After numerous visits to her GP with no diagnosis, Amelie’s parents noticed that her condition was deteriorating and rushed her to A & E.
Amelie had contracted a rare form of bacterial meningitis. Her mum recalls their experience.
“During August this year Amelie had tonsillitis and two ear infections; she was poorly for about four weeks and had taken three lots of antibiotics. She became very sleepy, not eating or drinking very much and was crying a lot.
“We saw the doctor many times and said we felt there was something more to her being ill. She didn't eat properly for a week and refused to drink as she got more poorly. She was so empty and showed no enjoyment - she never smiled or laughed, and she couldn't crawl or walk because she had so little energy. It was heart-breaking to watch.
“One day we took Amelie to the doctors and told them we didn't know what it was but we knew something wasn't right and demanded further action. Again we were told it was probably a virus or teething but he said he would refer us for a blood test anyway.
Nothing was making her better
“12 hours later Amelie cried during the night and my husband went in to calm her and noticed she had been sick. We took her out of her cot to clean her up and noticed she was shying away from the light and was leaning to one side.
“When we looked at her the right side of her face it was dropping and it looked like she had suffered a stroke. We took her to A & E where they began treatment for meningitis.
“We were transferred to Alder Hey and they tried lots of tests and medicines, but nothing was making her better. In the end they took a brain biopsy and they found upon opening her up that she had a brain abscess.
A very rare form of meningitis
“Three weeks later found that it was a very rare form of meningitis, Fusobacterium Necrophorum.
“We started treatment for six weeks and have been home since the end of October. She is still recovering from her stroke symptoms but so far doing well. We were told the chance of survival for the type of meningitis she had is just one in ten. We feel so lucky that she is still with us.
“Meningitis Now has helped us emotionally and financially, they are constantly in touch to see how she is doing as well as myself and my husband. It had been great knowing there is someone out there you can talk to who knows exactly what you’re going through and can answer any of your questions.”
