It's now just over 7 months since my partner developed Viral Meningitis, and he's still in a lot of pain.
We're lucky that it's mainly in one leg, the other leg and his arms are now relatively pain free, but the one leg makes up for it.
Because of the ongoing pain he visited his Doctor and last Monday had a referral with a Spinal Consultant. We're not certain that is what he needs, but it's definitely something to look at.
When the Consultant examined him it was clear to all that he has reduced sensation and strength in his right leg. His right knee didn't respond at all to the test where they bash you with the little hammer. It was a bit disturbing to watch, I knew he had issues, but the extent did surprise me.
After a lot of pulling him about the Consultant decided it's definitely worth looking to see if it's anything to do with nerves in my partner's back, so he's booked in for an MRI in 2 weeks. If it finds nothing then the Consultant suggested physiotherapy might be the next thing to try.
When we were in there the Consultant asked several times if he had any back pain and my partner was adamant he didn't. As we left my partner said "I feel like I have pain now". By evening my partner's back was really bothering him, and he hardly slept that night. He went to work the next day and was in agony by teatime. The following day he couldn't go to work, and he couldn't drive. We went to the Doctor and he's now on strong painkillers which knock him out, so he's been asleep most of the time since!
Apparently it's normal to be in such pain when you've seen a Spinal Consultant, but I wish they'd warned us! At least it should go within a few days, and it's nice for him to take a break because he's been absolutely shattered working 5 (or more) days a week since Christmas.
Don't think we're really negative, we aren't, we still feel really lucky. We're just quietly resigned and if any good comes of this then that's all the better!
Fingers crossed there will be something they can do, and hope the back is better soon xxx
ReplyDeleteCheers hon. The painkillers are really working and he's hilarious - he's slurring and so laid back he's almost asleep :D
DeleteSo sorry he is still suffering but like you say it could have been a lot worse! Hope they get something sorted for him to cope with the pain.
ReplyDeleteCheers hon. He's quite enjoying these painkillers for now - they take away the pain and he doesn't need to have a drink! :D
DeleteSorry to hear he is in so much pain, really hope they can do something long term for him! Glad the painkillers are giving him some sleep!
ReplyDeleteHe's actually hilarious on them. He's sleeping really well and when he's awake he's definitely not all there :D
DeleteI do hope things are turning a corner for you and will be getting better rather than worse. Your right there is a lot to be grateful for but sometimes that can seem difficult when you are in the thick of it all.
ReplyDeleteThere are definitely moments - like when he wakes me up at 3am tossing and turning! But overall he's really so much better and it keeps going the right way :)
DeleteI hope the pain eases soon, it would be nice if more doctors let people know examinations can be painful.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jo! It is easing, he's taking less painkillers now - it would definitely have been better if we'd been warned! :)
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