Bacterial Meningitis and Memory Loss

[RachelDemers]

I almost lost my life 2 years ago due to bacterial meningitis. In a coma and on life support for two weeks and hospitalized for a few months. I had to learn how to walk again, write, pretty much everything. It was really difficult, especially since I am bipolar and have borderline personality disorder. So it has been two years now (35) but my memory is terrible, I am still unable to work, I can barely keep my house and doctors appts in order. I am also recovering from substance abuse issues. Will my memory ever improve? I feel like I will never have a normal life.

[betezel6]

You are probably the only one that can make it better by having a positive attitude. You need proper rest and adequate sleep. I also lost my ability to walk, write, speak clearly and to see clearly. I had a lot of determination and tried to keep a positive attitude. It does take time but...don't give up and don't give in!

[pamelafrance]

I was 65 when I caught meningitis and septicaemia was in a coma in intensive care for 13 weeks. Had to learn to walk, eat, drink, use the toilet and communicate. I have profound deafness, tinnitus, am permanently off balance and use crutches and a wheelchair. My mobility is improving but the balance will never return. I cannot go out alone and use community transport if theres any places I want to go like Hydrotherapy and the local weavers club in our church. When I ask questions from professional people I get " We dont know everyones different"

Good luck. Hope things turn out better for you.

[RachelDemers in reply to pamelafrance]

I'm sorry to hear of all your struggles. I hope things get better for you and that you have a good support system around you.

[pamelafrance in reply to RachelDemers]

Thank you Rachel watch this space for further info.

[lovelace1 in reply to pamelafrance]

I'm sorry you've been through this journey. My 79-year-old father-in-law has been in the hospital for 2 and 1/2 weeks for meningitis. He was 14 days post craniotomy for a brain tumor, when he woke up unresponsive and was rushed to the ER. He was in a coma for 8 days, but he has slowly come out. He is starting to talk, but it's challenging and he is not fluent. He is learning to walk again and can go to the bathroom with a walk and a few people helping. His swallowing is improving and he got his feeding tube taken out today. He has a very short attention span and lots of confusion. He does recognize us, but he can't comprehend much right now. He was just transferred to Sunnyview in NY for acute rehab. He is very down and we're so scared he will give up. It's such a struggle just to stay alive right now, and yesterday he said he "wants his freedom". Can I ask how long it took you to become relatively stable and independent.

[paul1224]

Hi don't give up I still suffer from the same as you with out the substance abuse and I am 10 years post justhe do as much as u can and push forward

I was told I wouldon't not walk again but know walk with crutches and still fall but still get up and carry on all good wishes don't give up