Friends message board
Our friends and supporters are the driving force behind Meningitis UK and we would not be here today without your support. If you would like to share your experiences of meningitis or leave a message for a supporter of Meningitis UK or our team, please feel free to post a message.
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Name:
Mark Banham
Date: 05 September 2010 Location: Framlingham Message: When I was 14, some idiot burnt my hand with an iron. This, in my mind develop ceptacemia which developed into melingococal cepticemia meningitis, the bacterial version (apologies for the poor spelling). I was at boarding school and a few weeks before the illness really hit, I started going faint, feeling weak and so on. However, I was too shy to see the nurse, which was a giant mistake. In around February or March, the illness really began to take shape. I could not sleep that night and really did not feel the best. When morning came, I went to chapel and while singing a hymn, I felt like fainting. As the next lesson came, we were learning sex ed.. At the end of the lesson, I asked my teacher if I could see the nurse. To this day I am not sure if he was serious, but he did ask if I was smoking pot. I went to the nurse and she simply said that I had the flu and it would go away. By now time was of the essence. I was then told to go back to my boarding house and get my things. This was about a 1/4 mile walk. When I got to the house, I was very very sick, I said that I was throwing up a lung. And then I think I had some headaches and my whole body felt stiff as cardboard. I was being eaten alive by the bacteria. I went back to the sanatorium. They tried to feed me chicken soup. There was no way I would eat that. Way to ill and much too weak. By the time evening came, around 5 or so. I remember it being dark (thank heavens), a doctor came to see me. From here it gets a bit hazy. I remember feeling absolutely dreadful by then and the doctor phoned Ipswich Hospital. My mum and dad came to pick me up as there was not time for an ambulance. We went to the hospital and a doctor there came to greet us. I remember him shaking my hand and putting me in a wheelchair. Then I laid on a hospital bed and they tried to put a mask over my mouth. I was having none of that. I kept taking it off. Then my mum told me to go to sleep. and I did for the next two or three weeks. When I awoke, they were playing something by Radio 4, it was soothing and okay. A week later, I went home by serious demand. The clink clonk of rushing leather shoes was very uncomfortable. I got home and rested for a few weeks and went back to school the following term. I must have been totally gormless as everyone kept telling me how close to death I was and how worried they were. I could not understand this. To me, Meningitis was a cold at best and appendix taken out at worst. The following year, I took my GCSEs and passed 6 out of 8. Maths was the hardest as I kept on and on trying to pass that, but just could not remember any kind of formulae. And the issue of logic was just a joke. The year after that, I did my A' Levels. I did pass them with E's, but scraping. My memory was a serious mess and the frustration from not being able to remember anything was immense. In the end, I passed a degree in Environmental Biology, with a 3rd, due to poor memory and later did an MSc and barely scraped through that. My poor memory is the only after effect, but the frustration of not being able to go to a fancy uni or get a good degree is only mild compared to the thanks I have for being alive. Today, I am now 34 and run a great social enterprise for the benefit of vulnerable adults. I thank those at my school and hospital frequently in my head for the grace of being able to walk with the flowers today. |
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Name:
kelly fensom
Date: 03 September 2010 Location: harwich, essex Message: i would like to just say this site was a great help this week, it has made me ask a lot of questions about when my daughter got strep b meningitus and septaciemia when she was just four months old after she came out of hospital we were told to treat her as normal but that istn so and i now think she has some learning problems from this so i am asking the doctor for advice to see if the meningitus could be the affect.The day she fell ill was horrid she was ok one minute then the next that was it and with in two hours she was limp and very poorly i never been more scared my local hospital was useless but addenbrooks in cambridge are the best and iu thank them for all there help and support. |
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Name:
Andrea Owens
Date: 25 August 2010 Location: London Message: I am so so greatful for all your hard work, my son left hospital today after being rushed in with Bacterial Meningitis week, he has recovered due to the quickness that we caught it. I owe it to your publicity, as I knew the signs to look out for, which saved his life. Thank you |
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sarah johnson
Date: 03 August 2010 Location: Bristol Message: Hi my name is Sarah Johnson I lost my 3 year old son to meningicoccle septicemia on April 13th this year. He was taken from us suddenly after being taken to hospital with drowsiness and a temperature. I never imagined it would be a form of meningitis as no rash was present at this time. with in hours his body was covered in the rash and the diagnosis was made he was given antibiotics as soon as he arrived at hospital just in case it was meningitis. We then had to make the awful decision to turn the life supprt off as this was what was keeping him alive. The rash was so severe that the likelehoods of limb loss was great we then had the blow that his brain had been damaged. Meningitis uk have been great and we pulled together as a family and friends focusing on raising awareness and as much fund raisisng as we were mentally able whilst this tragedy was raw in peoples minds. Nothing i feel would have saved my ry ry except the use of a vaccine a preventative and this is why we have focussed our energy with meningitis uk. if any person needs help or support a person to talk to don't hesitate to get in contact. Meningitis uk have my details. Thankyou to those parents whom have left messages on Ryans forever fund greatly appreciated. You can always use this as a way of contact as we go on his forever fund regularly as people have used this as a way of comfort and expressing their thoughts about our loss. |
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Name:
sylvia lewis
Date: 23 July 2010 Location: london Message: i was interested to read an article today in the "mercury" which is our local paper in abbey wood .It stated the after affects of viral meningitis years on.I myself had this about 15 years ago and since this time have suffered migranes difficulty swallowing exhaustion pains in my muscles and have been told i now have fibromyalgia Within the last 6 months i have now developed ringing in the left ear and most of my symptoms are on the left hand side i am interested to know if this is all to do with the viral meningitis i had be glad for some inpit sylvie |
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jane richardson
Date: 02 July 2010 Location: leicester Message: my daughter is ill in hospital as i write this she is very poorly they have done a lumber puncture and said it looks like shes got viral meningitis. she is 15 and in alot of pain at the moment shes been in hospital for 3 days being stuffed full of anti biotics and pain killers they cannot control her temperture and she is very tired i take comfort from some of the stories that ive read but it sounds like shes got a long hard road ahead. |
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Name:
Corrie Thomason
Date: 09 June 2010 Location: Bury Manchester Message: I lost my son to Meningitis 13th October 2009 aged 3 half months old and looking at your website has made me realise i am not alone. i will do everything to help raise awareness and money to help xxx keep up the Great job xx |
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Name:
Thaya Krishnakumar
Date: 07 June 2010 Location: London Message: Hi,I would like to be put in contact with Ella Funnell's family. We lost our newborn son Harish on 1st August 2009 due to late onset causing Severe Meningitis and Sepsis. Our sn was only 12 days old. We miss him a lot. I would like to share my feeling and confort Ella's parents as we truely believe that no one else can understand what we had been through. |
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Name:
Bindu Cardoza
Date: 30 May 2010 Location: Cardiff Message: Whilst walking along Queen Street last Friday I met a chap who was collecting for this charity. I was inspired by what he has to say as I too had meningitis but was lucky and survived. Since Cardiff is now my home I too would like to volunteer and raise awareness about meningitis. Keep up the great work! |
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Name:
diane lockley
Date: 19 May 2010 Location: derby uk Message: i lost my son to meningits his name was craig he was only 4. i would like to help anyone goin though a rough time. if u wanto get in torch from diane. |
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Name:
Akaash Din
Date: 13 March 2010 Location: Luton Message: Thank Allah that he's still alive. i Hope all the best for him. Thank allah that he stayed alive and inshallah has a successfull and happy life. |
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Name:
Chelsea Parker
Date: 11 March 2010 Location: Botlon Message: I am doing a project on meningitis at college and was searching for case studies which i thought would be useful to use. This story was the on ei choose to use as she overcome it thank fully as it is an awful eperience. Thanks for sharing your story xx |
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Name:
Julie Mills
Date: 25 February 2010 Location: Swindon Message: Please can someone let me know.I was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis in April 2004.I was at work and said that night I was not feeling well.After seeing 3 GPs I was too ill to go to the surgery so the doctor came to me.I was sent to hospital by ambulance as I could not work due to the pain and my no feeling in my left leg.The pain was horrific.After spending 2 weeks in hospital and three lumber punctors I was then moved to John Radcliffe in Oxford.After 2 months in hospital I was sent home with a pic line in to have my dailoy antibiotic.After nine months I went back to work and even though some days I battle with pain in my back.I still have ongoing mri scans due to the fact they found an abcess on my lower spine.During all my test they also said I had a hole in my heart but not to worry. it is now almost 2 years later and lately I have not been feeling too good.My back pain sometimnes is awful and I am getting frequent severe headaches.My local GP has been wonderful but I am very nervous of getting this back again as why somedays do I feel really bad with pain and headaches specially these last few weeks.They have cut my hours at work to try get me better but I feel lijke I dont want to complain as its difficult.I am having a mri next week again to check the spinal abcess but nerver seem to get an answer from them.I do not ever want to go through this again and I am taking painkillers every day at the moment.Please can some one tell me why I am not feeling a 100% yet or will I never.I am getting pins and needles in my left leg at the moment.I sleep very badly so am exhausted at work the next day.Am I making this worse or should it be gone by now.I know I am very fortunate to be alive but concerned that nearly two years later im suffering. Please can someone let me now what to do. Thank you |
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Name:
Sam Hamdieh
