Mental fog

[FFFred]

Hello everyone,

Im about four and a half years into recovery and have had two craniotomy’s. Im wondering if any of you are still struggling with mental clarity and concentration? My mind feels like I’m constantly hungover and I have a hard time focusing. Trying to remember simple thing is challenging.

Meningitis is definitely the gift that keeps on giving! All things considered I am very lucky.

[Nicolaram]

Sorry to here you are still suffering, I am nearly 2 yrs in recovery and yes I get total mental fog, not all day though, I am better in the mornings but by afternoon a tad useless, cold weather appears to affect me more and I tire more in cold weather. Fatigue I struggle with, once a fitness freak I can rarely manage a ramble but count myself so very lucky .

Lots of other side effects but am mobile and mostly functioning .

I am more grumpy than I was !! 😁

[FFFred in reply to Nicolaram]

Completely agree!!! I’m definitely way more irritable. And I can’t seem to get enough sleep. I’ll pay more attention to how temperature affects me. I definitely know barometric pressure plays games with me. Thanks for replying!!! Good luck with your recovery!!

[Bellesmom12]

Hey, I am three years in and the mental fog, shakiness and weakness remains. Sucks! I still go to work every day but not as sharp as I was and I am irritable too. Guess this is how it is. Just weird. I can’t even describe it. All I know is the CDC says I should be well. 7-10 days right????

[FFFred in reply to Bellesmom12]

I think they confused days with years!!

[Bellesmom12]

Yep! They have no clue. I was actually sick with it for a month, before being diagnosed. Took 3 ER visits. And these are the people making decisions on COVID.

[Runnerma]

Yes, I have had the brain fog, fatigue, balance issues, hearing loss and pressure in my head & ear since having bacterial meningitis in 2015. Barometric pressure definitely affects these symptoms. Sleep is my best friend, stress is not! You are right, meningitis’s the gift that keeps on giving 🙁 Nothing seems to totally resolve the issues. However, I am blessed that I can still live a “normal” life. I wish more research was being done but I guess it is not as exotic as other illnesses & “famous” people don’t seem to suffer the effects we gave to endure!

[FFFred]

Thank you Runnerma,Thank you for your reply! I totally agree that we are blessed!!! I guess I’m still trying to wrap my head around what happened and what my new “normal “ is. I’m extremely lucky and thankful to have a wife that is understanding and supportive.

I wish you luck in your recovery! God bless and stay safe.

[40tonic]

Hi FFFred

Its s a slow process. Sorry to hear you still have brain fog and its such a struggle isn't it. I remember those days. I'm 7 years down the line and I can honestly say I have all my energy and more and very clear head now. I think looking back this really didn't come until year 3/4 . feeling blessed to share this with you and hope it gives you hope. I really do.

My memory of these times is poor I just found a blog on my journey that I completely forgot about creating. I was logging into my Wordpress and accidentally put the wrong email in ....gosh it was strange reading what I had put all those years ago. I can see that I thought myself better and with positivity everyday. Looking back I thought I was better but I wasn't quite there until some years later, but I guess it was my way to get through. The power of our thoughts is quite something.

Wishing you a full recovery this is your unique wellness journey....take each days as you find it best you can. Each one is a blessing as you say and finding the gratitude in it will keep you moving forward I'm sure.

stay well

Toni x

[FFFred in reply to 40tonic]

Thank you 40tonic!!!

[Chri5ti]

I am one of the unfortunate ones with recurrent meningitis. I say 7 times, doctor says 6. I don’t care if the one spinal tap was negative, I know the difference between a migraine and a flare up! I am at about 3 1/2 years since last bad attack. Finally free of the brain fog and fatigue. Everyone is different but you shouldn’t give up hope. I still have a lot more headaches and migraines. I had them before meningitis but very sporadic. Now air pressure changes are NOT my friend. I did find a wonderful neurologist who works with me. He doesn’t claim to understand meningitis but I actually like his honesty. I agree with previous advice-take each day as it comes. Accept what you can and can’t do but keep trying. It does get better with time.

[FFFred in reply to Chri5ti]

Chri5tiI can’t even imagine having to go through this several times!! You are a rockstar!!! Reading about what you’ve overcome is truly inspiring. Thank you for your encouragement and response. You have literally taken my breath away!