Need help on how to get care for my friend?

[SamRT]

Please can somebody help me? One of my best friends has bacterial meningitis and brain abscesses on his brain stem. He is a month in and no better. Today his memory went and he was talking gibberish…he’s had another mri today but his girlfriend who is with him (best friend too and a rock to him) has had to take him to a and e again to get him treated. He’s been in and out of hospital, been in three wards, A and E a few times and nobody is helping him. He is in Stoke Newington hospital and waiting for yet another doctor….can anybody help as to what course to take as we are at our wits end? 🥺

[kirsty40]

Hi Sam,

Very sorry to hear about your friend. It sounds like he may need extra care? I had bacterial meningitis six years ago and it took me a year and a half to feel normal again. It really knocks your ability to speak.

I’m not a doctor but I can tell you I ended up back a few times at the A and E as my heart was racing and also the medication attached to me was running low. It is quite frightening going through it but the main thing is to remain positive for your friend.

The only thing I would recommend is feed him nutritious meals. Lots of veges, fish which is good for the brain and protein eggs, chicken.

The doctors told me I was knocking on deaths door. I was extremely lucky! I had sepsis so was very poorly but I survived to tell the story. I am now working full time but still get very tired. The doctor told me it takes 30 years for your brain to fully recover.

Small steps would be what I recommend. Having good support for your friend is important. Allow him to have plenty of rest too and no alcohol!

Not sure if this will help? All the best.

[SamRT in reply to kirsty40]

Thank you so much for your text. It’s so scarey isn’t it? We thought we lost him a few times too. I’ve made a note of everything you’ve said and I wish you lots of love xx

[MNClaireD Partner Meningitis Now]

Hi Sam, really sorry to hear this. Meningitis can take time to recover from. One of the hardest parts is watching someone you care for being very unwell and the uncertainty of when they will start to improve.

If you live in the UK and would like to talk to someone about this, please give our nurse-led helpline a call: 0808 80 10 388 (mon-thur 9am - 4pm and 9am - 1pm on Fridays). You can also contact us by email: [e-mail]

Best wishes

Claire