Date: 13 February 2010 Location: Bristol Message: I caught meningitis for the first time at my first year of university. Not many students realise the dangers for us but after being found unconscious for 12 hours i was rushed to hospital. Doctors told my parents that i only had a 40% chance of living. 2 weeks in a coma left my family broken. But when i finally woke up i began my 2 month road to recovery. Unfortunately a stroke in the left side of my brain meant that i lost hearing in my right ear, but when i look at how much worse it could have been, i thank God everyday. A year later i caught it again but managed to spot the symptons and get myself to hospital in time. But i will never forget what happened to me in December 06. The memory of my meningitis experience will live forever, but i recognise the positive side of what happened. Being ill bought me closer to my family in a way i could have never thought possible and now i love the second chance i've been given and intend not to let it pass. |
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Name:
Sam Denney
Date: 31 January 2010 Location: Taunton Message: I have already left a little message on here, but felt i needed to add to my story. It might help others going through the same thing! I lost my little sister at the age of 17 on 5th January from Meningitus, although we were never told what type it was. My sister was ill on Sunday night with an ear ache, but she had suffered from these since she was born, so it was nothing uncommon. She woke up at 1am and was sick, but still ok, more concerned that she had not quite made it to the toilet. Once everything had been cleared up, she went to sleep on the top bunk bed. 5am the same morning Mum had got up for work and went in to check on her and found her none responsive and throwing herself about. An ambulance was called and it took 6 men to get her to the ambulance! She was rushed to hospital and sedated into a coma, she had CAT scan and MRI scan which found something on her brain, later became clear that it was Meningitus. She was then taken off sadation, but still did not come round. She was in ICU with breathing equipment on, but still no response. The family was called down there about 10pm to be told there was nothing they could do for her. She was then pronaunced brain dead Tuesday morning! She became an organ donor, and helped 8 people, including a 5 month old baby girl and an year old boy. We know that she is still with us and even now, i still do not believe it. I am now an only child and feel so alone. Although i have just found out that i am pregnant, and due on what would be my little sisters 18th birthday?!! |
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Name:
Kimberlyn Dela Cruz
Date: 27 January 2010 Location: Epsom, Surrey Message: I lost my 9 month old baby boy to pneumococcal meningitis on New Years Eve 2009. He was poorly from Xmas day and we put it down to teething or maybe just a winter cold. He was still his normal self over xmas and boxing day, just very tired and cuddly. On the 27th we decided to take him to the emergency doctors called Thames Doc. Went to Thames Doc and we were told he had an ear infection, given antibiotics and told to give him nurofen and capol on a regular basis for the pain. Later that afternoon he was throwing up the anitbiotics and not really having his feed, so I phoned the Thames Doc back and they said he may just be having a bad reaction to them as sometimes it can make things worse rather than better, so keep him off them for 24hrs. The next day his was still unwell, but laughing in the morning when we were trying to cheer him up. Left him through the day as suggested, he was abit drowsey but I put that down to all the nurofen and capol we were giving him. On the 29th about 6pm he wasn't getting much better so we took him to our GP who checked him over, soft spot included, looked in his ear and agreed that he had an ear infection and that he was a little bit dehydrated. So we were sent home and told to give him bits of water. But later that night we couldn't hold off anymore and went to A&E. Soon as he was seen he was rushed away and everything happened so fast, questions and questions were being asked, we were even told that he may have a small absyss in his brain! After a while they told us that he was being transferred to Kings College hospital and had to wait for ambulance. This is when they told us how serious his condition was, but we still didn't know what it was. When the ambulance came it was a good hour before we left, but the doctor told us again how serious the situation was, and this scared us to death, not knowing what could be wrong. We arrived at Kings and was all a blur, they told us to wait until he was settle etc etc. It wasn't until the next morning til we saw him, lying there with tubes everywhere, machines bleeping....it wasn't later that day that they told us that it may be pneumococcal meningitis and that he was no longer breathing by himself and that they were going to do the brain stem test the next day. I have never felt so helpless and so to blame for what had happened to my little boy and couldn't believe all this was happening. When they explain what happens in the brain test, I knew straight away that he had already failed, as they had been doing some of these tests constantly thorughout the day. New years eve came and they started the test at 15:35, the most scariest moment of my life, he failed, no response, no nothing. He had left us. I just mainly writing this to let everyone know that meningitis isn't just a rash, there are so many other symtoms from as little as an ear infection. We were lucky to have a long goodbye with Joel as we were donating his organs so we spent 3 days with him in hospital. But the only comfort I have at the moment is knowing that he saved three lives, a 2 month old baby, a 20 year old woman and a 7 month old. So I guess my baby was here to be hero, he was aslo a rare blood type, and they said that he may not even be able to donate. And I know alot of people frown upon donating especially when it's a baby, but if someone could save my baby's life, I'd expect them to do it for him. Rest In Peace my little angel, I love you more than anything and I can only wish that we will meet again xxxxxxxxxx |
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Name:
S Denney
Date: 17 January 2010 Location: Taunton, Somerset Message: I lost my little sister at the age of 17 to Meningitus just over a week ago. I felt that i needed to write a message as she had a symptom that never seems to be mentioned with regards to Meningitus. She had had an ear infection and it later crept into her brain and 12 hours after being taken to hopsital, & only 24 hours after feeling ill, she died. The doctors said that she had enkefalitus and Meningitus. |
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Name:
Elizabeth Eales
Date: 09 January 2010 Location: Brent Knoll Somerset Message: My name is Liz and I have been a Carer/Mother for my Daughter Charlotte since she contracted Pneumococcal Meningitis at the age of 13 months old. Because of the lack of urgency and doctors belief of what I was trying to tell him as well as the lack of care she received on her first admission to Hospital she did not make a full recovery, so just over 2 weeks later and many many calls to my GP as well as the hospital she was readmitted with Septicemia, Gangrene and a recurrence of the same strain of meningitis. After a lot of hospital messing around and being told that she was going to die she was transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. We was originally told that she would have to have complete limb amputation but thankfully because of a very specialist Dr intervention and 5 days of plasma exchange she started to recover. She had been through near organ failure and terrible pain, lost finger tips and toes but she survived. Charlotte's Journey has been long and looking back at all the things she has been through since her recovery is hard. The hearing loss alone has been a challenge because emotions at times have been hard to endure. There has been times that I have found it hard to cope. Three years after the Meningitis we found out that her bone growth had been affected and she endured yet more surgery and terrible pain, that has lasted right up to present day. Charlotte is now nearly 19 years old. With many lasting problems, which include severe depression. I have a more detailed experience but am not allowed to publish this at the present time. Thank you for taking the care to read this. Liz (Charlottes Mum) |
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Name:
Elaine Wells
Date: 01 January 2010 Location: Romford Essex. Message: Please could you post this to Personal Stories Thank you. Aaliyah Wells, Was born on the 17th june 2005 at Harold Wood Hospital in Essex, we were all overwhelmed to have this lovely baby who grew into a beautiful little girl. When she was born the doctors never noticed she was born without a hip we noticed when she was starting to try to walk, doctors told us maybe it was because she had one leg longer than the other, they would have to correct it as she grew older. Aaliyah was a gentle little girl always so sweet. She loved her mum and two sisters Georgia and Summer also her little brother Ronnie. She was very loving and at the age of 4 she was very smart for her age, she said "When she gets older she wanted to be a carer." After numerous visits to doctors and hospitals due to pain in her leg they did an X-ray it was then discovered to everyones suprise she had no hip and her body had grown an extra bone to try to connect itself so an operation was booked at Stanmore Hospital for them to make her one. By now she was in a wheelchair due to pain and tiredness and could only walk with a limp. She enjoyed school and made alot of friends who were willing to help her when she needed it. After her operation she was confined to bed and wheelchair for many hours but she never complained, she was always jolly. Her friends would visit her, sometimes a bed was made outside in the garden with all of them around her. She was a little fighter and pushed herself to learn to crawl then walk again she was very brave. Aaliyah always listened to what you were saying and learnt alot from us all. She loved drawing and was becoming an excellent little artist. She was a girly girl and loved all the dressing up and would often dress up in old clothes and sometimes Summer's or Georgia's clothes! We think she was training to be a hair dresser because she cut Summer's hair off while they were playing! She also loved singing and dancing and to get on the dance floor just like her mum! Aaliyah had a rare quality for a 4 year old, she made sure she spent individual time with everyone, she had a very good sense of humour and shared jokes and had nick names for everyone. She made us laugh when she came home from the circus and told everyone she saw the horse's with their pyjamas on (talking about the Zebra's) Aaliyah was very homely loved cuddles and her dummy! Although at school she would hide it in her pocket before she went in and would want it first thing when school was finished! She loved it when her mum picked her up from school when she was going half a day and going with her mum and her friends for a pub lunch, she would say " well if no one wants to go, just me and you go mum!! Aaliyah had just started back to school full time and was walking really well on Friday 13 Nov 09 she attended a wedding where she danced and was enjoying herself. On the 14 Nov 09 at around 12 noon she started complaining of a headache then she was sick and a temperture we gave her medicine and a cold flannel on her head we thought she was coming down with the flu, she had no rash. She was sleeping alot but we thought children do when they are ill at around 8pm we tried to wake her but she was not responding we rushed her to hospital, she deteriorated in the night and was then taken to a special unit at St Mary's paddington where she was put on life support but sadly on the Monday 16 Nov 09 was pronounced brain dead and the life support was switched off. There are so many little things we could say and wonderful memories. Aaliyah you were a light in our life that has gone out, you were our little princess, we promise that not a day will go by without us thinking of you, you will always be with us in our hearts, you know how much you were loved because we always told you. Rest in peace our little Angel. God Bless. xxxx |
