified to go and visit her. she looked like death. she had meningitis once as a child also and the doctors said something like that if she hadnt gotten to the hospital when she did, even 20 minutes later, it could have killed her. scary scary.

then, the shingles thing. my father gets shingles. I remember as a kid, he would get them fairly often. at least once a year, and it was always really awful and painful. but he seemed to really tuff it out like a big strong man. its pretty nasty and very contagious. so in regards to whoever saying it is uncommon for shingles to reoccur, not in my dads case!

yikes though. im glad youre kicking some meningitis assssss

Well, shingles is not contagious unless someone who has never had Chicken Pox comes in contact with one of the rash blisters... and then they get the chicken pox, not shingles.

I would think this accurate.

growing up we werent allowed to HUG my dad when he had shingles because it was contagious. and its nasty. its swollen, pussy, and very sore. We all had chicken pox and so did my dad once as a child. we were reducing the risk of ever contracting shingles from my dad.

You and your parents were fed misinformation. You cannot "catch" the shingles. I promise you this. Look it up if you don't believe me.

This is true. If you have already had chicken pox then you already are infected with shingles. Shingles is a reawakening of the chicken pox virus.
Glad you're doing ok man. Also glad you're dumping your primary care Dr. I did the same when I nearly died several years ago when he misdiagnosed appendicitis as a urinary infection.

 

[ICRS]

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: GiggleGirl

Originally posted by: Muse

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: GiggleGirl
some years back, probably about 10ish, my mom had meningitis, realllyyy bad. she also gets really severe migraines so at first she just thought it was that. she was in the hospital for over a week and i was terrified to go and visit her. she looked like death. she had meningitis once as a child also and the doctors said something like that if she hadnt gotten to the hospital when she did, even 20 minutes later, it could have killed her. scary scary.

then, the shingles thing. my father gets shingles. I remember as a kid, he would get them fairly often. at least once a year, and it was always really awful and painful. but he seemed to really tuff it out like a big strong man. its pretty nasty and very contagious. so in regards to whoever saying it is uncommon for shingles to reoccur, not in my dads case!

yikes though. im glad youre kicking some meningitis assssss

Well, shingles is not contagious unless someone who has never had Chicken Pox comes in contact with one of the rash blisters... and then they get the chicken pox, not shingles.

I would think this accurate.

growing up we werent allowed to HUG my dad when he had shingles because it was contagious. and its nasty. its swollen, pussy, and very sore. We all had chicken pox and so did my dad once as a child. we were reducing the risk of ever contracting shingles from my dad.

You and your parents were fed misinformation. You cannot "catch" the shingles. I promise you this. Look it up if you don't believe me.

According to mayo clinic you are wrong. While you can't catch the "shingles" from it, if you never had chicken pox, you can catch chicken pox from being exposed to someone with the shingles.

 

[Aquila76]

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: Old Hippie

It's scary how fast I am shriveling up. At this age muscle is lost FAST when you stop lifting.

I knew there was some reason that I never started! :laugh:

Ah! But the upside is that when I lose muscle mass due to injury or illness, I become NORMAL rather than looking like a concentration camp survivor.

ROFL. That's basically what happened to me a couple years ago. Thanks to inherent male stupidity, I kept putting off getting a checkup for a pain in my right side. After several months of this, I saw my doctor and eventually had roughly 2 feet of abscessed intestine removed. Went from ~150 lbs. to under 100 in about a month.

Glad to hear you're doing OK and getting there physically. Sounds like you've got a good support system going on, and some better medical help now. Here's to a MUCH better 2009: :thumbsup:

Oh, and warn your cabinet members the next time you might give up the FOAD throne. We'll know better when to plan the coup.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: ICRS

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: GiggleGirl

Originally posted by: Muse

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: GiggleGirl
some years back, probably about 10ish, my mom had meningitis, realllyyy bad. she also gets really severe migraines so at first she just thought it was that. she was in the hospital for over a week and i was terrified to go and visit her. she looked like death. she had meningitis once as a child also and the doctors said something like that if she hadnt gotten to the hospital when she did, even 20 minutes later, it could have killed her. scary scary.

then, the shingles thing. my father gets shingles. I remember as a kid, he would get them fairly often. at least once a year, and it was always really awful and painful. but he seemed to really tuff it out like a big strong man. its pretty nasty and very contagious. so in regards to whoever saying it is uncommon for shingles to reoccur, not in my dads case!

yikes though. im glad youre kicking some meningitis assssss

Well, shingles is not contagious unless someone who has never had Chicken Pox comes in contact with one of the rash blisters... and then they get the chicken pox, not shingles.

