Viral Meningitis, 2 hospital admissions. Struggling with memory loss.

[EmmaD]

Hello,

I've been unwell for around 10 weeks. Was admitted to hospital initially in May, a Lumber Punch confirmed I had Viral Meningitis, I was sent home and started to pick up, then unfortunately contracted an e-coli water infection, the Viral Meningitis reacted to this and I ended up back in hospital in June, I was in for 2 weeks in total.

I've been home 4 weeks now, and as I was feeling better and getting bored at home, I felt I was ready to return to work. I work in a call centre and my GP who has been very supportive suggested I go back part-time for 6 weeks....

I returned on Tuesday, and it became apparent that while talking to my manager and colleagues I was having trouble with memory loss, retaining information, and repeating myself as I'd forgotten what I'd said, this frustrated me so much that I got very upset on Wednesday, my manager is very supportive. I haven't gone on the phones yet, but my concern is I'll not be able to fulfil my role and I'll struggle. I've been in my own 'bubble' at home and now I'm back in the real world it's clear I'm not fully recovered.

Also my immune system is still responding to the Viral Meningitis as I have an eye condition called Intermediate Uveitis (inflammation at the back of the eye) I've had this for years and it's always been controlled via my specialist. It flared up with the recent events, and despite the use of the steroid eye drops, today at my Ophthalmology appointment I'm told the inflammation is still there and now in both eyes, so eye drops have been increased. This condition causes blurry vision that glasses can't help, as it's my immune system attacking my body. Another concern on top of the memory loss that I'll struggle at work.

How much time will it take until my memory loss improves?

Thanks

Emma

[vickylou36]

I had bacterial meningitis in march but still struggle at times with my memory. Somebody will say something they have supposedly told me previously and i wont know what they are talking about or i forget words. I feel like the words are there they just wont come to me, sometimes this makes me panic but i am trying to stay calm. Unfortunately i don't think you can put a time stamp on how long this will take to get better as everybody is different. Try not to worry to much as i think it makes it worse. Try to take time to relax i am positive this will get better in time. Hope you get well soon Emma. It can be a long road to recovery but there are some very positive stories on here that has helped me tremendously.

[recovered7]

Hi Emma, i have had two bouts of VMen and had serious memory problems with both but worse with the second . I also went back to work thinking i was ready but like you had the same problem's. I eventually gave up work to seriously take stock of my health. I had long term memory problem's for quite some time, until i came across, "Lumosity". I now have 97% memory re-call. Plug this into your web browser its excellent as it works on all area's of your Cognetive function by exercising all area's of your brain. You are much younger than me so you should pick up fairly quickly.

Take heart, it can be a long term process for some, but not all. You will recover 100%.

Blessing's Emma, hope this helps.

[welshfarmer]

I had BM a few years ago and the memory loss is was hit me the hardest. I still suffer very badly with it. I lost over 60% of my vocabulary word bank but over the years and with much reading and effort most of this I have re-learnt. My words still get mixed up however if I feel under pressure and this was something that previously NEVER happened pre BM days so I find that very hard and frustrating.

Once I would hear a word I was retaining it but something that i find dreadfully frustrating and upsetting is that my family have a dreadful habit of finishing off my sentences because I am very slow. They have got in to the habit of not stopping themselves doing this and although I have told them how I feel about this they still persist in doing it.

I also found that I lost at least 90% of my computer knowledge. For the last 30 years I have always single handedly done all the company accounts and wages but when I returned to work try as I might I could not pick this back up. Even now it all seems like double Dutch to me and I have to accept that I am never likely to regain this skill again.

My accounting skills were also really good but I find I now get confused with figures and make dreadful mistakes that I cannot fathom out how I managed to make. An example could be adding up an account of say £20 plus £100 plus £100 and I could total this to something ludicrous like £478 .... go figure how I managed that ????????

I know that my memory is never going to properly return or improve and that still upsets me because I had been blessed with a sharp, quick and intelligent mind and I am very much aware of it's now limited capabilities. It's not all doom and gloom .... I can still do many things I just have to work within my capabilities. I ALWAYS get someone to check my work before I send it out and probably 80% of the time it is error free.

VM or BM is a nasty illness and although many of us experience similar effects, recovery rates and times and success vary enormously between each individual. This site gives good advice from people who have been there / done that and so there are many good tips that will benefit you in how to improve your memory et al.

Good luck with your recovery, just don't rush things or expect too much in these early days, just keep plucking away at making small but positive steps forwards. xx

[EmmaD]

Hey guys, thanks so much for your replies. I've been to see my doctor today to express my concerns with him, I clearly went back too early and he has singed me off for another month, I'll see him towards the end of August. It was good retuning to work to understand where I'm at. Hopefully with more rest and recovery time I'll get better.

I'll take your tips and ideas on board as well, and I certainly won't rush things xx

[Captainbeaky]

Hi there,

I had exactly the same problem - I work as an aerospace engineer.

For about 3 months post VM, I was on light duties part time in work.

I could remember all the fundamental engineering stuff, and I still had the "knack" for diagnosing complex systems, but I couldn't remember what I had for breakfast, or even if I had breakfast. I also would stop on some words, and stumble during a conversation. It was very upsetting.

I had to keep a daily logbook with me, and record all pertinent info.

I would say go to work if you can - it is fabulous therapy ( which is what I needed...) but I did need to do half days, and take time off when I was bad..

[Catherine-21_Leo]

Hi, I was told I had viral meningitis in May. Over the past few months I have been in and out of hospital and taken to hospital by ambulance 3 times. I have actually lost count of the amount of times I went to hospital. I had several symptons including bad headaches, dizziness, high temperature and heart palpitations. I have also had problems with memory problems. One time my mum gave me a cup of tea and a minute after I went into the kitchen to look for it. One of my friends said last week I forget things very easily so other people are noticing it. I get quite embarrassed sometimes and worried that it may affect me at work. I am starting college in August and I am worried it will affect me whilst studying. Does anyone know how long the memory loss will usually last for?

Its good to hear I am not alone with this problem.

Thanks

Jane