“After sitting two of my A-level exams I started having a horrible headache, which I just brushed off as stress. But two days later, things escalated. I felt nauseous and kept having nosebleeds. My mum and I decided to go to urgent care, just to get some medication so I could get through my exams.
“I remember the man who saw me tried to send me home, insisting it was ‘long covid’ and that I’d be fine. It was then that my mum asked me the question that changed everything, “do you have a rash?”
“I told her no but lifted up my hoodie just to check, and there it was. A rash. My mum immediately pushed for me to be admitted to A&E and for blood tests to be done. Finally, six hours later, at around 4am, the results came back abnormal.
Lumbar puncture
“We didn’t know what to do. I had a chemistry exam in five hours, and we were both completely exhausted. Against better judgment, I made the decision to self-discharge, promising to come back after my exam.
“That exam was a nightmare. I felt worse as the hours passed, and had a nosebleed all over my paper. By then, the rash had spread further, and deep down, I knew something was seriously wrong.
“After the exam, I returned to the hospital, expecting immediate action. But it took another 12 hours, and plenty of tears begging them to do something, before they decided to do a lumbar puncture. The loveliest doctor could see how scared I was and made sure I got the test.
Long term after-effects
“At midnight, they performed the lumbar puncture, and soon after, the diagnosis was confirmed: viral meningitis. I spent the night on oxygen unable to move, but hours later I discharged myself and went straight to sit my maths exam. I passed out in the toilets beforehand, yet still sat it with a pillow because of the horrible back pain.
“Everyone at college was worried about me. They called me stubborn, and they weren’t wrong. Somehow, I got through the exam. Over the next week, I was in and out of the Emergency Assessment Unit with severe head and nerve pain. My liver enzymes were dangerously high because of the swelling in my brain. I was unable to sit anymore exams.
“Now, six months later, I’m still dealing with the aftermath: chronic migraines, brain fog, and relentless fatigue. My doctors told me that most people with viral meningitis don’t even realize they’ve had it, let alone experience long-term effects.
Recognise the signs
“I’m grateful it was ‘only’ viral meningitis and not bacterial, but that doesn’t make it any less serious. Many people underestimate how debilitating it can be, and I hope my story helps others recognise the signs and take them seriously.
“I contacted Meningitis Now’s Helpline last week because I was struggling mentally with the after-effects of meningitis, and they were so kind. They referred me to a Community Support Officer and told me about the Believe and Achieve programme, which supports young people aged 11-24 who have been impacted by meningitis. I’m so grateful for everything Meningitis Now do, and how much they’ve helped already."
If you’ve been impacted by meningitis and require support, contact our nurse-led Helpline on 0808 80 10 388, or email helpline@meningitisnow.org.
To learn more about our Believe & Achieve programme click here.
