Bacterial Meningitis Survivor

[MIchaelL]

I have recently contracted very serious bacterial meningitis. The after effects have been numerous and significant. Read about them in my profile. I’d be interested to correspond with others who have had serious issues with the bacterial form of the disease.

[Runnerma]

Michael,

I too had bacterial meningitis in 2015. I ended up with decreased hearing in both ears with left ear much worse. This left me with balance issues, headaches, anxiety and effected my overall health. After almost 3 years, I still have bad days but not as often. I realize that I am blessed as some who survive have much worse things to deal with. You will find a lot of support here.

[MIchaelL in reply to Runnerma]

Thanks so much for replying. It seems a very perverse thing, but there is comfort in knowing others have had serious issues too and that one is not alone. Perhaps I might correspond with you from time to time? Your experience of coping will be invaluable to me as I face up to my imminent rehab as an outpatient. I’m not sure what I can say which would be helpful to you, but I’m a good “listener”.

Thanks again.

[hawkeye777 in reply to MIchaelL]

Hello Michael,

I am just a few years older than you and I too had BM in Feb this year and was hospitalised for a lengthy period. I too am profoundly deaf and have balance issues and was very close to having amputations. I would strongly recommend vestibular rehabilitation therapy for balance issues as they have helped me enormously though I still have a long way to go but I am walking unaided (be it not in a straight line where as before I could not even stand up). I see an osteopath for my sepsis arthritis and do exercises for all these things and also to regain some fitness after all that time immobile.

It is a brutal illness for sure and clearly you have been through the wringer. I do wish you well in your recovery and you are most definitely not alone. Feel free to contact me should you need a listening ear. I refuse to be a victim and hope that one day I will ride my pedal cycle and then my motorcycle. Those are my goals! Take care.

[MIchaelL in reply to hawkeye777]

Thanks so much for responding. Your attitude is inspiring. I have been in contact with one of my former law firm partners who, 15 years ago, also fell victim to the disease but was not so lucky - she had amputations of both arms above the elbows and both legs above the knees. She has gone on to found a very successful charity and is an inspiration to all who know her.

[DJSusie]

Hi Michael, I contracted bacterial meningitis almost a year ago. I did not realise how ill I was, just thought I had a 24 hour bug, but then I started hallucinating so I really did not understand how ill I was. I lost hearing in my left ear and have partial hearing in the right. My balance is affected, when I left hospital I could not walk without the use of a frame, I still have to use a stick when I am outside. It also affected my vision, which has improved, but I still cannot focus as well as I should. I did not drive for 6 months. I had some swollen joints, which is much better, but I still get a bit of pain here and there. My issue with everything is that I was sent home, unable to walk unaided, without any information regarding recovery. I thought as with most illness's it may take 2 - 4 - 6 weeks to recover, how wrong I was. Being positive, I am so much better than I was and very grateful. I do hope you continue to improve. Rest plenty, listen to your body, but it will take time.

Best wishes Sue

[MIchaelL in reply to DJSusie]

Thank you, Sue. It sounds like your treatment left something to be desired. So far, mine has been exemplary. I am very fortunate. There’s a long road ahead though. Keep in touch please. Selfishly, it is a great comfort to know others have been here before me and gone on to successfully fight this awful disease.

[Runnerma]

Hi Michael,

Thought I would drop you a line to see how you are doing? Life after meningitis is topsy-turvy. Hope you are improving. Have you started therapy yet? It did help me to build up stamina and improved my balance. After months of not working, I took a position where I can work when I want to or feel that I can. Take care.

[MIchaelL in reply to Runnerma]

Thanks so much for responding. I am now out of hospital and trying to adjust to the outside world. I’m doing ok but the neuropathic pain in my legs remains an unresolved issue. None of the drugs has done much. I may just have to live with it. I’ve started outpatient physio and OT - can’t speak highly enough of the doctors, nurses and other professionals who have treated me at Astlley Ainslie Hospital in Edinburgh - accomplished professionals, all of them.

Tell me a bit about yourself and your own experience. Do it in bits if you like. Selfishly, I’m finding that the best advice is from those who have travelled the same road before me.

Keep in touch.

Michael