We made it!

[CharliesMama]

My 13 year old son Charlie was diagnosed with Bacterial Meningitis on March 18th of 2023. He spent 8 weeks in the children’s hospital, 2 of which he spent in the ICU. It was really touch and go for a while and as his stay progressed, the fluid on his brain continued to build. It reached a point where he lost the ability to walk and talk. They discovered that scar tissue was preventing any fluid from draining out and finally decided to put in a VP shunt. After not thinking he’d survive, ICU, 3 surgeries, and 7 MRI’s, I got to take my baby home on Mother’s Day. The absolute best Mother’s Day of my life. Fortunately, our local Children’s Hospital has provided amazingly comprehensive follow up care, and now, 6 weeks out from discharge, Charlie doesn’t have a single residual effect from his illness. Besides a few scars, he is the picture of health. He is running up and down the hallways and as I type this I can hear him in his room laughing at his iPad. I just wanted to share Charlie’s story with anyone going through this now, there is hope. Prayers and love to everyone! Thanks for listening!

[VM2020]

That is amazing! Many people look to this site for information shortly after the get ill. It is great that they will see the faster resolution stories as well as the ones that never quite resolve. Thank you for sharing and so happy for your family.

[Runnerma]

That’s wonderful & Charlie is certainly blessed! In the USA according to the medical society bacterial meningitis is rare but I wholeheartedly disagree. I came down with it 8 yrs ago at the age of 59. I too recovered but with moderately severe hearing loss and a variety of residual effects. Thanks for sharing Charlie’s experience & may it bring hope and comfort to those going through meningitis.