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Name:
Mike Mullen
Date: 17 December 2009 Location: Leeds Message: It seem's barely a year-ago since my encounter with Pneumococil Meningitis. On Dec 20, 2008, I awoke at 0730 to say goodbye to my wife as she went to work. By 0930 I awoke in a disorientated state unable to speak or move. My 9 year old son, Toby, realised the urgency of my condition and immediately called the Ambulance Service. I was transferred to St James Hospital, Leeds to A&E. Once there, I under went a series of tests and by 6pm a diagnosis had been made a decision was made to put me into a Coma in order to calm me as I was in an agigtated state. I remember none of this day - I peice it together from Toby, Justine (my wife) and family friends. I remain in an induced coma until Christmas Day when I am awoekn to see Toby saying "Hello Dad". The Greatest Christmas present I have ever received. I was on ICU for 6 days and then a further 8 days in an isolation ward recovering with intravenios anti-biotics every 4 hours. I am grateful to all the medical proffessional involved in my care, my wife and especialluy to Toby for acting so fast to save my life. Thanks to everyone. |
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Jessica Gibson
Date: 27 November 2009 Location: Reigate, surrey Message: I came out of hospital a week ago after having viral meningitis... I am recovering at home and often feel lonely! I felt this site today and though I would say hello... give hope to some people... and see if there is anyone else recovering! Jess (aged 19) |
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Name:
Ruth Saxton
Date: 26 October 2009 Location: Oxford Message: I am still recovering from contracting bacterial meningitis at the end of June 2009. I had suffered some problems with my ear prior to becoming ill but nothing that lead me to belive I could sucumb to such an awful illnes. I woke up one day with awful earache, headache and being sick. Later in the evening my husband noticed my left eye had shut and the left hand side of my face had dropped and my speech was slurred. Fearing I had suffered a stroke, he rushed me to hospital only to be told I had bacterial mengingitis and mastoiditis. I was in hospital for 2 weeks on intravenous antibiotics and, although my eye is now open, my sight is somewhat blurred and I am still undergoing tests with the ENT specialists as I have a defect in my skull and they fear I may have had a CSF leak which means I could come down with meningitis again. I try not to dwell on this and am eternally grateful to the quick actions of my husband and family and the hospital staff for saving my life.I am still here but my heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones through this terrible illness. I am aiming to help support Meningitis UK and am currently looking at ways to raise money and support others who have suffered through this. |
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Name:
Andrew Kaar
Date: 09 October 2009 Location: Manchester Message: I lost my girlfriend Alison to meningoccocal meningitis & scepticaemia three years ago. She'd felt unwell with flu like symptoms and called the paramedics when she took a turn for the worse. We were told it was highly unlikely she'd make it through the night. I'd seen the colour of her legs under the heat blanket they'd put on her and understood the true gravity of the situation. She pulled through that first night and manage to claw her way towards recovery only to succomb to infection three months later which she couldn't recover from. The feeling of loss and injustice can be overwhelming at times and my heart goes out to anyone else who is so very unfortunate to be affected by this disease. |
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Nicola Wright-Pender
Date: 25 August 2009 Location: Galway Ireland Message: I need a little reassurance today! I first had the life-threatening version of this illness when i was 15 years old. I recovered with a little deafness in one ear as my only scar..Great, so you cant get it again _ not so. In 2006 aged 39 I recognised that feeling and yes got the same strength again-well I know that I must have a few lives because I am still here. This time my hearing is very bad almost totally gone in one ear and about 40% gone in the other, but I wont have this confirmed-what I dont know for certain isn't there-Ostrich..But today I have an awful pain in the back of my head, you know the spot and I am scared so please anyone just tell me that I am being riduculous. Excuse spelling but I am a little freaked out today... |
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Name:
Peter Holness
Date: 15 August 2009 Location: Cornwall Message: My daughter had this terrable disease in Feb this year and is slowly recovering. The thing is that can anybody contact me about the after effects and how long they last as there seems no aftercare help available. You can contact me on peterholness@hotmail.co.uk |
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Name:
Rose Sutcliffe
Date: 06 June 2009 Location: London Message: My brother died of meningococcal septacemia in 1992. My mother did an enormous amount of charity work at the time and was heavily involved in the Ralph Sutcliffe Meningitis Foundation, founded in his name. She no longer plays any role in the running of the charity but I know that to all those who support this charity you are changing lives. I was badly affected by the death of my brother, as although i was young, it tore my family apart for what felt like years and the world had collapsed around my parents. This is completely understandable. For those who are coping with grieving for a child, I know my mum found that charity fundraising was almost like a pain-killer . For me, the death of my brother will always be with me, especially this summer when he turns 18 this month. It is something that will never get easier but I will learn to carry it with grace and strength. |
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Name:
Cathy Rae
Date: 02 April 2009 Location: Belfast Message: Several weeks ago I felt unwell and tired. I spoke with my GP who said it was nothing really, he couldent find anything.The follwing day which was Saturday I felt ok and planned a trip to the movies- which never happened. around 5 pm I think I started to become very cold, extremley cold especially my hands and feet and my legs were uncomfortable-nearly painful.I wrapped up lots and waited 2 hours, in the end I was running to the bathroom and was finding it hard to walk. Mum took me straight to out of hours doctor-she gave me two shots in both legs of penicillen.I actually was roasting so had a high tempeture and by this stage couldent walk.I was rushed to another hospital by ambulance.I cant remember it all, just blocks of it.I was in emergency and had oxygen and needles.I was put in a room on my own and they treated it as bacterial.I couldent look at light or move my neck.I had terrible pain in my head and felt confused, the loosing the power to walk was frightening but The doctors and nurses were amazing to me.I didnt stay my whole time in hospitail as it was viral meningitis and I wanted home but I can walk again-its seven weeks on I am tired a lot and have pain and IBS symptons and I find my mood is up and down.Ive left college for now but who knows it could have been far worse.Always go to the doctors early,you know yourself how ill you are but sometimes sadly this isent enough.I beleive I am very lucky and I also want to state I had no rash whatsoever- dont wait for a rash. It can develop later in others and sometimes not at all. |
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Name:
Julie West
Date: 04 March 2009 Location: Billericay, Essex Message: On the 12th December 2008 my 10 week old baby son Ethan was taken ill, after a fight to see my GP and my insistence that we were to be referred to the local hospital he was diagnosed with Strep Pneumococcal meningitis. Quite frankly the bottom fell out of our world. However the staff in Puffin ward at Basildon Hospital were outstanding and worked so hard at saving his tiny life - AND THEY DID. A combination of trusting my mothers instinct and not letting a locum GP fob me off and the eagle eye of the sister in charge on the night he was admitted meant that his life was saved. So far he is doing well - he was only 10 weeks old so very hard to check for brain damage BUT so far so good. He has just had the all clear that his hearing wasnt damaged (thanks to the Drs giving him steroids as soon as they got the first lumbar results confirming meningitis)and he is gibbering away and trying to sit up. All things that I honestly didnt think we would get to see. All I can say to you fellow parents is trust yourself, no one knows your child like you do and also thanks to a wonderful team of NHS staff in the Puffin Ward at Basildon Hospital in Essex. WE OWE YOU ONE ! |
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Name:
Sue Rainger
Date: 26 February 2009 Location: Barnsley Message: I caught Bacterial Meningitus causing a blood clot on brain and stroke last May was in a coma for a week and survived when all was expecting the worst, my balance hearing and sight have been affected.Then being diagnosed with clinical depression. It took me a long time to accept what had happened having been an able bodied person always on the go, looking after others in the community,through my job as support worker ,finding that I was now having to be supported, it didnt seem right in my eyes, I was in complete denial , which is all part and parcel of my healing process. To survive is miraculous in itself having gained strength from this I can now go forward with my life. love and light Sue |
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Name:
Lesley Grugel
Date: 20 February 2009 Location: Liverpool Message: I lost my dad to pnumococcal meningitis on 22nd december 2008. He was 58 yrs old. He had flu like symptoms...no rash...he complained of a terrible headache on the day his meningitis manifested itself, within a few hrs he was in a coma and was pronounced brain stem dead the next day. I am heartbroken....before this happened i associated meningitis with children and always thought that people would have the rash, i now know better. I also now have a paranoia that if i knew someone else with it, would i spot the signs of meningitis? |
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Name:
louise denny
Date: 20 February 2009 Location: salisbury Message: Our son was 3 weeks old when he became ill although he had none of the normal signs or symptoms I just knew something was wrong. I took him to our GP who took one look at him in the waiting area and called an ambulance to take us straight away, I called my partner at home and he met us there. It sounds mad but they tell you constantly to look for the signs but it was the last thing id thought they would say. He was in hospital for 6 weeks but mad a full recovery with no lasting effects, he's 7 this year and we are proud of him always. |
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Name:
Arthur Ellis
