Side effects

[RBKEMP]

Hi Peeps

Im from South Africa and the end of June this year I fell in a coma for 5 days and was diagnosed with pneumacoccal meningitis. Spent two weeks and 3 days in hospital and another two weeks at home. Only once I was at home alone I started realising that my hearing wasn't all that good especially from my right side. I then saw an audiologist and she confirmed my right ear was basically deaf. I still cant afford a hearing aid and the medical aid does not cover one. I then soon returned to work and started realising my memory and concentration was also lacking (not like it was before i noticed). I then had another CT scan done and the doc said there is damage to my neurotransmitters or whatever (im not a doc lol). I've also had balance issues and have noticed my mood swings especially when placed under stress.. I tend to get over emotional now and snap a lot quicker. Nevertheless, im working on all of this...and im sure everything will be okay... But now a couple months later and being more sexually active, im now noticing premature ejaculation and very poor stamina.... Is this normal? Is this me? What can be done about it? Is this from something else or also from having the meningitis? Im very nervous and very embarrassed... Please help

[Quiltergirl]

Welcome, you've come to a supportive safe place. Meningitis is a terrible disease that keeps on giving. I'm so sorry you are dealing with this. If you have time read some of our other posts. I had bacterial meningitis last January. Hospital 9 days then PICC line home IV continuous antibiotics for 7 more weeks. We all are a little different, yet have similar experiences from meningitis.

I am a 58 year old woman. I am also a registered nurse. I can personally say I've experienced some sexual problems related to being so ill. I also have some cognitive problems, some deafness and tinnitus- ringing in my ears, I have Arachnoiditis - a nerve problem. I had a infection following a spinal fluid leak that resulted in my Bacterial meningitis and sepsis. I finally, 10 months later , have an appointment with a neurologist.

I have been unable to return to work. All this to say, what your experiencing is not unusual after meningitis. I don't know what you do for work. I'm amazed you were able to return at all. Don't be too hard on yourself, you are still healing. And the medical doesn't have a lot of experience with the long yerm after effects of meningitis

We all have had to accept a new normal. Some members are on here for support, as their family member died from meningitis.

We are the "lucky" ones. We are still on this side of Heaven for a reason.

I hope this helps you .

[RBKEMP in reply to Quiltergirl]

We are definitely the lucky ones and although we have these terrible sides effects and mkst probably some permanent damage.. The main thing is we are alive and that is all that counts i suppose... And yes, i actually went back to work two weeks earlier than what the doctor said because i couldn't stand being at home alone... The thoughts and new found paranoia of the slightest headache or weird pain was actually irritatingly unbearable... So i went back to work... Although i didn't drive and took things really easy... My Peers and Colleagues were/are very supportive.

I hope that you get all the right help you need and also make a full recovery so that life can continue as normal "well as normal as what it could be".

Thank you for the reply and all the best

[Flukey123]

This is like reading my story dude i have also had a pressure feeling in me head cracking neck i look up i am all over the place ,i have ,trouble with cognitive issues ie typing on my phone losing my short term memory ,trouble concentrating,i say thing maybe i shouldn't, this list goes and awful fatigue i have found when my body asked for a rest i go lie down just for a hour i go into a deep sleep but its a full recharge i am up again and i am doing my normal stuff , your recovery is about you put yourself first ,i have realised this rest is best got to recharge the batteries your family and friends need to realise this and i am sure the well be more than happy to help and understand.

The PM thing i have gone the other way my labido is low maybe its the tiredness who knows .all i can say my friend is we are still here and we have to make the most of a bad situation

,good luck with your recovery.

[RBKEMP in reply to Flukey123]

Thank you so much and the same to you. I do believe the mind is a powerful thing and we can teach it to what we don't want it to do.... So im just going to keeo trying to concentrate.. Keep trying to control my emotions... I actually balance standing on each leg every night in my own attempt to teach my body how to balance properly again... Wether it works or doesn't im keeping myself positive and busy and thats important... The PM thing... I'll figure it out snd hope it goes away... If ot doesn't luckily there are meds for it... So overall... I guess we just have to keep on keeping on..

Thanks for the reply and all the best to you