Viral Meningitis - like a thief in the night.

[BaMamma76]

Viral Meningitis changed EVERYTHING about me.

I hate the person it left me as and searched for support, only to find the health care system was lacking in info as well as care factor.

I want to be me again. It's been 8 years......lost.

Is there a way to find my way back to me?

[Taisey]

Hi BaMamma76

I’m sorry to hear you’ve been struggling and unfortunately the health care system doesn’t seem to know a whole host about types of meningitis and after care is virtually non existent.

Do you have support at home? Have you got things that you enjoy doing?

I think the mental side of this is so hard to deal with (as well as any physical ailments you get left with) and it’s such an uphill battle. The thing is it’s easy to say ‘don’t let this define you’ but it’s coming out of that hole that’s the hard bit. Have you spoken to anyone, such as cognitive behavioural therapy or counselling?

Going through a serious illness such as Meningitis will change everybody in some ways. Be it physically or mentally or both. It’s what you do with that change and how you challenge that change. It’s important to define yourself as a survivor and how strong your mind and body were to pull through. You are the same, but different in the fact you have a new ‘experience’ that has become a part of you, a new story to tell and new ears, eyes and mouth to see, listen and speak with.

Perspective is important but it takes time to channel that mindset so be kind to yourself. You deserve to be happy.

💞

[ItsmeAnnie3]

Hi BaMamma76. I know where you’re coming from. I was diagnosed with meningitis when I was six months old. They didn’t think I would live. And now I have long lasting effects from it as well. For years I didn’t think I would be able to survive it. However, this group has already made me feel a lot better. Knowing that other people have been dealing with these issues as well has made me feel as if I am not alone. I hope this group also helps you feel that way.

I decided to work with individuals with learning disabilities due to this disease and the after effects. It really helped me. Is there anyway you would be interested in volunteering with individuals that have dealt with this issue as well?