Meningitis Support Group

Its been a while since I had bacterial meningitis, but I'll do my best. I wanna help the people on this board, because having meningitis was hell! (excuse my language!) I've had three brain surgeries, two Grand mal seizures, three other surgeries, and various other medical issues in my 23 years. A little worse for the wear, but still kicking! ;-)

I was really sick with meningitis. I vomited, seized in the ER and don't recall much after that. Next thing I remember is waking up in the ICU, or so I was told later that's where I was. I don't remember the spinal tap or anything else. Good thing, those spinal taps hurt like the dickens! I had several more later on. =( Especially in a military hospital where the training is somewhat lacking and its supposed to be a "teaching hospital". LOL But I digress... Vanc (as we so affectionately called it) was quite a drug. I received it through IV and it burned as I recall. It did work very effectively, with a combination of other drugs (like Tequin) to cure the bacterial meningitis. Since I was so out of it from being sick and having a cerebral spinal fluid leak its hard to know what side effects were caused by what. Sorry I couldn't be of more help there. I also had steroids, blood thinners, and a multitude of other things injected into me and shoved down my throat during that lovely month. Not to mention they ran out of role in my arms, so I got a pic line (sort of a semi-permanent IV) in my arm. I'm told I went to the hospital's library and checked out a book, read it, and even rode the month's household bills and balanced the checkbook although I have absolutely no recollection of doing any of those things. The mind and body are wonderful, mysterious things indeed!

I gotta say, meningitis is the most painful thing I've every been through. And believe me, I've been through my share of painful procedures, surgeries, hospital stays and other stuff. 23 years is like 100 on my body. I'm extremely lucky to be writing this, walking, breathing, and getting a degree in Social Work to help others like me!!! I'm truly blessed, and I know it, and I thank God everyday!!! Best of luck y'all!
~Katie