My friend has bacterial meningitis and I'm scared about her legs. Please help.

[Nil07]

Hi, my best friend has Bacterial Meningitis. She was hospitalised a week ago. 10 days ago, to be apt. She was in a coma for 3 days. She woke up 5 days back. For the first 2 days she couldn't feel her hands and legs. 3rd day she could feel her hands. Like texting level. Then she started to feel her legs yesterday. She's still on antibiotics and in hospital. She's in bed full time. She can't stand or walk. They inserted a pin type in her leg today and she couldn't feel it at all. She has mild sensitivity in the leg. 3 days back the doctors attached some sort of machine to her leg and thry said tgat she has sensitivity in her leg. The physio says it takes time for things to come back normal. But he also said that some people are paralysed after BM and you need to prepared for that. She got depressed after he said that. And doctors say her condition is getting better and they're going to discharge in 2-3 days. Till then she'll be in hospital and drips will be given. After discharge, antibiotics will be given in the form of tablests. So, the doctors are saying that the infection is going and the progress has been good in that aspect. But I'm scared about her legs. Can you share how it was for you and was it similar in any way and will she ever walk again? Thankyou.

[StrawberryCream]

I have answered the message you sent me.

Are you in the UK? If you are I would suggest that you ring the Meningitis Now freephone helpline 0808 80 388. They are very helpful knowledgeable and understanding and will be able to talk through your worries with you. Also their website has lots of helpful information.

Best wishes

[Lorna26]

Hello, I lost the ability to walk with my bacterial meningitis. I couldn't for 1-2 months. Completely no power in one and loss of power in the other. I graduated with recovery to 'a shuffle' as the brain was recovering and once the meningitis had cleared I was back to being able to walk. BUT -- if lost muscle in my leg, so had to work that back up.

I am sure your friend will be able to walk again, though yes, prepare for all eventualities I guess, the bacteria have obviously impacted the part of the brain that controls movement, as too it did with me. I really hope as she recovers, she will get sensation back in her legs. It may be painful, as the nerves come back to life -- it was for me and I got given high doses of a nerve pain killer drug called 'Gabapentin'. It's not a nice drug as it makes your head feels foggy, but hey, if it works...

It was the situation for me that they thought I may not walk again. But hey, miracles do happen. I'm here today, 5 years and 1 month on from the diagnosis and to look at me, nobody would know what I've been through.

Sending you and your friend the absolute best.

Love, lorna xxxx