We got home and I wanted to go straight to bed, so I did and about an hour later my wife came back upstairs and asked if my rash was still there. We had a look and it was, did the tumbler test and the rash stayed. Many of our family called round for a second opinion and all said call the GP and get checked out.
That evening I ended up in hospital, and other than the headache I generally felt ok. The next morning I saw the doctor and they said they don't think it is anything sinister but to be sure I had all the tests, blood, CT scan, urine and the dreaded lumbar puncture!!
The lumbar puncture came back showing positive for bacterial meningitis. I remember the doctor telling me and he was as shocked if not more than me. I suddenly didn't care about myself and immediately thought of my wife and two young kids. The doctors couldn't tell me for sure if it was contagious but didn't think it was. I was immediately given IV antibiotics for 4 days after which I was allowed home to return everyday for my daily IV antibiotics for a further 5 days.
I remember the doctor bringing other doctors in and asking what they thought was wrong with me as they couldn't believe I had meningitis. It just goes to show that symptoms are a guide but it's people's instincts that seem to trigger into action.