How has our health unlocked forum helped you?

[MNClaireD]

We know how valuable online support can be. We want as many people as possible to know about our forum. However, we could do with some help!

We are looking for a few quotes and/or stories from people about how the forum has helped them. We will then use some of the comments or quotes to help promote the forum e.g on our website or newsletter.

You can post your comments on the forum (they will then remain anonymous). However, if you are happy to be more involved (e.g. photo, name and short story etc) please send me a private message.

Best wishes

Claire

[ignoreit]

I had Meningococcal Meningitis & Septicaemia 35 yrs ago and I have NEVER met anyone (I travel extensively with my work) who also had BM. (Lots of VIRAL M but not BACTERIAL M.)

There's something strangely comforting about "talking" with other BM survivors. I would like to learn more about HOW survivors "solved" their aftereffects ongoing problems & pain.

[stagehand5]

In 2011 I contacted bacterial meningitis. I guess as a lot of things you don't know about until it affects your world. And with this disease you go from a normal person in hours to you don't know what hit you. In my case I don't remember anything from that day. I went to work and was there around 3 hours that I became so sick that I was sent home. Scary part I drove myself home. I don't remember that or going to the hospital. I spent 45 days in the hospital the first four in a coma and came out of it on the 5th day waking up and seeing my brother in law sitting next to my bed. I had no clue what had happened to me. Doctors & nurses coming in checking things. Family & friends coming in. I don't know how much time went by hours,days before I realized I couldn't hear. Its been over 2 years now and with modern medicine I can hear. I had an ear implant done on my left ear and last testing was at 30 percent nd was told that it should improve over a 5 year span. I had to learn how to walk again wiping out two walkers but I am using a cane to get around. Switched to the Hurry Cane due to the design. Balancing issues. When you lose your hearing it affects your balance. We all take walking around for granted but when I first got out of the hospital bed after a week or so I needed help just to get to a chair to sit. There is not a cure all or medicine you can get for this problem. You personally have to tell your self I want to be a human being again. You have to do a lot of soul searching. There are angels around in my opinion and they are called nurses. This site also in my case has been a god send to where I can see about other people affected by meningitis. Some personally and some family members. It gives you a outlet. I live in the states and we don't have this. I got lucky doing searching and found this.

[maineknitter in reply to stagehand5]

I too contracted BM in 2011, here in Maine. I agree that there is nothing like the Meningitis Now group over here. I wish there was. I have appreciated the understanding and support of my fellow humans whose lives have been touched by meningitis when I have been frustrated or lonely or angry at this disease. I am very grateful to have found the group when I did.

[stagehand5 in reply to maineknitter]

I contacted Meningitis Now Group about expanding to the US and they weren't interested but they gave me some contacts over here. I don't know if there are not enough cases or deaths here. I myself would like to see a stronger support community here to assist and explain. I think with the proper support there can be a support program. I am willing to knock on doors. How do you feel about it.

[maineknitter in reply to stagehand5]

Private message me with your ideas.

[PMaz1970]

My Dad contacted BM, and in reading this Forum, it provided a WEALTH of information for me. Everything from what to expect to side effects etc. Because of the information and support I received (as well as education) from this Forum, I try to contribute and give back as much as possible. So glad this forum exists.

Sincerely,

Paul