Date: 02 February 2009 Location: Southbrough Message: At the age of 59, in Jan 2006 i had bacterial meningitus. After having intense pressure in the forehead, at the weekend. I went to the Doctors and fell into the surgery. Apparently he diagnoised this as either a brain spasum of meningitus. In ended up in intensive care atKent and Sussex hospital. I was beginging to shut down my functions. My family were told to expect the worst, but i survived. I lost my sight and my hearing i had to learn to walk again after losing my balance. After 9 months in various hospitals including 3 months at neuro rehab i went home. With care and surport from Kent Association for the Blind and BNA carers, it is unlikely that i will regain my sight but i have in other ways made slow and steady recovery. During rehab i developed hallucinations i discovered from the consultants and the KAB that this was Charles Bonnet syndrome and was to be expected. A tablet a day has reduced these images. I am half way through learning Braille, and continue to produce art work. At present i have an exhibition of my art work at Tunbridge Wells libarary. This is mostly pre sight loss art work, in the autumn i will be having another exhibition, mostly of sightloss art work. The success of the presant exhibition has given me great incentive for the next. My day time carer helps me in many ways mainly going for walks and regaining my balance. I woild be interested in others who have incounted sight loss and how they have dealt with this. Best wishes Arthur Ellis |
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Name:
Pauline Grime
Date: 30 January 2009 Location: Shropshire Message: My daughter, Eliza, had pneumococcal meningitis and septicaemia in Nov 2007, and has made a reasonable recovery, although not without some problems. My heart goes out to all of you that have lost a child to meningitis, but lets just remember, that some cases are not fatal. The problems afterwards are very long term though, possibly permanent. A year on we are still facing a lot of tests and uncertainty. |
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Name:
chelsea bell
Date: 27 January 2009 Location: manchester Message: I myself have been through the horrible trauma of losing a child to this horrible desease.My darling daughter Lexie passed away on 16th april just 3 days before her first birthday unlike most cases lexie was only poorley for a matter of hours before her little body couldnt take nomore.I was woke up by lexie heavy breathing in the middle of the night it scared me so i turned the light on to see her to my horror lexie was covered in the rash everywhere and looked so helpless with no life in her i was hysterical screaming woke my mum up she was also hyterical it was like a huge nightmare my mum phoned an ambulance and we went to the hospital they did everything they could to save her nut her body just shut down...oh my god the pain was so severe i wanted to die myself i kept lexie in my arms for the next 17 hours at the hospital untill the funeral directors was open and ready to collect her as i wouldnt let her go to the morgue my heart was aching like mad it was the worst thing ever.When the car arrived to pick lexie up i screamed n screamed its was unbearable handing her over to a funeral director.Its been nearly 2years this april and i miss my little lexie more and more everyday i really hate not having her here but at the same time in so gratefull to have had her for the time i did.I feel for all you greiving parents its soooooo painful.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx |
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Name:
Kate Rowland
Date: 26 January 2009 Location: Meningitis UK - Bristol Message: Hi Rachel It is heartening to hear about the walk you are planning to raise awareness of meningitis. I'm so glad that your daughter survived. You may be interested to know that in October our marathon walk from Morecombe to Bognor will pass near to where you live on Saturday 17th Oct. If you are interested in joining us, we would love to see you and would be only too happy to send you some information: katerowland@meningitisUK.org Best of luck with your walk. Kate |
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Name:
Rachel Boulahri
Date: 24 January 2009 Location: Gosport, Hampshire, UK Message: My daughter survived meningococcal septicaemia in last month,she had to be resusitated and spent 5 days in ICU Southampton. I'm walking 20 miles in May to raise money for the PICU where she was treated.Tho the money riased will go to the south of englands leading PICU centre, the aim of the walk is to raise awareness, we already have about 50 people signed up to walk with us and we'll be distributing flyers, posters and info cards about meningitis and septicaemia along the way. Im so lucky my baby survived - im gutted that i didnt really know anything about meningitis b4 my own caught it.im concerned there are many other people out there that dont realise the horrific realities about this awful disease. |
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Name:
rachael downes
Date: 16 January 2009 Location: bristol Message: my baby daughter was 3 months old when she started to show signs of not being well she is my 4th baby thought she was just teething had taken her to doctors they said she was ok,on the 28th dec 08 i took her to the out of hrs doctors who sent her to bristol children's hospital who diagnosed ashlee with pneumococcal meningitus she was really sick i was so scared she wasnt going to pull thru,they put her straight on anti biotics and she seemed to respond to the treatment after a few days then on 31st dec she had a huge fit lasting 2hrs. she is still poorly now she was allowed home last tuesday and is waiting 4 some more tests. the doctors explained her illness to me a couple of days ago altho children have the pneumoccal vaccinations the form ashlee has isnt covered by it as it is a very rare form 1 in a million chance they told me and my baby has it. i dont really know how people cope with it when there child is so sick i feel empty and worried now and dont know what to do im just very thankful to the doctors and nurses who have looked after my beautiful baby. |
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Name:
Anne Flynn
Date: 08 January 2009 Location: United Kingdom Message: My niece Lacey died on 30 December 2008. The speed with which she was taken from us has stunned everyone. Her parents, who are only young themselves took her to hospital as soon as they realised she was ill. They did everything they could and should have done but it was not to be. The waiting for the funeral is heartbreaking as it will not be until Monday 12 January 2009 which is almost 2 weeks after her death. She is still within the chapel of rest at the hospital as her parents can't bear to think of her lying in a funeral parlour. The pain of losing someone so loved and so young is indescribable. Lacey has a big sister Kayla who is 2 1/2 but she doesn't understand that Lacey is gone, hopefully as she gets older we can keep acey's memory alive by always talking about her. We love you more than life itself Lacey and know you will always be with us. Night night princess. xxx |
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Name:
joyce o'hara
Date: 12 December 2008 Location: United Kingdom Message: My 24yr old daughter who is 36 wks pregnant is in hospital with Meningococcal Septecemia. OnSunday morning she woke with severe pain & swelling in her ankle & calf. After waiting hours in A&E she was admitted to a ward with suspected DVT & Chicken Pox. Next day the consultant who visited her put her on antibiotics immediately. Thank goodness this man knew straight away what the problem was. She is now recovering well & her baby (due 09/01/09) is ok at the moment. Tests will be carried out on the baby after birth to make sure. It has made me realise what we could have lost & we're just thankful to the doctor for his quick actions, & looking forward to the birth of our grandaughter. Joyce ( Aysha's Mom) |
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Name:
Anacleto Capetta
Date: 21 November 2008 Location: Brighton Message: Our son Federico was born on 18/11/08 at 9pm. He has problem breathing and has also meningitis. We don't know how long before the caesarian (He had to be taken out 3 weeks earlier of my wife belly cause was not moving at all). The baby is still in intensive care and we are desperate. We feel terrible and we fear for the worst. We don't know what to do. This is killing us. I truly hope that this beautiful little angel will make it. |
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Name:
Claire Heller
Date: 18 November 2008 Location: Newbury Message: We returned home from hospital with our 15 month old son yesterday after a 3 night inpatient stay. Ethan became unwell last Friday and what i think my husband and I are struggling with the most is that his symptoms were not 'typically meningitis-like'. He had a fever and a blanching-rash but was otherwise ok, so we thought he was coming down with a virus. Suddenly in the afternoon his lips appeared blue and his hands and feet were freezing. I am so grateful to my husband who took Ethan straight to the GPs as I was at work that day. The GP referred Ethan up to the hospital, by which time parts of his rash had changed to become non-blanching under pressure and his temp had risen to 39.7. He was diagnosed with Meningoccocal Meningitis & started on treatment. I am so thankful that he is progressing well and improving every day. We have to go to the hospital daily for the next week for IV antibiotics but we are happy to do anything to see the back of this dreadful and terrifying illness. We are so blessed to have caught it early and our hearts go out to anyone who has lost a loved one to meningitis. |
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Name:
rachael giles
Date: 05 November 2008 Location: croydon Message: i am writing today as it is my sister rebecca giles 26th birthday, who is no longer with as due to death of meningitis on the 19th oct 1998. i would like to thank everyone who has raised money for meningitas. i am also taking part in a paracute jump next year as i have always promised i would do something in memory of becky my big sis. times are still hard especilly days like today. It is great comfort to know that so many people are helping to raise funds and give support. its great to know that people do care. many thanks rachael x |
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Name:
Shelley Renzow
Date: 23 October 2008 Location: Milton Keynes Message: My son one of a twin was born with his sister 9 weeks early.At 5 weeks he became ill.Went grey, mottled and callapsed in my arms,he was D Sating-Low Oxygen and heart rate etc. I knew it was Meninigits when he gave out a shrill cry I had never heard in my life.The doctor wasn't concerned but the following morning the night staff rushed him into ICU. He remained critical for 3 days and in High dependancy for a week. He had GBS strep B meningitis and Pneumonia. He and is sister are 10 months, he is doing well, has moderate hydrocephalus but we are grateful for everyday we have him. We are blessed. My heart goes out to all those of you that have lost children and friends to this disease.We were shocked how quick it took hold but we were one of the lucky ones. |
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Name:
nicola lyon
Date: 20 October 2008 Location: haydock merseyside Message: my 2 yr old daughter has meningitis meningoccocal strain. If it wasnt for my my insistence at the hospital that she was really poorly she could of died. From 6.30pm on tue 14th october to 11.30pm the same night she went from flu like symptoms to being unconcious and critically ill.Im so lucky to still have her even though she is still poorly we are excpecting her to make a good recovery she is now on the hospital at home scheme. Why did 2 doctors miss this illness and why were we left waiting so long in a and e till she went unconcious!!! Id love to help with fund raising and awareness please dont hesitate to contact me. nikki.lyon@hotmail.co.uk |
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Name:
nicola flynn
Date: 12 October 2008 Location: east yorkshire Message: im one of the lucky ones, my daughter who at the time was 10 months contracted meningitis b but luckily after 16 gruelling days in hospital and being told to prepare for the worst, is now a bright and lively 11 year old! i struggled with doctors up until her diagnosis being brushed off saying it was a simplr tummy bug etc. i dont understand why doctors dont assume the worse im sure many lives would be saved if they did and there wouldnt be so many people leaving their tragic stories of loss on here.my heart goes out to you all i thank my lucky stars we were so lucky. so for any g.ps reading this please please please think the worst and then be happy you were over reacting instead of the other way round! |