I would think this accurate.

growing up we werent allowed to HUG my dad when he had shingles because it was contagious. and its nasty. its swollen, pussy, and very sore. We all had chicken pox and so did my dad once as a child. we were reducing the risk of ever contracting shingles from my dad.

You and your parents were fed misinformation. You cannot "catch" the shingles. I promise you this. Look it up if you don't believe me.

According to mayo clinic you are wrong. While you can't catch the "shingles" from it, if you never had chicken pox, you can catch chicken pox from being exposed to someone with the shingles.

You quoted me saying this very thing.

From above:

Well, shingles is not contagious unless someone who has never had Chicken Pox comes in contact with one of the rash blisters... and then they get the chicken pox, not shingles.

This poster is saying that: even though she and her sibs had had the chicken pox, they were told to stay away from their father because they may catch the shingles.

Please, try to follow the conversation next time, okay?

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: Regs
Good lord glad you're ok. Two infections at once, rare infections at that (Herpes Zoster), must of made a hell of a month. Did they have to do a spinal tap to diagnose the Viral Meningitis?

Oh yes, read more of the thread to hear of my misadventures with Lumbar pokes.

I am STILL in agonizing pain when I sit up or stand.

 

[dman]

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: Regs
Good lord glad you're ok. Two infections at once, rare infections at that (Herpes Zoster), must of made a hell of a month. Did they have to do a spinal tap to diagnose the Viral Meningitis?

Oh yes, read more of the thread to hear of my misadventures with Lumbar pokes.

I am STILL in agonizing pain when I sit up or stand.

Seriously, that blood patch thing really works, you might want to go ahead and talk to the doc about if it's worth it for you--I know you said you were feeling better / less headaches, etc.

 

[ahurtt]

What I took away from that story: DUDE! You got the HERPs!!

(Glad you are ok.)

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: ahurtt
What I took away from that story: DUDE! You got the HERPs!!

(Glad you are ok.)

We all got the herps. It's what we do with them that matters.

 

[GiggleGirl]

welllll, in regards to the not hugging my dad, it was a long time ago. i wouldnt be surprised if they didnt want us to touch him because he was in an incredible amount of pain or/and because it was NASTTYYYY. i remember seeing them, pussy and swollen and nasty. lol

in any case, anyone who HAS had chicken pox CAN get shingles, its pretty much what it is; reoccurring chicken pox in adulthood. anyways.

Amused, eat some Turkey and feel better

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: GiggleGirl
welllll, in regards to the not hugging my dad, it was a long time ago. i wouldnt be surprised if they didnt want us to touch him because he was in an incredible amount of pain or/and because it was NASTTYYYY. i remember seeing them, pussy and swollen and nasty. lol

in any case, anyone who HAS had chicken pox CAN get shingles, its pretty much what it is; reoccurring chicken pox in adulthood. anyways.

Amused, eat some Turkey and feel better

Yes, anyone who has had chicken pox can get shingles, BUT: The shingles is a reactivation of the chicken pox virus that stays in your body for the rest of your life. It is not caught, but reactivated by stress and/or a low immune system.

Thatnks Giggle. I'm trying but it's going so slow...

 

[moshquerade]

Amused, your ass is still fine, right?

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: moshquerade
Amused, your ass is still fine, right?

Yep. Still about the same. They said I would be for a few weeks. Low grade fever, headaches and a stiff neck. The lumbar headaches have eased a bit, so that's good.

Enough about me... How YOU doin'?

 

[Amused]

Update:

The lumbar headaches are pretty much gone. But I still have the stiff neck and moderate headaches from the meningitis. Today was the first day my fever stayed under 99 all day.

But when it rains, it pours. On Thanksgiving I caught a nasty little cold (Symptoms started 3-4 days ago) from a GF that caused some nasty post nasal drip and ended up going straight to my chest. Ever try to cough hard with a headache and a stiff neck? OUCH!!! Both ears are clogged up tight too. Went to the Dr today and since I have been on antibiotics from the time I went into hospital until two days ago, we both figured it was all viral. Just to be sure, though, I am on another round to prevent bacterial bronchitis and ear infections. It's been getting progressively worse each day since the syptoms started and last night was horrible. I hope it's going to ease up now.

This cold is EVERYWHERE in this town right now, and everyone has the same symptoms. It seems to go right to the chest with post nasal drip and clogs up the Eustachian tubes with swelling in the throat. It's a nasty little virus that is leading to a lot of bacterial infections in the chest and ears. It starts with sneezing. Weird, huh?

For the AT doctors: I'm on Avelox (Mycoxafloppin) for any bacterial infection, Mucinex D, and codine cough syrup. They won't prescribe the vicoden cough syrup anymore. I guess they had too many drug seekers? Anyhow, I liked that stuff a lot more.

Great timing, huh? Next time I'm sick I'm going to tell the GFs to stay away. :|