Therapy after bacterial meningitis

[sillysoup2]

My 69 year old precious actibe husband just finished a 9 week course of antibiotics for bacteri meningitis. Acut sepsis with absesses He is in a skilled facility for PT but therapy was paused due due lack of strength. RNA stretches continuing. Intially he could not move any part of his body or hold up head. He is now moving legs some, hands and arms some and can hold up head. He is now eating pretty good. Looking for suggestions to encourage ability to sit, stand. He has been limited to short periods in wheelchair after hoyer transfer. Most communication is normal, with only occasional disorientation of when last walked or when home. He is sleeping a good amount during the day...seems like more than before. Would like to hear any input of best way to move him along in the recovery process.

[Newnham1]

Hello, My 59 year old husband is now 13 weeks post admission with bacterial meningitis.

He's gone from almost zero movement to walking unaided in the past 5 weeks.

Ask the physios for a sheet of bed/ chair movements that you can do with him.

There also seems to be value in getting patients to cross the midline ( so hold your left hand up and get him to stretch his left hand across his body to touch it 10 times etc()

Does he have dietician? Maybe he would benefit from high protein diet to prevent muscle wastage.

This may also be a matter of timing, that his body is not ready to do more physical stuff yet?

I really would ask the therapists for a list of suggestions for you to do with him though.

The speech may come rapidly now thag he has started to talk but be ready for lots of rambling/ confusion which( in my husband's case) is lessening a bit over time.

Wishing you well, it's a long old journey xx

[sillysoup2 in reply to Newnham1]

Thank you for your reply. Your post is encouraging.

I did receive sheets of exercises from the PT dept and we have been working on them. He is gaining more strength in arms and working on brushing teeth, washing face. Some increased ability in body movement, but will also try the midline exercise you noted.

Speech is good, only a little confusion.

Supplementing diet with boost drinks, yogurt to increase protein.

Thank you again for posting.

[Newnham1 in reply to sillysoup2]

Please give an update, it would be nice to hear how you are getting on. This site has really been a lifeline for me! xx