Hello all!
I haven’t been on in awhile. I have been out of the hospital from my bout of meningitis for about two weeks now; and somewhat recently since discharge I’ve had an impossible time regulating my body temperature. I either sweat like a pig (localized sweating, just my head), or have horrid chills like I’m in a freezer naked, or cold-sweat.
My NS said the localized sweating was most likely part of the healing process… (questionable)
But I finally couldn’t take it anymore and went to my primary today to make sure my infection wasn’t returning or anything (as thr hospital discharged be when my spinal fluid was clear but my white blood cell count wasn’t back to normal, just low), and my cell count has gone down more so she had no idea what’s causing these symptoms.
All she could suggest was that it was from my pressure headaches-which I’ve never had these symptoms before from my pressure headaches and they did a second spinal tap before discharge and its still high-
So my mother suggested its because my immune system is very bad from all the antibiotics, and so my body is all out of whack, therefore can’t regulate temperature (don’t know why I didn’t think of this before… kind of a “duh” moment)
So long story, but my question is… just how long does it take for your immune system to rebuild itself? I can’t deal with these symptoms for months… I don’t have a fever… also is there anything I can do to ease these symptoms? It’s driving me insane!
Thank you in advance!
Hello
My understanding of the temperature regulation is that your nervous system has been tampered with (a surgery or two!) and your AUTONOMIC nervous system is a bit wonky from the irritation. My current family doctor let me in on this tidbit as he himself has undergone brain surgery.
My understanding of anatomy is done at that level. I do not believe that your immune system is involved in this situation.
It takes a long time for the nervous system to recover - think of when someone has had a crush injury to nerve and has a paralyzed hand for a time while the nerve regrows.
With time, your body will improve its ability to temperature regulate. I had a tough time after my surgery with no one having any wisdom to share when I was experiencing the worst of it. Later on, I think that someone mentioned that there was a medication to help regulate but I did not make a note of it as it was no longer a daily occurrence. Who knows what the side effects of the medication are though. Once I knew what the reason was for my hot flashes and cold spells I was more at ease and not interested in exploring the side effects of a new medication. Chiari is strange enough for me!
I have found that dressing in layers and being aware of the ambient temperature helps. Add or subtract layers as the day progresses
Before I exert myself - use vacuuming as an example - in the winter months, I would be sure to turn down the house temperature and take off my sweater BEFORE I start vacuuming so that I do not get too hot.
When I wake up in the morning, I kick off my blankets so that as my body warms up for the day, it does not overshoot and get me all sweaty.
I watch being out in the sun while being active and stop when necessary
Personally, I find getting too cold takes a longer time to recover from so I take care not to get a chill.
Keep my bedroom cool at night.
I am sure that you will find your own ways of helping your autonomic nervous system improve its ability to regulate your body temperature.
Good luck and you will have to share what you find works for you!
I appreciate this so much!
I will look more into it as well, I love learning new things.
I’ve been working on figuring out how to control it, but the most annoying part is constantly taking clothes on and off.
How long did this last for you?
I am 2 years post-op and still experience it occasionally. I find that if I get over-tired (brain starting to shut down!) or physically strain my nerves (stretching, reaching, lots of head movements) I can expect to have difficulties. Frequency and duration are much better.
Oh wow, so it’s kind of a long going thing…
I figure I’ll have to be careful with what I do from here on out, though I’ve yet to ask about restrictions- which I plan to at my next appointment.
I’ll have to watch out for those things and be extra careful.
I find it’s the worst in the morning when I get up.
Thank you so much for your help!