Meningitis in your words

Vicki 's story

  • Categories: Bacterial meningitis
  • Age: Young Adult 20-25
  • Outcome: Full recovery
Vicki
It feels totally unreal to be writing this and I would never usually post about my personal experiences, but the last two weeks have been the most eye-opening, critical weeks of my life.

I was excited to be flying to Mykonos, The day before our flight, I felt a sudden sickness and threw up. I suffer from health anxiety, so put it down to stress and carried on. The next day, I boarded the flight even though I’d been sick 4 times prior in the morning. No longer than half an hour into the flight, I collapsed, passed out and was unresponsive. I was so lucky that I had the easyJet staff who were amazing and fortunately, a consultant who was also aboard the flight as a passenger. I hope he reads this and realises he saved my life! He advised that the plane should be diverted, so they did an emergency landing in Croatia. I count my lucky blessings that this decision was made as we’ve been told that if I’d arrived at the hospital just five minutes later, I wouldn’t be here to tell my story.

After a number of scans tests and punctures, they informed Zoe that I had bacterial meningitis and sepsis. I was put into an induced coma and after 7 days, I finally came around and started to fight the infection off.
It still feels so surreal. I was a lucky one, as I was moments away from dying. The doctors said it was a miracle that I was still here.

This life changing experience has dramatically altered my outlook on life. I can’t explain how much I have the most amazing family and friends who have pulled me through. I want everyone to know how much I love them. If it weren’t for all the love I felt and got told throughout being in the coma I might of never of woke up. Thank you everyone who has been there to support me, including the ICU who were AMAZING, flight attendants and hospital staff in Croatia. Life’s too precious. I now vow to live each day like it is my last.

One last note: I can’t imagine what my friend Zoe went through not knowing what was happening and having to land in Croatia. She gave consent to everything so that the doctors could bring me back to life and I’ll forever be grateful for your strength.

Vicki Marie
September 2021

Detailed information about the after effects of meningitis

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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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