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Name:
Lisa Sanders
Date: 13 September 2008 Location: Hertfordshire, England Message: The stories I have read on here today have had me in tears - my heart goes out to all of those that have lost someone to this terrible disease. My daughter (now 4) had pneumococcal meningitis (and mild septicaemia) in March 2007, she was 2 and a half. As in so many cases it took ages to diagnose - Weds morning gp said viral ear infection, she'll fight it herself. We were discharged from hospital in the early hours of Friday morning with antibiotics for suspected tonsillitis (despite having not been able to look in her mouth!!). I then found her barely concsious and fitting at 10am later that morning. Again when we got to hospital they dismissed it as febrile convulsions but did blood tests anyway. She wasn't given a lumbar puncture until Saturday lunnchtime and antibiotics not given until 6pm Saturday evening. She ended up in PICU at a hospital in London and ended up with a total of 3 weeks in hospital. How she survived I will truely never know. Even more amazingly having been told of the great chance of brain damage the only thing she has suffered is severe hearing loss on one side. Every day I realise just how lucky we are. Lisa x |
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Name:
Lynn Lloyd
Date: 09 September 2008 Location: United Kingdom Message: At the age of 16 I contracted Bacterial Meningitus. I was in a coma for three weeks and had numerous lumbar punctures and antibiotics administered to help me.I went home to rest for six months before I was even allowed outside because I was left deaf in one ear. I was one of the lucky ones my heart goes out to all of you who have lost someone to this. I am now a healthy and happy fifty four year old woman. So maybe there is hope out there.xxx |
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Name:
carley malin
Date: 27 August 2008 Location: newtownabbey Message: BIG thanx 2 every1 thats been raising money 4 our Track 4 Zach walk this saturday, thenthe social/fundraising eveing in Maloneys Bar that night, can't wait to count it all up....shud b lots n lots guys!! THANX again, Carley xxxxxxxxxx |
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Name:
monica canalias
Date: 24 August 2008 Location: suffolk, uk Message: My son Noah was born on the 21/07/08, and everything was fine.. on the 24th of july i took him to the health visitor as he seemed sleepy, and was told to undressed him for feeds as it was a very hot day, on the 25 th july he still seemed too sleepy so my hubby said to take him to see the doctor, but i just said to take him to hospital, as i had a funny feeling. As soon as we got there he was put on 4 antibiotics, just in case, after various attemps of lumbar punctures they found out that he had meningitis, but because the samples taken had blood on it, they couldn't tell us wich type!!! I couldn't believe it as he had no other symptoms... after 2 wks in hospital he was allowed home. H e still has a blood clot in the brain wich doctors not sure if it was due 2 meningitis or was there before. He's nearly 5 wks old and doing well at the moment. We won't know what damage , if any has suffered as he's so young!!! But he'll have to have loads of tests to check he's development. We are so glad that he's alive... my heart goes to everyone who has lost a family member or a friend to this horrendous illness, and i really hope that a vaccination is found very soon. X |
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Name:
Richard Mooney
Date: 15 August 2008 Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA Message: I became suddenly very ill with fever, pseudomonas septicemia, acute renal failure, urinary tract infection, leg cellulitis, hyposmolality, cystic kidney, disease, hypotension, sepsis, and congenital atrial fibrillation all at age 78 approx. 1 month ago. 23 antibiotics were pushed around the clock and the right-sided heart failure finally stabalized and I turned I finally came out of oit but do I assume I also had Menigitis? If not, why not? |
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Name:
carley malin
Date: 05 August 2008 Location: newtownabbey Message: Hi every1, just wanted 2 leave a wee msg & thanx 2 all at Meningitis UK that hav been there 4 Darren & myself of late. We lost our little boy Zach in March, aged 6 months & 10 days & it's stil like a really bad dream, we r doin a bit of fundraising at the min, all I'd luv 2 do is raise awareness, if only I'd known are words I use almost every day! Anyway, thanx again & if ur thinkin of donating.....plz do.....it's such a good cause, don't get me wrong, I'd prob never have bothered until Zach was taken by meningococcal septicaemia, but now I fully understand just HOW important charities like this are, plz look after ur little ones, even a sniffle & torture them doctors, thats woot they r there 4!! Carley xxxxxxxx |
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Name:
Pauline Grime
Date: 26 June 2008 Location: Shropshire. Message: After reading all those sad stories, I thought I would like to offer my sympathies to all of you. My daughter, eliza, had pneumococcal meningitis and septicaemia in november 07. Although it has left problems behind she is alive and doing very well. I just wanted to leave a succeess story to lighten things up a bit. God bless. |
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Name:
Charlotte Dalton
Date: 25 June 2008 Location: Coventry Message: Hi Andrea, I was so saddened to read the story in the Sun, today about your beautiful little angel, Ruby. Please accept my deepest sympathies. It is incomprehendable how this can still be happening in this day and age - and that symptoms of what is a fairly common disease can go unnoticed. I write articles for women's magazine's and I wanted to get in touch with you to see if you would speak out about what happened to Ruby to highlight the failings of the NHS. I would want it to be a campaign piece as well as a tribute to Ruby. The magazine would also be happy to make a donation of £500 to the Meningitis Trust. Please let me know if this is something you would be interested in doing. I will come out and see you in person and also provide you a copy of the story prior to publication to ensure you are 100% happy with it. Please let me know if this is something you would be interested in, Kindest Regards Charlotte (Dalton) 07515 313139 |
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Name:
Kate Rowland
Date: 16 June 2008 Location: Meningitis UK, Bristol Message: Dear Skye Everyone here at Meningitis UK was so sorry to hear about the tragic loss of your son, Blake. Please accept our deepest sympathies. Our Chief Executive, lost his own son to meningitis and septicaemia some time ago and since then has dedicated his life to the fight against meningitis. Many of our supporters find it really helps to talk to someone who has been through a similar experience, and if you feel it would help to speak to Steve, he would be more than happy to speak to you. He can be contacted on 0117 373 73737 or 07946 631830. My kindest regards Kate |
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Name:
Skye H
Date: 16 June 2008 Location: Australia Message: hi im 18 and my 4 month old son died 2 weeks ago i put him to sleep and when i woke up to feed him at 12am he was boiling hot so i striped him down not knowing what was wrong we took him 2 hospital they sent us home saying it was a viral infection he wouldnt go to sleep for me all night so i had to sit up with him then at 7am he started throwing up so we took him back to the hospital after a doctor explained they didn't know what it was and telling us we had to drive 1hr to the next hospital to see a petiortrishen one of the nurses noticed a red rash on the back of my son "Blake's" neck i thought they were just flea bites or something "cause my mum who was looking after him the day before has cats" so the nurse went to get another doctor for a second opinion as soon as the doc walked in and took a look at Blake he said it was meningicoccol septicaemiaby this time "within half an hour" the rash was all over his body they then called the ambo's and off we went to the other hospital we stoped 3 times on the way the first was to change ambo's the second was to give him more fluid and the third was to put a tube down his throat so i had to get out of the ambulence and as soon as i did i noticed they were doing chest compresions on him cause he had gone into cardiac arrest they then rushed him the rest of the way to the hospital and worked on him for 45mins but he was not responding by this time it was roughly 9-9:30 am it was so quick i just keep on expecting to wake up one night with him crying for a feed |
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Name:
elizabeth hughes
Date: 16 June 2008 Location: liverpool Message: hey, i've just been reading through all the messages and i found my mum message, i didnt know she left one so i will leave one now. i was rushed to hospital by my mum n dad january 2007. i remember the doctors telling my parents they couldnt perform a lumbar puncture because of the pressure on the my brain. this illness changed my life, i now suffer from migraines and i have to wear glasses when they occur or when i'm drivin. i also have a 'abnormal' retna and damaged vesells in my right eye which has caused a shadow like shape in the centre of my vision. i'm a student nurse and went back too quickly, my work suffered and i was put back a year. but it was a little blessing in disguise. i am one of the lucky ones, it could of been worse for me and my family and my heart goes out to all the people who have lost love ones because of this illness and to people who have been through this illness - everything will be ok =)thanks for reading this message. hope everyone is ok xxx p.s i would like to thank my mum n dad, family and friends for everything they have done for me and how they helped me |
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Name:
Kate Rowland
Date: 30 May 2008 Location: Bristol Message: Dear Katie Everyone here at Meningitis UK was so sorry to hear about your father. Please accept our deepest sympathies and rest assured that we are doing everything we can to put a stop to this awful disease. Our Chief Executive, who lost his own son to meningitis and septicaemia, visits families across the country who have suffered the devastation of meningitis. If you feel it would help, he would be more than happy to drop in and see you, along with any other members of your family. Steve has dedicated much of his life to the fight against meningitis and many of our supporters find it really helps to take to someone who has been through a similar experience. Steve is often in the London area, so if you would him to visit, please call us on 0117 373 73 73 or Steve at anytime on his mobile on 07946 631830. With kindest wishes Kate |
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Name:
Katie Bradley
Date: 30 May 2008 Location: London Message: Hi. I lost my daddy two weeks ago to sceptacimia. I cannot believe that a healthy fit man could just die like that. I feel like he will walk in the door any moment. My heart is broken and i miss him so much. I hadn't seen him in six months as i was away travelling. I came home as soon as i knew that he was in hospital but it was too late. He went into casualty and was sent home on the saturday, on monday he went to a GP and again was sent home. he died in the early hours of wednesday morning. I feel that i have been cheated out of my father. We cannot accept the fact that we wont see him again. |
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Name:
Lucy Wainwright
