Dh has bacterial meningitis. Help

[Eachpeachpears]

My dh was taken into hospital last night after three days of horrendous infection symptoms. They've since confirmed bacterial meningitis. His inflammation marks are at 290 (should be less than 5).
What on earth do I do? He's 36. I'm 28. We have two children who are 5 and 3 who keep asking where daddy is.

Sorry to hear that OP, practically if it were me, I'd tell them he's poorly and in hospital, who are giving him medicine to help him feel better. Is there any on in real life you can reach out to?

Handhold from me, OP. You must be very frightened.

Oh how scary that must be for you! Hopefully they are able to treat it quickly. Is there anyone around who can help with your children?

Thank you for your messages. My SIL is going to have the kids for a while today while I go in to see dh. To be honest I just cry every time I talk so I need to get it together for the kids. They know daddy is in hospital with special doctors who treat daddy's.

This username gave me a good giggle this morning 😅

So sorry OP
Must be a very very scary time

Sorry to ask but are you allowed visit? Bacterial meningitis is extremely contagious and usually the patient is placed in isolation (especially risky if kids are at home so they don't get it)

Handhold OP.

I'm so sorry to hear this.

My ds had bacterial meningitis (pneumococcal) when he was 7. It was a scary time but he was treated with high dose antibiotics and steroids and made a full recovery. Your DH is in the right place and I'm sure is being looked after.

Thinking of you.

Sending hugs and hoping DH is soon on the mend. Take care of yourself. 💐

Purely practical-

Have a list of people that you could call on to have your kids at short notice and potentially in the middle of the night.

Notify- his work, your work, your children's teachers

Have one or two trusted people that you can share all medical and practical information with so it's not solely in your head. Try and write everything down when you have discussions with medical staff.

You'll be running off adrenaline for the next while- remind yourself to eat, drink and try to sleep when you can.

Oh goodness. Handholding OP ❤️

No practical advice to offer, but I hope he gets better very quickly. Xx

Oh and have a small grab-and-go bag packed for you (include chargers, snacks, medication, cash, pen and paper) and overnight bags for your children.

No real advice OP but a handhold. This must be incredibly scary. I hope you get some positive news quickly

Both he practical advice and the handholds so much appreciated thank you. Half this stuff I hadn't even thought of.
We are allowed to visit I believe (possibly because we've been together throughout it I don't know) but gosh I hope I am.
I feel like I've cried all my tears yet like there's a flood waiting too. Trying to hold it together for the kids

I'm glad you're allowed to visit. Is the hospital far away?

Bless you op, it’s ok to cry in front of your kids - it’s scary and you’re a human! Just explain to them you’re worried about daddy but he’s in hospital with drs who are very good at fixing people and he just needs some special medication to make him feel better.

Keeping everything crossed for you, hopefully the meds kick in asap and he’s feeling better. Look after yourself as well, I can’t imagine the stress you’re under atm.

Another handhold and a hug.

I had bacterial meningitis once and recovered 100% from it. I’m praying for the same outcome for your DH.

You’ve already had some great practical advice, I would also recommend having a small notebook and a pen with you at all times to write down what the doctors say and also a portable phone charger in your handbag in case you need to unexpectedly spend a long time there.

Thinking of you and your dh

Thinking of you x

Another handhold from someone who had bacterial meningitis and recovered. Hope he starts to improves soon.

I would try and keep things as normal as possible for the kids in terms of routine. Send them to school/ nursery as usual, but inform both settings of the situation. Warn them that other people may be dropping of/picking up and give them a list of who might be doing this.Also check the emergency contact details they have - perhaps you could add a couple of temporary numbers eg a granny/aunty if nearby, in case you are need but are stuck at the hospital.

Nothing useful to add other that what has been said already.

Just offering a hand hold op. Thinking of you all x

My DD had it and made a full recovery.

Have you been to see him yet?