Meningitis in your words

Irene Lopez's story

  • Location: Spain
  • Categories: Bacterial meningitis
  • Age: Adult 25-59
  • Outcome: Recovery with after effects
  • After effects: Co-ordination problems
IreneLopez
IreneLopez - Meningitis in your words

On September 14th 2012, I was 29 years old. That day I started to feel sick at work so I decided to go home and rest. That night a girlfriend of mine decided to stay with me. Only 24 hours after the first symptom, I had seizures so my friend called an ambulance.

I was driven to the Emergency Unit, stayed in coma for four days and when I woke up my face was paralysed as well as all my body below my stomach and I had lost my memory and balance.

My diagnosis was bacterial meningoccocal meningitis and today I suffer spinal cord injury so I have to walk with crutches.

Meningitis is awful and can change your life in a second. Doctors told me I would never be able to walk again. I exercise every day since then to prove to myself that I am capable of anything.

Today I am the secretary of the unique patients association that fights against meningitis in Spain: AEM. I live a happy life with my dog in a beautiful southern Spanish city called Malaga.

Irene Lopez recovering from meningitis
Irene Lopez
May 2023












 

Detailed information about the after effects of meningitis

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Whether you are living with the after effects of the diseases or coping with the death of a loved one, we are here for you.

Provide a lifeline for those in need
Provide a lifeline for those in need
£6/€7.20/$8 pays for a 30 minute call from a trained support officer.

They listen to the issues faced by someone struggling with the impact of meningitis, and provide detailed information and support.
Membership and support

The MRF Membership and Support team are here for you for any questions you might have about meningitis and septicaemia and their effects on you, or your family and friends.

Tel: Helpline UK 080 8800 3344 Ireland 1800 41 33 44

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