'Listeria' Bacterial Meningitis, healthy Mum in coma for 7 days now, any advice much appreciated!

[HeatherLK]

My mum (a very fit healthy 76yr old) was rushed to hospital 10days ago with a suspected bladder Infection, she was in a state of delusion, slurring her words and couldn't stand up properly. (She didn't have any obvious signs: rash/stiff neck/ headaches/vomiting etc) They put her on a general antibiotic drip and fluids etc. The next 24hrs she was shaking and getting worse, they transferred her to Intensive care where she was sedated, they did a spinal tap which confirmed 'Listeria' bacterial meningitis. (We have NO idea where she could've got this from, she had a very plain diet and hadn't eaten out). They did a CT scan that showed a large mass of spinal fluid on her brain. They put in a 'brain drain' which has been draining now for 7 days. They withdrew the sedation drugs 6 days ago but she is still in a coma, they've said she needs to be on the antibiotics for 21days or a time when the tests for the infection come back negative, before they can make any prognosis for the chance of survival or long term effects. Has anyone known of a similar story? Every day that passes we are more anxious for her chances of survival. Has anyone had any experience with 'Listeria'? Thank you

[Gabr]

Hi Heather

I had listeria meningitis & encephalitis in Feb 2013 at the age of 59yrs. I too was a relatively fit & active female. We had just come back from a holiday in Thailand & Cambodia but the doctors told me I could just as well have picked it up here at home.

Although I was not in a coma I was rushed into hospital with a very high temperature, vomiting, headache, shaking & unable to stand or walk.

I was in hospital for 6 weeks on iv antibiotics( amoxicillin) & then another 6 weeks of antibiotics at home.

I was still unable to walk when I first came home & used a wheelchair. I used to get very tired & disoriented at times with no stamina or strength & balance issues.

I do hope your Mum recovers well, in some ways it is worse for the patients loved ones at the time as when it’s happening to you it’s all a bit surreal really

Every case is obviously different but although I was unlucky to have contracted Listeria Meningitis I consider myself extremely lucky to have survived. After a total of 10 MRI brain scans along the way , the last one showed only some minor scarring on the cerebellum which causes some balance issues & I still feel a bit disoriented at times but am able to walk , go to the gym & carry on pretty much as before. I was very fortunate to have the help from an extremely good neurophysio therapist , when I came out of hospital , who helped me. My strength & stamina have slowly improved over the last 5 years, thanks in part also to my 5 grandchildren which have all been born since my illness!

Recovery is not an overnight process & has to be worked at at your own pace, i.e slowly, indeed I spent a lot of time sleeping in the early months. I found it quite stressful to be in crowds & busy situations & it all takes a long time to feel ‘normal’ again

Anyway this is my story & as I said each case is different. I really hope your Mum has a good outcome following this horrendous illness.

Sending you & your family very best wishes