Date: 22 May 2008 Location: Sheffield, England Message: Reading all the stories on this site has been very moving. I'm 20 years old and I had bacterial meningitis B in January of this year. Thankfully due to the quick reactions of the doctors in the emergency admissions department I managed to get to I survived with minimal longterm effects. The experience that me and my family went through at this time will stay with us forever.I continue to follow the search for a vaccination and hope with all my heart that it will be uncovered in the very near future. |
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Name:
SHARON JACOBS
Date: 21 May 2008 Location: KENT Message: My heart goes out to all the people who have lost loved ones with meningitis. My son Rhys now 4 had meningococoll meningitis at 5 months old. His symtoms started with high temperature vomiting, blank staring and bright red swollen hands and feet. My GP told me it was a reaction to a moisturising cream I had been using on him and sent me away with a prescription for antibiotics. I wasn't happy with this as Rhys continued to vomit. My husband and I took him to A&E, after several tests they still couldn't find what was wrong with him. They decided to give him a lumbar puncture to rule out meningitis, it was then when we really started to worry. We were put in an isolation ward and had to wait for the result.7 hours later we were told it was meningitis by a doctor and it was fatal and left the room. We were in shock. A nurse came in and gave him intravenus antibiotics, then 12 hours later the same again. A little after the second antibiotic he was more like the baby Rhys we knew. Thank goodness we took him to A&E.Rhys was allowed home 2 days later, but we had to take him back everyday for 10 days for his antibiotics through a drip, he had a cannular through a vein on his head for a couple of days as his veins that they used everywhere else on his body kept collapsing. Rhys will be starting school in september and we realise how very lucky we are to still have him. |
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Name:
claire drury
Date: 04 May 2008 Location: stevenage Message: I had a brain op in Nov 06. I ended up getting meningitis in my scar. I was in hospital for months. Wont bore you with all the details. Being so near to my life ending you kinda enjoy life more & realise what you have in life. |
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Name:
Jess L
Date: 26 April 2008 Location: Suffolk Message: I'm 18 and in January I contracted meningococcal septicemia. I thought it was the flu during the day, but when some red dots appeared on my wrists in the evening we knew something was wrong. I was so so lucky, as it was also discovered that I had pneumonia as well. On my second day in hospital I got something called ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) basically lung failure, which nearly finished me off, as the doctors were preparing my family for the worst. But my body finally fought back. I was in intensive care for 6 days and in a normal ward for another 6. I've now made a full recovery, with nothing to show but a few red marks on my legs and a numb finger thats regaining feeling. Getting that illness has changed my life, and I am so sorry to anyone who's lost someone to this cruel disease x |
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Name:
Jess Ferguson
Date: 18 April 2008 Location: Epsom, UK Message: Hi - I'm very glad to have seen this website, and my heart goes out to anyone affected by this disease. I had bacterial meningitis myself in 1974 at the age of five and, having looked at this site and read the messages, I'm profoundly aware of how fortunate myself and a friend of mine were, to have been diagnosed so quickly and astutely by a local doctor. We spent two weeks in hospital in isolation but left there healthy. |
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Name:
joanna brown
Date: 07 April 2008 Location: nottinghamshire Message: hi i feel so lucky reading all your stories my son got bacterial meningitious luckily it was caught earlier enuff n luckily hes recovered. thank god for all the staff at the hospital but my heart goes out to all of you xx |
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Name:
Sarah Davidson
Date: 17 March 2008 Location: Cumbria Message: Andrea, my hear goes out to you, I had the same situation, My best friend Stace died in 2003 from meningitis, the doctors said she just had a bug, days later she died. She could still have been here too. Feel free to email me etc if you wish. x.sarah.d.x@hotmail.co.uk Much Love take care xxxx |
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Name:
andrea canty
Date: 13 March 2008 Location: kidderminster uk Message: Ruby, my 7 week old daughter died from phemeccocal meningitis 3 weeks ago.We had taken her to our GP 3 times in 24 hours and each time we were told they could find nothing wrong with her.The next day we took her straight to our local hospital as we knew there was something seriously wrong.She was put straight onto a ventilator and transferred to Birmingham childrens hospital intensive care unit.5 days later she was dead.The consultants all said if the GPs had acted when they should have Ruby might have had a chance at survival.I still cant believe she is gone..... |
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Name:
Jonathan Coulter
Date: 20 January 2008 Location: Sheffield Message: Hey, just found the website. just thought id leave my message, well one day he was playing about like normal next min he was sick and he looked as though he was gunna pass out but then about an hour later he looked ok, but when we was puting him to bed he started been sick again and we looked on his belly and he had a rash so we phoned 999 ant they send the abulance and we rushed to the hospital he was seen to straight away and test where taken but they still wasent sure what was up with him for atleast the rest of that night and the next day but then we was told he had mennincottal septacemia (sorry if iv spelled it wrong) anyways we was in hosptial for 2-3 days and on his 1st birthday. ALSO CAN ANYONE TELL ME IF HE CAN GET IT AGAIN AND WILL HE COME OUT WITH THE SAME SYMTOMS???. |
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Name:
Sarah Davidson [16Yrs Old]
Date: 19 January 2008 Location: Carlisle,Cumbria Message: Hello,Ive commented on here before,it really helps to be able to talk about it =]. This year i plan to do a sponsered skydive in memory of stace,my best friend who died when we were both only 12years old. I miss her so much and still can't believe shes gone,she would have been 17 on 16th March this year. If anyone would like to talk to me about their personal experiences feel free to add me on x.sarah.d.x@hotmail.co.uk . My heart goes out to you all. R.I.P Stace. Miss you so much hun,best friends always x |
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Name:
katie hampton 15
Date: 14 January 2008 Location: debyshire Message: if anyone would like to talk about there own personal experience contact me on beaniebaby_098@hotmail.co.uk |
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Name:
katie hampton
Date: 09 January 2008 Location: derbyshire, UK Message: My thoughts go to all of those that have either suffered from meningitis of lost someone to the desease, from my experience, first of all my twin sister died from the deseas 11 years ago, and then i suffered from the B strain twice in 2007. The thought that i survived it both them times, makes me feel so lucky but my heart is broken that we didn't save my twin, but then how could we, she didn't wake the next morning! I seen so many sufferers that has lost limbs or became brain damaged from meningitis, i just hope one day that will find the vaccination and that will be my dream come true!!! To the sufferers and the people that have lost there close ones God Bless and good in the future... |
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Name:
Emily Scotford
Date: 30 December 2007 Location: Lydd, Kent Message: My little boy (4) has just come out of Kings yesterday after getting pneumococcal meningitis over Christmas. Last Saturday we were watching Pantomine Peter Pan and that night we were in hospital fighting to save him. He has a VP Shunt so it complicated things (we had to rule out the shunt being blocked or malfunctioning). He went on to fit and was very seriously ill, but thankfully the treatment started to work and he is on the mend. 9 more days of IV at his local hospital and lots of TLC from mummy, daddy and his baby brother. Father Christmas is coming back to our house tomorrow! I am thinking of you all and all your emotional stories. I am so lucky to still have my little boy who has faught for his life twice now (born 8 weeks early) and he is only 4. Hope 2008 brings you all some happiness. Love Emily x |
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Name:
Sarah Davidson
Date: 06 December 2007 Location: Carlisle,Cumbria Message: my best friend stacey died due to meningitis in 2003, a lot of the time i get upset because shes not here, i would love to hear from people in the same situation and could do with some support as im only 16 years old. thankyou very much and my heart goes out to those who have lost friends or family to meningitis xxx |
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Name:
Sarah Davidson
Date: 06 December 2007 Location: Carlisle, Cumbria UK Message: I am only 16 years old and i have lost my best friend to meningitis. It started on 22nd July 2003, me and my best friend Stacey were in year 7. She had complained of feeling unwell in previous few days but of course being so young we thought nothing of it. It all started to go wrong when she went really sleepy and felt sick. Her mum and dad decided it was time to take her to hospital, James Cook in Middlesbrough. The doctors gave her a examination and then turned around to Staceys parents and said 'its just a fever, take her home and give her antibiotics''. That was their decision and though persistant Staceys mum and dad finally took her home. Over the next couple of days i did not see her, she was too ill to come outside and do things we used to. Go swimming and play netball. I was told i shouldn't go and see her incase i picked up the infection. I did not hear from them for quite a few days. Then it happened. On 25th July 2003 Stacey, my best friend died. It turned out she did have meningitis and the doctors had failed to pick it up. Because of them i did not get to say goodbye to my best friend, if they had noticed it they could have possibly saved her life. I miss her so much and can't believe she was taken so quickly. Because of losing Stacey i follow the meningitis trust 100%. And next year i plan to do a skydive to raise money for them. My heart goes out to all those who have lost friends or family to meningitis. xxx |
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Name:
L Steel
Date: 01 December 2007 Location: Ayrshire, Scotland Message: we have just returned home after a terrible 7 weeks in hospital with my 10 month old daughter, Abigail. On instinct after 2 visits to the doctor, i took her to A&E where her condition deteriated. I was told she had Meningicoccal Septicemia, it was touch and go for 48 hours, but we passed that but unfortunatley she came down with a chest infection which turned into broncholitis then pnemonia! Her lungs became so weak and stiff and began to leak with the right one collapsing. We were then told she had ARDS (Acute Respitory Distress Syndrome) which is fatal itself due to the prolonged ventilation. We spend 5 weeks in intensive care then in high dependency then to a ward. We came so close to losing our princess, she is now our wee miracle! we've only been home 2 weeks and you would never think she had been ill. Abigail shows that there is hope, my heart sinks reading all these messages and my heart goes out to everyone who has been in this situation or lost someone. This has been one big rollercoater ride which i would never wish on anyone and please if anyone wants to talk email me on weeanni@hotmail.com, |
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Name:
linda richardson
