Please share your experiences of viral meningitis

[worriedmammaof2]

My 8 week old was admitted into hospital on Saturday. They ran various tests and started IV antibiotics straight away. His temp was 39 and heart rate 190. They've now confirmed a diagnosis of viral meningitis (they've found the virus causing it). He's now much better thankfully. Temp is controlled but still very irritable, jerky movements and unsettled.

Can anyone share their experiences? It would be good to hear about others. I'm a little concerned about long term impacts.

Bump

Hi, my newborn had neonatal meningitis, never confirmed the cause so whether viral or bacterial. So I know the stress you are going through, it's horrendous. I'm glad he is doing well. Viral meningitis is generally much less concerning than bacterial which is very reassuring for you.
My dd is 20 months now and developing as expected, it's all like a distant nightmare now.

Thinking of you and your baby, stay strong xx

Hi OP, my DD didn't have meningitis but she did have sepsis when she was three weeks old and was very very poorly at the time and very nearly didn't make it.
When they were trying to ascertain what was wrong they did all of the tests for meningitis so am familiar with what you have had to watch your DS go through at such a tiny age .
My DD is fine now. You would never know that she was so poorly. Your DS won't remember either but appreciate it must be a very worrying time for you. I hope he is on the mend and that you're ok OP

My 10 week old had it - she was in hospital for just over 2 weeks, only confirmed as viral quite late on so was pumped with a lot of antibiotics. Was horrific seeing your LO so ill and having lumbar punctures and other invasive procedures. I spent pretty much the whole time (when she was stabilised of course) breastfeeding her as was told it helped her regulate her temperature (which was ridiculously high - over 40*) and of course comforted and hydrated her. I was utterly exhausted. She come out with a typical viral rash the day she was discharged which kinda visually confirmed their diagnosis 🙂

DD has had no permanent ill effects - she had a dodgy tummy for a few years and had a wheat intolerance for some years (recovered now after completely excluding from her diet and reintroducing with the help of a dietitian) which they suspect was as a result of the amount of antibiotics she was given, but otherwise she is now a healthy almost 11 yr old.

I'm so sorry your DC is so ill, its a horrendous experience

At 8 weeks old my DS had same temp and roughy same pulse as yours, lumbar puncture and straight into IV antibiotics while we waited for results. Turned out to be viral meningitis. He was back to normal within a few days of leaving hospital and at 21 months now he’s full of life and showing absolutely no adverse effects. Hope that helps reassure you. It was horrendous at the time though.

Thank you all. Really appreciate hearing others stories. 💐 for all you went through x