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Original poster

Meningitis Baterial, anyone experience of this and recovery?

22 replies

SortCode · 17/12/2021 23:27

A family member caught this out of the blue, ICU and ventilatored for a week. Moved to an acute ward 2 weeks, now on a rehabilitation ward. They will be in hospital for at least 12 weeks.

The infection has really scrambled their brain, last week memory is slowing coming back, but this week talking really bizarre things. Hospital now shut to all visitors they cant use their phone properly, so worried as dont know whats happening.

Anyone had any experience???

OP posts:

Helbelle75 · 17/12/2021 23:35

I had bacterial meningitis when I was 17, and made a full recovery. I was only in hospital for a week, although full recovery took a good 18 months. I was physically very weak. Some of my memory had never returned sadly.
It must be very hard that visiting is closed, I can't imagine how difficult.
Meningitis research foundation are great at supporting people and families through this.
I hope they make a good recovery.

Original poster

SortCode · 17/12/2021 23:39

Its awful they have lost their mobilty as been bed bound for a month, keep talking weird things like, Im coming home for tea today and I went out shopping today. So scarey seeing them like it.

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Original poster

SortCode · 17/12/2021 23:41

Ive made contact with the Meningitus UK who have sent a few links over to read.

Would like to join a forum but cant find any

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General health

LowlyTheWorm · 17/12/2021 23:43

Ask about delirium? It’s possible they’ve got this following the meningitis and that can be on/off and can be reversible.

Original poster

SortCode · 18/12/2021 00:22

Definiately dilerious but was when thsy were ill at home for nearly a week ...GP told them to take paracetomol...12 hours later in ICU!!! Hospital Drs have said with rehabitation will hopefully get back to where they were before.

Just so scarey to see a loved one so different...heartbreaking cant now visit and the visits really were making a difference.

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Original poster

SortCode · 18/12/2021 08:43

Anyone else have an experience?

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Dontreadtoomuchintothis · 18/12/2021 08:57

@SortCode

Anyone else have an experience?

I had BM when I was 18, very scary at the time as I lost my sight temporarily and was confused and weak. In hospital for 10 days and then home to build up my strength again which took months. 30 years on (!) and the only lasting effect has been slight hearing loss/ tinnitus. I consider myself very lucky, sending you lots of good wishes for the same

RussianSpy101 · 18/12/2021 08:58

My son had BM at 8 weeks old. He is partially deaf and has learning disabilities but they’ve never been officially linked.

Original poster

SortCode · 18/12/2021 09:06

Family member went deaf when falling ill at home but hearing seems fine now.

Are there any adults on here who have any exprience.

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MagnoliatheMagnificent · 18/12/2021 21:13

It’s really variable. Some people make a full recovery, someone I know who was about 70 when he caught it has been left quite disabled and is now deaf. It’s impossible to predict how things will be for your loved one. I think there are different strains of bacteria that can cause meningitis so that plays a part too.

thenightsky · 18/12/2021 21:16

@RussianSpy101

My son had BM at 8 weeks old. He is partially deaf and has learning disabilities but they’ve never been officially linked.

My friend's son has been left with deafness too. He caught it at 3 months old.

Pumpkingirl · 18/12/2021 21:26

I had bacterial meningitis in my 30s - in hospital for three months and ICU for most of that. It was a very frightening experience and I was paralysed and also couldn't speak for some weeks - the confusion you mention was definitely my experience and I don't remember much of that time.

I lost 30% of my hearing and have epilepsy from the scarring in my brain, but otherwise I have recovered really well and went on to have another baby and live a totally normal life - I even got cleared to drive after a couple of years.

It took a long time to recover - and this was also the case psychologically for my husband and family.

I hope that your relative recovers well!

notmrscookie · 18/12/2021 21:37

my son had it at 17.
1 3days icu .1 wk high dependance ward.
Very weak for a while .The risk making part of his brain never recovered he gets into loads of arguments and can judge when struggles with judgement and drinking too much .
still glad he is around.

Original poster

SortCode · 18/12/2021 21:38

Bless you all, such a vile infection to catch.

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spiderlight · 18/12/2021 21:47

My dad had it at 84. Ten days on ITU, most of them on a ventilator, then about a month on a ward. He was very very confused for about three weeks after coming off the vent, couldn't remember why he was in hospital a lot of the time, got very depressed for a while, but he did eventually make an incredible recovery given his age (the consultant called him a miracle), went back to living independently at home and lived another ten years that we didn't think we'd have with him. It was a long road back though.

I really hope your relative recovers well.

Original poster

SortCode · 19/12/2021 08:58

Thank you, gosh amazing story ref. your Dad!!! Yes think this will be a long one, they have said 12 weeks in hosp. No visitung though at mo

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Original poster

SortCode · 20/12/2021 23:10

Anyone else with any advice

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Original poster

SortCode · 23/12/2021 10:11

Family member has fallen in the ward 3 times in a week, spoke to ward sister who explained although not nice for family to hear, it is quite normal in.the first 14 days on road to recovery/rehab. The brain thinks the body can walk or remembers it does but the body isnt quite there yet

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Original poster

SortCode · 24/12/2021 09:56

Hosp have rang NO visitors over Christmas at all. Last year they allowed the brain injuries ward 1 visitor, this year it's no :(

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Bbomb · 07/10/2022 19:45

Hello, I know this is an old thread and I am sorry to hear about everyone's experiences.
My husband recently had bacterial meningitis 3 months ago and has luckily made a good recovery.
However he is still exhausted, I've suggested doing might exercise to try boost his fatigue but I'm not sure if that's for the best. His GP said lots of rest for the next 3 months? Just doesn't seem right?
Any advise would be helpful X

Bbomb · 07/10/2022 19:45

AnuSTart · 08/10/2022 09:28

Hello @Bbomb I'm glad to hear that your husband has made a good recovery! 3 of my family members had BM, one died within 24hrs so I am all too aware of the horror of it.

I have not had it but my family members who survived were absolutely wiped out for months. It was a long recovery and one had to leave his job eventually as it was just too mentally and physically demanding. It had a massive effect on his mental health.
I would say that your husband has to just see how it goes. It may be that his energy makes a sudden resurgence. Whatever the doctor says only your husband truly knows what he is capable of. Absolutely encourage gentle exercise and support him in doing this but try not to worry overly. As I said I have seen it kill so I am always just very happy to hear of survival stories and count those blessings. All the best to you.

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