Date: 19 November 2007 Location: swalwell gateshead Message: we lost our daughter lisa in 2003 aged 19 years from meningicoccol septicaemia it is so hard to believe the speed this disease can take hold and the devastation it causes. we have been left with a great hole in our lives and find it difficult to cope some days we do a lot of fundraising for meningitis UK as a vaccine needs to be found to eradicate it . we will be at the charity barrow metro centre in gateshead on the 5th 6th 7th of December so come along and see us, it will be great to meet you. |
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Name:
Michael Skee
Date: 01/11/2007 Location: Tyneside Message: I first left a message on here in October 2006 I contracted meningicocal septicemea in March 2006 and after spending 2 week on life support i awoke to find that my lower limbs had died due to lack of blood supply and as a result I had both legs amputated below the knee in on the 6th April 2006 I have remained positive throughout my illness and quickly learned to walk on prosthetic legs I went back to work in February 2007 and i am now back full time. I anyone needs a shoulder to cry on or just an understanding ear then I can be contacted on MSN my addy is mick7397@hotmail.co.uk |
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Name:
Sally Aitken
Date: 29/10/2007 Location: Hertfordshire Message: Hi my mum passed away on 4th April 2007 from septicemia. What a horrible and abrupt illness. Still in total shock. Took hold so suddenly. My heart with all those who have lost a relative to this awful illness |
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Name:
Takiyah Rucker
Date: 26/10/2007 Location: Stockton,Ca Message: My 11 year old daughter suffered a stroke while in the hospital, due to meningitus. I would like to speak to anybody who has experienced the same thing. Thank You...Kiki |
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Name:
Takiyah Rucker
Date: 26/10/2007 Location: Stockton,CA Message: I cant hold back my tears. Every story I read touched my heart. I an so thankfull that my 11 year old daughter has survived meningitis. There is not enough awareness of this illness. I just wish I had heard of this illness before my daughter Talasia contracted it. If people were aware of the symptoms, many lives would be saved. I thought my baby had a sinus infection, and I didnt believe that she was in that much agony. I have guilt because I was the one putting off going to the hospital. She was at home for seven days with a stiff neck, also no rash. And now I relise that at any time she could have collapsed. I thank God, and all of the staff at UCSF, San Francisco. The symptoms come so sudden that you just cant believe its so life threatining. My heart goes out to everybody that is fighting meningitus. Especially to those that have experienced a loss, because just the mere thought of my child not being here breaks me down. To all dealing with the stress and strain of meningitus, be strong and I love you all. gettcute@yahoo.com |
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Name:
HELEN DAVEY
Date: 21/10/2007 Location: HORSHAM WEST SUSSEX Message: I CANT BELIEVE WHAT I HAVE BEEN READING. ALL HORRIFIC STORIES. I FEEL VERY LUCKY TO BE HERE ALIVE. JULY 8TH 2007 A DATE THAT WILL STAY WITH ME FOR EVER. I WENT TO WORK AT 6AM FELT ILL I SUFFER FROM MIGRAINES SO THOUGHT I HAD ONE COMMING. MY WHOLE BODY FELT WEAK AND I WAS SICK. I WENT HOME AT 8AM STRAIGHT TO BED AFTER TAKING IMIGRAN NASAL SPRAY FOR MY HEAD. IT WAS MY DAUGHTERS BAPTISM DAY AND AT 3PM I DRAGGED MYSELF OUT OF BED AND WENT TO CHURCH. I CLUNG TO MY ELDEST DAUGHTER TO KEEP ME UPRIGHT. THE PHOTOES WERE HORRIFIC MY FACE SCREWED UP IN PAIN AND AS WHITE AS A SHEET. EVERYONE WENT TO THE PARTY AFTERWARDS. I COLLAPSED INTO BED, MY HUSBAND CHECKING ON ME. GUESTS CAME BACK TO THE HOUSE AT 7PM TOOK ONE LOOK AT ME AND CALLED THE DOCTOR. MY TEMPERATURE WAS 40 I WAS FREEZING COLD MY HEAD THUMPED I COULDNT LIFT MY HEAD I WAS SICK THE LIGHT HURT MY EYES I WAS SPEAKING NONSENCE AND DELERIOUS. BUT NO RASH. DOCTOR SHOT A SYRINGE OF ANTIBIOTICS INTO MY THIGH AND CALLED THE AMBULANCE. IN THE AMBULANCE ANOTHER SHOT OF ANTIBIOTICS AND WITH MY VEINS COLLAPSED COULDNT GET A LINE IN. ARRIVED AT WORTHING HOSPITAL AND ANOTHER SHOT INTO A VERY FEEBLE VEIN. I SPENT 4 DAYS IN A DARK ROOM AND 12 DAYS ON INTRAVENOUS ANTIBIOTICS EVERY SIX HOURS. 2 FAILED LUMBER PUNCTURES SO DIDNT KNOW WHAT STRAIN. I AM SO LUCKY TO BE ALIVE. DOCTORS TOLD ME IT WAS AT LEAST 16 WEEK RECOVERY AFTER THIRTEEN WEEKS OFF WORK I WENT BACK. I NOW SUFFER TERRIBLE HEADACHES, MY VISION HAS SUFFERED AND COPING WITH THE WHAT IF QUESTIONS IS TOUGH AND TEARFUL MY OUTLOOK ON LIFE IS VERY DIFFERENT NOW. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HELPED TO SAVE MY LIFE AS ITS GREAT. |
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Name:
Brian F.
Date: 19/10/2007 Location: Corpus Christi, Texas Message: My mother recently contracted viral meningitis at the age of 64. She is recovering, but very slowly. Her prognosis is good, but she seems to be suffering from some amnesia as a result. She does not remember that certain relatives have passed away in recent years. Her reply is "no one told me." Her circadian rhythm is also thrown off--she'll fall asleep for about 2 hours at at time and upon awakening, will then think that an entire day has passed. During the most severe onset of the illness, she slept for about a week and a half straight. Needless to say, my family was devastated. Please keep my mother and my family in your prayers. My heart goes out to all of you who have posted on this message board. God bless you all. |
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Name:
jayne taylor
Date: 26/09/2007 Location: derbyshire Message: 11wks ago my partner martin age 36 contracted bacterial menigitis/septaciemia what we thought was flu at first turned into a living nitemare as when we got to the hospital we were told another hour and he wouldnt have survived he was on intensive care for a week and then in hospital for anotherweek although i thank god for his survival and miraculous recovery i am still finding it very difficult to come to terms with it all having flashbacks etc it is an awful illness and needs much more awareness as i do not think people understand how horrendous it is, my heart and prayers go out to all of you who have lost loved ones im finding the shock of it all hard to cope with and my loved one survived so god knows what you feel like to have lost someone to this terrible illness i would like to thank all the angels at the chesterfield royal for bringing a very special man back to me . |
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Name:
Judy Bridgewater
Date: 20/09/2007 Location: America Message: My daughter had meningitis in 1978. She was nine months old at the time. Put her down for a nap and when she didn't wake up in the usual amount of time went to check and found her seizing. She then had a stroke. She was left with a learning disability and her left side was affected. Now, all of these years later, we still have her, but the seizures never went away. She is a very strong person and tries not to let her disabillities put limits on her. I found this site throough Google search today because this has been a bad week for her with seizures and memory loss. I would love to email someone who has similar story. |
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Name:
kirsty hunter
Date: 11/09/2007 Location: manchester Message: i didnt know my 3 month old baby was suffering from meningitis. On the monday he was fine happy and smiling like he does then he woke at 3.00 am on the tuesday vomiting his bottles back up temperature not going down and really screming. i said to my partner we should really take hime to the hospital to hav him checked out because that was just not him. We arrived at the hospial at 6.00am he was seen to straight away by doctor he then told us he thought our little boy was suffering from meningetis they carried a few test and it came back he had meningetis. I didnt know he had this i thought they came out in a rash but he never did im just glad i got him to the hospital has fast as i could he was kept in hospital for a week on an iv drip then he was allowed home. I would just like to say a big thank you to all the doctors that took care of my baby and all the staff on ward 14 at booth hall childrens hospital manchester thank you. without them spooting this so early on there could have been a different outcome so once again a big thank you |
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Name:
samantha klein
Date: 09/09/2007 Location: hull Message: hi i left a message in febuary cause our little boy died . but if you like to have a nosy ive set up a web page in is memory so people can donate money the address is www.justgiving.com/samueljames pls have a look . |
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Name:
jackie k
Date: 06/07/2007 Location: coventry Message: i'ts been nearly two yrs now since i was takn into hospital by my parents,as for close to two wks i could not get out of bed.. having very bad sweats unable to eat & wrapped three items of clothing hat and under two quilts.... i new something was terribly wrong wth me so i text my mum and said plz come too see me as i dont good. then took to hospistal where they took me straight into obbservation department,stripped off all my clothing & to me we need to try & get your tempreture down! i just felt like i new i wasnt going to get through this it was so frightening.in/out of departments,ct scan,lumberpuncher being put in my own room not being told clearly though they said they thought it was meningitus.. then told influenza? still suffering with ver bad head pain & back pain.now my doc tells me now as ive been suffering panick attacks & anxiety? plus hyperventilating since last year & again its very frightening & would love to hear from anyone else whom maybe or have had similar symtoms please love jakie xx my e mail jackie_r_kennedy@yahoo.co.uk x |
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Name:
Kerry Eaglestone
Date: 03/07/2007 Location: Corbridge,Northumberland. Message: Hi, I took ill four weeks ago. One doctor told me that I had meningitis and the following doctor told me I had flu. He released me from hospital after 24 hours with paaracetamol and ibuprofen but after 3 days I was still ill. My G.P came out and told me that I definately had meningitis and that He thought it was viral. He prescribed diclofenac sodium and paracetamol which I have been taking every day for four/nearly five weeks now but am still in a lot of pain. Should I stay as I am or go back to doctors. I am going back to work next week and am worried.My email is kerryeaglestone@aol.com. |
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Name:
suzanne elliott
Date: 10/05/2007 Location: keswick cumbria Message: dear yvette im so sorry to read about your son i also lost my son liam on the 11/12/06 every day i wonder how i can go on but for the sake of our boys memory we have to you will find this hard to believe but you will get through this although you will never be rhe same you will find a way to get through each day my thoughts and prayers are with you if you ever want totalk or even just text please use my number anytme night or day 07917060274 x |
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Name:
Yvette Carrous
Date: 07/05/2007 Location: Winchester, Hampshire Message: I lost my strong and healthy Ade Gibbs to this terrible disease on 12/04/07 just 4 days after his 19th birthday- it struck without any warning, no symptoms - he was just dazed and sleepy and died 4 hrs after we got to the hospital. I do not know how to go on in life after this - he assumed her role of a father after I lost my dad les than 2 yrs ago. my tel is 07884025387 for anyone who wants to chat xx Yvette |
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Name:
samantha klein
Date: 04/05/2007 Location: hull Message: we are having a sponsered bungee jumg on monday the 7th may and moey raised will go to meningiitis . its at the swallow publlic house on wawne road in hull between 4 - 6 pm . my husband is doing for meningitis for our son sam who died in jan 07 |
