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Original poster

3 week old has meningitis

21 replies

jan285 · 20/10/2021 20:24

Hey all, just looking for some encouraging words.
My 3 week old DS is currently in hospital with me being treated for meningitis. He wasn't feeding well for days and had a fever .. I took him in and after the tests were done it turn out he has meningitis. I am devastated and can't pick myself up. Been crying since we got the news
Any positive meningitis stories?

OP posts:
ThirdElephant · 20/10/2021 20:25

Hey, OP, I'm sorry to hear this- must be absolutely terrifying. Do you know if it's viral or bacterial?

dizzydizzydizzy · 20/10/2021 20:27

That must be so worrying! No personal experience but you in the best place. They will go above and beyond. I feel for you. Thanks

Zippy1510 · 20/10/2021 20:33

Do you know what type? Bacterial is generally worse than viral. And different bacteria have different severities (I’m a microbiologist). Having said that I had bacterial meningitis as a young baby and whilst scary for my parents at the time I had no long lasting effects- and this was in the 80 we’ve come a long way in treatment since then.

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FlatteredFool · 20/10/2021 20:39

Hand hold here for youThanks your baby is in the best place and they are resilient little mites. Dd had suspected meningitis at 8 months and that was worrying as was bronchiolitis at 17 days old. Cuddles cuddles and more cuddles will help you both. Rest even if it's only to close your eyes for ten minutes. Sending lots of get well wishes.

mummymathsteacher · 20/10/2021 20:41

Sending lots of love. My DD had meningitis at 4 weeks old. Thankfully she recovered after a few days of IV antibiotics and doesn't seem to have any long term complications. I remember how terrified I felt, but you are in the best place.

winterchills · 20/10/2021 20:42

My son had meningitis at 8 weeks old and it was truly awful. He then continued to get infections needing IV antibiotics until he was 1. Now he is a healthy 4.5 year old

pommepommefrites · 20/10/2021 20:43

My daughter had sepsis when she was 3 weeks old, I was a wreck. But was told they get better just as fast as they get ill when they are this little and I clung to those words and they proved true. Thinking of you and your little one.

CovidCorvid · 20/10/2021 20:44

My mum had bacterial meningitis as a baby in the 1940s and was ok. The most important thing is they know what it is and are treating it.

Sneezecakesmama · 20/10/2021 20:44

I imagine this is Group Strep B meningitis which is sadly not uncommon in newborns. If its caught early (and it looks as though it is) then he should be fine with antibiotics. Utterly terrifying though.

Scarby9 · 20/10/2021 20:45

A friend's daughter had it at 10 days old.
She was really sick and when she recovered, they were told she could have other problems at any time to 5 years old.
She is now 9 and has had ZERO ill-effects. She is a bright, intelligent, sporty, delightful child. It is so hard to associate her with the baby in ICU at that time.

ThirdElephant · 20/10/2021 20:47

@Sneezecakesmama

I imagine this is Group Strep B meningitis which is sadly not uncommon in newborns. If its caught early (and it looks as though it is) then he should be fine with antibiotics. Utterly terrifying though.
If it's bacterial, I've got a story. A friend of mine's son had it when he was young. This was over 20 years ago and he was absolutely fine. No long lasting effects at all.

Wishing your little one a speedy recovery, OP. Flowers

AliasGrape · 20/10/2021 20:50

I’m so sorry how hugely stressful and worrying for you.

My nephew had bacterial meningitis at 5 weeks old, it was one of the worst bacterial ones too though I don’t remember the name now. He was in hospital for quite a few weeks and it was scary at times, his parents were told at one point to expect the worst and then later to be prepared for some lasting effects/ implications. As it turned out he made a full recovery with only the only lasting effect being slight hearing loss on one side (not enough to need hearing aid up to now anyway). He’s 8 now, he remained under the neurologist for a few years but was discharged around 4 or 5.

Everything crossed for you and your little one xx

spurs4ever · 20/10/2021 20:51

My nephew had bacterial meningitis at 20 months. A very scary couple of weeks but all ok now. Hope your baby is better soon xx

DigOlBick · 20/10/2021 20:52

My daughter was born with neonatal meningitis. It was horrible and scary but she’s now a healthy 7 year old with no ill effects.

Boahh · 20/10/2021 21:04

My child had bacterial meningitis at 3 weeks old, it was the most terrifying experience of my life. We spent 2 weeks in hospital and once discharged we got his head measured regularly along with regular consultant appointments and hearing tests. He’s 3 now and I’m pleased to say he’s been signed off by the consultant with no after effects at all. He’s perfect.
I know how terrified you are, just remember we are always prepared for worst case scenarios but lots of babies make full recoveries. I hope it goes well for you, remember to take care of yourself. Flowers

Original poster
jan285 · 20/10/2021 21:10

Thanks everyone. I'm sooo broken. I keep blaming myself for not bringing him in earlier. They don't know yet if viral or bacterial but suspect bacterial due to an eye infection
They're treating for both meanwhile. I'm so scared but good to hear your positive stories. Thank you

OP posts:
Soubriquet · 20/10/2021 21:13

I had meningitis when I was 2. I was in hospital for 8 weeks and whilst it has affected my hearing, I’m a healthy adult now with two children

I hope he gets well soon

dizzydizzydizzy · 21/10/2021 08:07

How are things now, OP?

mammasy · 26/10/2021 14:50

@Zippy1510

Do you know what type? Bacterial is generally worse than viral. And different bacteria have different severities (I’m a microbiologist). Having said that I had bacterial meningitis as a young baby and whilst scary for my parents at the time I had no long lasting effects- and this was in the 80 we’ve come a long way in treatment since then.
Thank you. It was caused by enterovirus 🥲 we were sent home now as apparently it's not treated with antibiotics and his body will fight it. I'm so worried though
mammasy · 26/10/2021 14:51

Thank you everyone for your kind replies.
We were sent home now as it's a viral meningitis and no need for antibiotics

FlatteredFool · 26/10/2021 17:39

That's great news. I hope he's better soon Thanks

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