In 2009, I developed a severe migraine, I took headache pills, but nothing worked. At work, I passed out, woke up in the break room, and left. I drove to the state's capital to see a show, but I left early on. On the way home I had a bad feeling that yelled at me to go to the hospital so after trying to argue with myself, I caved. I called my brother five times, but he never picked up, so I left the most heartbreaking voicemail ever. Telling him I love him and goodbye and to give Grammy a kiss for me. That call broke me as I drove to the hospital – I was unsure how I got there.
Upon entering the emergency room, the nurse asked, “How can I help you?”. I started to say something about my headache but all that came out was gurgled something and I passed out - I just collapsed on the ground. The next thing I remember is that I was bent over in a hospital gown as they tried to give me a spinal tap. Those needles are huge. I was bent over so much but it wasn't enough - they were concerned about missing and were telling me to bend over more. Eventually, another doctor came in and did the spinal tap and it was confirmed I had viral meningitis.
The next thing I remember I was waking up in a hospital bed in a room. It was dark – maybe 2 or 3am. I just stared outside thinking, “I hope heaven has a nice view”. Sometime later, a doctor in charge of infectious diseases came in wearing a mask and told me what I had and what the treatment would be. By the way, there is no treatment for viral meningitis as antibiotics cannot treat it – instead, they hoped to flush it out of my system. The doctor was surprised I was alive. The next thing I remember was a bright warm day and I was being wheeled out in a wheelchair, helped into the car and driven home.
Ever since then, every single day I wake up with a migraine. And I don't know if my moods are affected by the long-term effects of meningitis or not, but I have noticed the headaches and random feelings of anger. I missed three months of school and got fired from my job.
That's my story.
Since then, I have graduated, got other jobs and moved on. Now I want to fight for those who have suffered like I did.
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You can do it you can beat it. It's ok to feel weak, lost and sad. You’ve got this kid - I believe in you. I'm open to being contacted if you need someone to talk to.