Meningitis

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I see there's no specific thread for this. I'm feeling panicky right now as I've just had a call from my terrified partner - his mum's been rushed into intensive care with suspected meningitis.

We were at her house visiting last night - she was in bed thinking she had the flu. Now she's wired up to drips and monitors.

I can't really leave work, he's gone up to the hospital with his family just now and he's coming back to get me when I finish.

Please gimme hope, I'm thinking all sorts of bad things here.

― Rumpie (lil drummer girl parumpumpumpu), Tuesday, 10 January 2006 15:15 (twenty years ago)

I don't really know a great deal about it I'm afraid, but I do hope all is well with your partner's mum. Is there really no chance you can't leave work to go to the hospital?

― Panther Pink (Pinkpanther), Tuesday, 10 January 2006 15:21 (twenty years ago)

Viral or bacterial? The viral is not as serious, but the bacterial responds to antibiotics, so she's in the right place. Trouble happens when bacterial is misdiagnosed and the person is sent home. That's not happening, so, good.

― Beth Parker (Beth Parker), Tuesday, 10 January 2006 15:21 (twenty years ago)

Do you know what kind of meningitis? Viral is unpleasant but doesn't kill often. Bacterial is a bit more serious but also the odds would be very much in her favour.

All best wishes – I hope it turns out ok

Xpost What Beth said

― beanz (beanz), Tuesday, 10 January 2006 15:25 (twenty years ago)

Thanks all.

I don't know what they think it is yet, he got a garbled call from his sister who's on her way up to the ward just now. She doesn't think anybody will be let in to see her just now.

His dad's sent him home to walk and feed the dog! At least it keeps him busy.

― Rumpie (lil drummer girl parumpumpumpu), Tuesday, 10 January 2006 15:45 (twenty years ago)

Well, the doggie's important!

― Beth Parker (Beth Parker), Tuesday, 10 January 2006 15:47 (twenty years ago)

Very true!

Are both types of meningitis contagious? God, when you think of it you think of babies, young people etc.

She was coughing and sneezing the other day, we all were - we've been passing the same cold round the family since november.

― Rumpie (lil drummer girl parumpumpumpu), Tuesday, 10 January 2006 15:50 (twenty years ago)

Apparently the virii and bacteria are bouncing around all over the place. Most people have natural immunity I think, although prolonged contact could weaken it so maybe you'll get given a vaccine or antibiotics depending on the type of meningitis.

― beanz (beanz), Tuesday, 10 January 2006 16:07 (twenty years ago)

I'm so scared at the speed of this disease, one day she's sitting in bed watching Eastenders with a bowl of soup, the next day she's on a monitor? An i.v? It all sounds so serious, and it's so unexpected. Been reading meningitis websites, I'm feeling more hopeful. Just need to stay strong for Mr R.

― Rumpie (lil drummer girl parumpumpumpu), Tuesday, 10 January 2006 16:27 (twenty years ago)

Well, when you get a bad cold or flu or whatever you go from zero to shitty in a few hours, why not meningitis? As you say, don't fret and be there for other half.

― Markelby (Mark C), Tuesday, 10 January 2006 17:02 (twenty years ago)

An IV is really nothing to worry about. It contains a really simple and innocent saline solution that keeps the veins open so the medicine that has to be administered via the same route is taken up quicker.

Monitor: same thing. They have to be prepared for everything, so they monitor way too much initially.

― StanM (StanM), Tuesday, 10 January 2006 17:31 (twenty years ago)

Update?

― StanM (StanM), Wednesday, 11 January 2006 07:47 (twenty years ago)

This is on the bbc website just now actually.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4598542.stm

― Last Of The Famous International Pfunkboys (Kerr), Wednesday, 11 January 2006 07:51 (twenty years ago)

Hey! She's been discharged!

Turns out to be a 'viral infection of the lungs'. They didn't want to take any chances 'cause her temperature was through the roof and she had a rash raging across her chest.

Thank goodness they acted and performed all the necessary tests - chest x-ray, heart, bloods. She's been sent home and told to expect to feel awful for the next 7 to 10 days. No meds, just painkillers.

― Rumpie (lil drummer girl parumpumpumpu), Wednesday, 11 January 2006 09:25 (twenty years ago)

Glad to hear it

― beanz (beanz), Wednesday, 11 January 2006 10:08 (twenty years ago)

Great news Rumpie. Hope she has a speedy recovery.

― Panther Pink (Pinkpanther), Wednesday, 11 January 2006 10:10 (twenty years ago)

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