Hello to all. I am new to this site. I contracted bacterial meningitis in Jan of 2012. It was 3 weeks following surgery to recieve a spinal cord stimulator implant. The hospital told me I had bacteria on my skin that transferred to the implanted device from the lead paddle to the lead wires and the battery as well. I hallucinated for 5 days and also convulsed terribly while being treated in the ICU. It is now 6 months later. The docs gave me the standard answer that I should be back to myself in 6 to 12 months. I am not back to myself. My primary doc told me that the reality is that I may never be the same. I continue to suffer from short term memory problems. I have a difficult time processing information as I used to. I don't seem to be able to put two and two together. I especially have difficulty keeping up with the days of the week. I miss appointments quite often becaue my mind does not correlate that I have an appointment on Wednesday at what ever time. I know it is Wednesday, and I know that I have an appointment. I just don't seem to put the two things together in my mind. I get very upset with myself once I realize that I have done it again. My primary doc had a stern talk with me. He explained that he had received the hospital records and I needed to understand that I had a very, very serious brain infection. My bacteria was staphylococcal aureus.
I understant that I almost did not make it. I was dying. But I did make it thank God.
I would appreciate any thoughts any of you have regarding my issues. It is difficult exlpaining the way this makes me feel to people who have never been through this. Please offer any advice you might have as well. I am quite ready to understand this better. Thanks!!
Meningitis Foundation of America
