Flying after bacterial meningitis

[Sarahlbt]

Hi everyone, I moved to the U.K. Recently and unfortunately contracted neisseria meningitidis on 3/9/17. I was in ICU etc but made a miraculous recovery and was allowed to go home after 10 days. I am not coping well emotionally so am moving back to NZ on 20/09. The thing is I'm still on oxycodon for the headaches and still get headaches as well as dizziness and tinnitis. I'm still in bed rest at home. Has anyone flown so soon after meningitis? Does the air pressure/altitude worsen the headaches?

Thanks for your help

[Susieny]

Hello,

I had bacterial meningitis in April 2017. Was hospitalized from 4/18- 4/28. Then came home to I V therapy for an additional 10 days. On May 12, my husband and I flew to France. I used a wheel chair at the airport (which I highly recommend) and I took life slowly . The plane did not bother me at all . I just rested and surrendered to being on the plane for 9 hours . You should be ok . I wish you well .

Sincerely , Susie NY

[Sarahlbt in reply to Susieny]

Thanks so much for your reply, this have made me feel a lot better

[ukwilky]

Hi, you should be fine I was flown home on 2 x 7 hour flight after being Hospitalised with Sepsis / Meningitis. I had no headaches at all on either flight. Though I was feeling pretty tired on my return. Glad you are making an excellent recovery.

[Sarahlbt in reply to ukwilky]

How long after your discharge did you fly? Another reassuring reply

Is awesome. I stop taking the slow release oxycodon tomorrow and woke up with a headache today so I hope I don't wake up with a headache the day of my flight (in three days!)

[kirsty40]

Hi there, I live in Nz and also a survivor from bacterial meningitis. I have not flown yet and I contracted it over two years ago, now working full time. I still get tired but need to work ad I have a young child. I am happy to keep in contact if your interested. I hope you let flight home goes well.

[Sarahlbt in reply to kirsty40]

Sorry I didn't reply earlier, was busy sorting things before leaving. Just to let you know I've made the journey from the uk to nz without any problems. It's good to be home. I do feel stronger and stronger each day but haven't tested myself properly yet as before I got sick I did weightlifting and have lost a lot of weight/muscle since so that will be a challenge I think. I will also be going back to my old job with was on a computer all day so I'm a bit apprehensive about that too. Thinking about having another two or so weeks off work.

[kirsty40]

Hi there, glad you made it back to Nz ok. I took several months off work as I did not have the energy. I think you will know when your ready. I would suggest part work first. I work on a computer all day too and I agree it's hard. Take your time to rest and enjoy time with family.

I know what you mean about the gym side of things. I want to start running again but apprehensive about that as don't want to go backwards. Hopefully with the warmer weather will be able to get outside more.

Take care.