Summer of 2024 just about to have my 28th birthday celebration. I started to feel unwell. Flu like symptoms. I didn't feel right and took a series of painkillers. The worst headache I could ever imagine which wouldn't go away.
I collapsed in the doctor's office and was sent home after some bloods. I woke up after a few days and knew I needed medical attention. My brain was on fire, my back hurt and I couldn't move my neck. I was rushed to hospital and had urgent bloods.
My inflammatory markers were raised to 135, and they put me in a bed and told me I won't be leaving for a while. A lumbar puncture determined I had a very rare case of meningitis, and I almost died.
I overdosed on painkillers and had to receive urgent treatment for that. I lost my hearing but after a couple of weeks I slowly started to get it back. It was a very scary two to three weeks, but I was very well looked after and made a recovery. I now struggle with my mental health and germs. I avoid as much as possible, as I'm now scared I'll get poorly and end up in hospital again.
Molly-Jane Dane
November 2024