In August 2024 I had a run-of-the-mill cold. On the fourth day, I started suffering from a high temperature and a painful right ear. I visited my GP and was diagnosed with an ear infection and prescribed a spray to clear it up. 48 hours later, I woke in the early hours of the morning feeling absolutely dreadful. I had a severe headache and could not stop vomiting. I called the NHS 24-hour line and after a few questions, was advised to attend A&E (accident and emergency) at my local hospital. Upon arrival at hospital, it was found that I had a temperature of 40 degrees, low oxygen saturation and a fast heart rate.
Within half an hour of arriving at hospital, I was suffering from delirium, did not know where I was, who I was, why I was there and did not recognise my mother. The doctors were unsure of what was wrong with me, but as I didn't have a stiff neck or aversion to light, it wasn't thought to be meningitis.
Doctors decided to start me on antibiotics as a precaution until they were able to diagnose what was wrong. This action saved my life. I was subsequently diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and went on to develop meningococcal sepsis.
I have been left with long-term side effects which include hearing loss on my right side, fatigue, damage to my liver, memory and concentration problems and arthritis.
Prior to contracting meningitis, I was a relatively healthy person. It feels like my whole life was turned upside down overnight. I am struggling to get support from my GP. I find that whatever symptoms I have, I am told "That's to be expected after meningitis and sepsis". The thing I am struggling most with is the joint pains. My GP referred me to rheumatology but they rejected the referral, so I don't have a confirmed cause. My GP is assuming I have arthritis brought on by meningitis/sepsis.
I am coping ok psychologically, but my mother is still very traumatised by what she witnessed. I don't have any memory of the first few days I was in hospital, but she remembers everything.
I am forever grateful to the NHS as they were there when I needed them and without a doubt, they saved my life. The support for the after-effects is not good though, and I feel like as I am no longer acutely ill, I am just being left to get on with things by myself.
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My experience of meningitis was traumatic and fast. I would say to others that early diagnosis is critical, so if you suspect that you may have meningitis, keep asking for help until someone listens. You need to advocate for yourself. You know your body better than anyone else.