After Bacterial Meningitis

I almost died of bacterial meningitis.

The cause was officially "unknown".

But like the person above, I had suffered from an extensive and long sinus infection prior to the meningitis when I was 18years old.

Medical science "says" that this cannot happen: that being the sinus infection crossing the blood-brain barrier.

THEY ARE WRONG!!!!

I got BM of my brain may 2014 from chronic sinusitis. Had access left temporal lobe craniotomy to remove. This was followed by a medically induced coma intubation sepsis multi organ failure. I was coded so I was gone. 30 day hospitalization massive antibiotics. Then 3 weeks in a nursing home for rehab. Went in a wheel chair walked out 3 weeks later ( was supposed to be 6) to independent living. I had 5 years of allergist immunongist care neurology therapy for ptsd . I was depresribed many meds. I had a seizure risk from the craniotomy with abnormal eegs until 2018. I now have a breach rhythm which is abnormal but non epileptic. I drive I walk daily 3000 steps I have 2 dogs who are my legal ESAs. I am always learning something. Usually related to healthcare psychology neurology etc . Also financial and budgeting issues. I am not the same person I was before this. I am assertive set boundaries etc. No way will family or anyone else who never experienced this understand I am sorry to say.

I was one of the first to live through the bacterial meningitis at two years old in 1968. I have scars all over my body from it, the right side of my body didn’t grow the same as the left. I’ve had about 80 surgeries. Leg lengthening, right foot reconstruction, arms, legs, neck, back surgeries. I told my mom that I would die and that if I lived, I would be blind and mentally ill. I live in a small town and I guess all the churches prayed for me. I don’t ever remember a day, not being in pain since I was little. I’ve worked my whole life, I taught all the trades in high school, built houses and construction. My mother taught me to not let my disability rule my life. I have constant screeching in my ears. I have to force myself to get up and work. I used to have migraines, but they have turned into headaches which I appreciate. I refuse to let this ruin my life. I admit sometimes it’s really hard, sleeping is maybe 3 to 4 hours a night I’m excited if I get 6hrs. I have to force myself to concentrate and try to start and finish one thing because I’m constantly trying to do 100 things at once. I’ve been fortunate to have three doctors in my lifetime that control all my meds. Pain control medical facilities are horrible. 24 year-old twits that have no clue how much pain that we are in constantly. I am fortunate. I have a good family base, great family base. My wife is incredible. Even though I have all this stuff going on all the time I consider myself a blessed man. It is nice to look on this site and find people who are going through similar things and I know I’m not losing my cracker. I have a lot of nerve pain, but I’ve tried all sorts of medicines that just seemed to mask the problem. I take one nerve medicine and pain medicine and want to help relax me as needed.

I’m right there with you brother. School was hell for me. Some deformity and pain all the time. Made me pretty angry, when I was made fun of I learned to fight and fight well. I’ve always worked, worked really hard despite all the pain And crap. I’m a blessed man now, 2 wonderful sons 7 grandkids and awesome wife who understands. Some days are really good and some days I’m forcing myself to get out of the door. I didn’t realize how bacterial meningitis affected my childhood either until i started searching for answers later in my life. It’s just nice to know we aren’t alone.