“Meningitis has stopped me pursuing the career and dreams I had as a child.”
“Being only 4 at the time I remember very little, but my younger brother had been born barely three weeks before I contracted pneumococcal meningitis. Initially the GP didn't think there was anything to my symptoms of tiredness, lethargy and a 'sleepy eye' that was too sinister, but my mum persisted in seeking help.
“When we visited another GP for a second opinion he immediately called for an ambulance.
“I was rushed to Doncaster Hospital, and then onward to Sheffield Children's Hospital, where I was critically ill for a number of days.
May not survive
“My parents recall being told I may not survive due to the severity of the fluid on my brain, which was drained by a lumbar puncture. I don't recall the pain, but I do remember kicking and screaming so I can't have enjoyed it very much!
“I was transferred back to Doncaster Hospital and made it back home in time for Christmas, which was a miracle at the time.
“It was only afterward that it became apparent that in trying to save my eyesight, the medical staff hadn't realised my hearing had been damaged. I'm totally deaf in my left ear and it put to bed my dream of following my dad into the military or pursuing my passion for flying.
Born there, nearly died there and now work there!
“I now work at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, so can legitimately claim to have been born there, nearly died there and now work there!
“Meningitis has stopped me pursuing the career and dreams I had as a child, and it's been very difficult filling that void with something that gives me fulfilment. I also believe it has had an impact on my ability to rationalise emotions and I often struggle to let people get close to me, or refuse to recognise that they may want to.”
If you have been affected by meningitis, contact the Meningitis Now nurse-led Helpline on 0808 80 10 388 or email helpline@meningitisnow.org.