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Name:
Nicki Siverns
Date: 29/04/2007 Location: Wolverhampton Message: Hello everyone, I have just got out of hospital after contracting baterial meningitis. The doctors are not sure what strain I had as the lumber puncture was contaminated with blood but I am so glad to still be here thanks to the hospital's swift action. I now have a very different out look on life. After getting through 8 days of intravenous antibiotics and feeling my symptoms slowly disappearing It has made me value every day I have and realise that family and friends are the most important in my life. It made me so sad to read some of the stories on here and made me appreciate how lucky I am to be here. Good luck to everyone who has had to go through the trauma of dealing with meningitis |
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Name:
sonya hughes
Date: 28/04/2007 Location: liverpool Message: my daughter beth is 19 we rushed her to hospital 25th january2007 .two weeks before she was at the doctors with terrible headaches chesty cough he sent her away told her to take paracentamol after a few days she was feeling abit better then the headaches came back she was conplaining of aches and pains in her legs and feeling tired,.the day before we rushed her to hospital she had vomited and felt really ill so she stayed in bed we just naturally thought she hsd the flu then ahen she came down stairs sat and watched the tv for a few hrsand i suggested she would feel more comfortable in bed as she was getting up of the sofa she said she couldnt stand up that was when i knew there must be something seriously wrong i called the doctors and got the nhs line the nurse asked me her symptoms she said get her the hospital right away , she had meningoccal meningitis and pressure on the brain the hospital staff were brilliant she was in intensive care for two days out of hospital in 10 days but the pressure on the brain has damaged the nerves in her right eye ,the doctor said if she would have made it up the stairs she would have ended up in a coma .shes back at work now but gets very tired easily. |
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Name:
Mary Jane
Date: 24/04/2007 Location: Edmonton Message: My Friend is seriously ill with this Disease so please Pray for him |
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Name:
joanne liddle
Date: 24/04/2007 Location: manchester Message: hello everyone i posted my story on here yesterday i have now set up a fund raising page in madisons name so she can help other children and adults who contract meningitis please visit www.justgiving.com/maddymoomoo |
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Name:
joanne liddle
Date: 23/04/2007 Location: manchester Message: hello my name is joanne my daughter madison fell ill with meningococcal septicemia in november 2004 when she was 8 months old she woke in the morning with a high temp and drowsier than usual so i phoned the nhs helpline and they advised to keep her temp down with kalpol but i fet uneasy so i took her to the doctors and they said she had a viral infection and to just give her kalpol and plenty of fluids. i had to take my son to an hospital appointment so i dropped her off with her auntie and within 30 minutes of leaving the doctors she was in an ambualance ebing taken to hospital with suspected meningitis althogh there was no rash, has soon has we got throught the hospital dooors the rash started appearing at an alarming rate with doctors all rushing round her taking test and inserting canulars and antibiotics straight away she was put in isolation and after 2 weeks she was allowed to come home thankfully made a full recovery although her immune system is now week she has since been back in hospital on the high dependancy ward with pneumonia and recovered from that too. i just wanted to tell her story so for the parents who has just had their child diagnosed with meningitis there is hope, every one who has been coneccted to meningitis you are forever in our thoughts all our love joanne and madison joanneliddle@msn.com |
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Name:
suzanne elliott
Date: 19/04/2007 Location: cumbria Message: a message for katie clark im so sorry to read about your son i understand your loss as i also lost my son on the 11/12/06 to the same strain my son died within 2 hours with no signs or symptoms if you ever want to talk or just text feel free to just pick up the phone night or day god bless all our kids 07917060274 or 07877972195 |
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Name:
katie clarke
Date: 13/04/2007 Location: earls colne essex Message: Hello my name is katie and i lost my son Alfie on the fifth of march 2007. He died of meningococcal septicemia.this cruel illness took his life within 36 hours. He went down for a sleep and had been fine but when he woke up he had changed and wasnt himself. I knew something wasnt right he had a high temperture and was sleepy nothing led me to believe that he had meningitis but i knew something wasnt right. I phoned up the out of hours doctors and ended up speaking to a nurse who said to keep him cool and arranged fo me to take him to hospital at 8.30 at night. I could not wait that long and took him to hospital. When we got to hospital Alfie was seen and given nurofen to bring his temperture dowm. Which it did they were going to send us home but then this rash started to appear and spread like nothing i had seen before. Next thing i knew there was doctors everywhere giving Alfie fluids and antibiotics. Then a team called cats were called who specilise in children with meningitis. They came and took alfie to ST,Marys in london meanwhile this rash was getting worse. He didnt look like my baby anymore and i was so scared for him. The doctors did what they could but Alfie passed away on the fifth at 1.30pm. 4 days before his first birthday. Now i am left to pick up the pieaces. Ifeel so alone can anyone help me my telephone no. 07725635610 please contact me. |
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Name:
Bernadette Camberdella
Date: 10/04/2007 Location: Lindenhurst, New York Message: Very early this morning my cousin's 23 month old daughter Robyn died of bacterial meningitis in Dublin, Ireland. We are so far away and feel helpless. Everyone is shocked - how in such modern times can something like this happen. They were told Robyn had tonsilitis and were sent home within a few hours they noticed a rash and rushed her to the hospital, where the docs told them there was not much they could do. Robyn died within a few hours. Until finding this website, while trying to research statistics on this disease, I had no idea how many people young and old have suffered or been tragically killed by this elusive bacteria. My heart goes out to anyone who has suffered from this disease or has lost a loved one. I would appreciate any information about support groups in the Dublin area that my cousin and her husband might contact as they will need to speak with individuals that can offer empathy. I admire the strength of all that have made this website possible and that stand committed to finding a cure. I pray God will answer our prayers. Thanks for listening. |
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Name:
cheryl davies
Date: 03/04/2007 Location: merseyside Message: hiya im cheryl im 17 i wrote my story on here few days ago! its just a quick message to everyone really if anyone wants to talk or need any support i have msn or you can email me on cheryl_davies123@hotmail.co.uk il be more than pleased to chat to you! knowing that im talking to people who understand will make a differece to me to! im also back off work myself now due to constantly being sick, ive been to the doctors and hes given me tablets. he says its mostly due to my anxiety and other after effects after my meningitis and that i possibly went back to work to early. so just like to say to everyone dont try and rush to get better no matter how much you want to! it takes time and im starting to understand that now! love to you all love cheryl xxxx |
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Name:
cheryl davies
Date: 31/03/2007 Location: merseyside Message: just like to say my thoughts are with the people who have lost loved ones. i myself have sufferd from meningococcal septicaemia. so i know how everyone who has sufferd from meningitis feels. i started suffering from flu symtoms a week before i got rushed into hospital so i just thought it was flu.but by the 21st of feb on my day off work i spent the day in bed feelin ill n by early hours of the mornin i was in a terrible state being sick,stif neck banging headache but stil no rash. my mum called the oncall doctor and he just said it was flu and to put me to bed with some tablets! my mum decied to take further action and call a ambulance because 10 minutes after geting off the phone i went uncoincious. when i got to the hospital i was diagnosed with meningiitis septiccaemia the early stages and had a CT scan wich confirmed this.and i was in intensive care. a hour after bein in hospital i developed the rash but it faded in about half an hour because of all the antibiotics being pumped into my body. i got told i was in intensive care for 48 hours and during that time the doctors didnt know if i was going to pull through lucky i did. i was in hospital for 2 and half weeks on the HDU and childrens ward. i carnt remember anythin apart from waking up on the childrens ward. and thinkin how i got there. right now im back at home and after 4 weeks im bk at work i started this week on mon the 26th. im only allowed to do 3 days a week and only 4 hours wiv a hour a break them 3 days because of the after affects im having. im taking each day as it comes i have good days and bad days but im hoping to get my life back to normal. its so sad to read the storys and msgs of people who have lost loved ones and i carnt explain how much i feel for them. i think meningitis should be made more aware so it can help save lifes to save people from this horrible disease. experiancing this disease has made me relise how much i appricaite life because i nearly lost mine and whoever who may get this disease, or lost a loved one or this disease has shatterd the lifes my thoughts are with them. i would just like to say a big thank you to warrington hospital to acting so quickly as i belived this saved my life! lots of love to all of you love cheryl xxxxxx |
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Name:
Hannah Dykes
Date: 29/03/2007 Location: Weston Super Mare Message: I am just recovering from Bacterial Meningitis and wanted to say thankyou to all those doctors and nurses that made it possible for me to live. i am 22 years old and never thought i would get the disease. i still feel very emotional and am trying to come to terms with what has happened to me. i just thought i had an ear infection but it didnt go away. i was lucky that my boyfriend was with me and discovered me fitting and got me to hospital in time. another hour and i wouldnt be here. i owe him my life. i owe science my life, keep up the good work |
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Name:
suzanne elliott
Date: 14/03/2007 Location: cumbria Message: to samantha klein im so sorry for your loss my son also died of meningococal septaecemia meningitus b he also never had a rash but we have always been led to believe there must be a rash but sadly this is not the case if you ever want to chat my number is 07917060274 take care god bless |
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Name:
suzanne elliott
Date: 14/03/2007 Location: cumbria Message: to all who have lost someone to this awful disease i am so sorry i know how it feels to have your happy life taken away just try to think of the happy times and the love we gave to our lost ones nothing can ever hurt them they are all in a far better place if ever anyone would like to talk please contact me anytime night or day my number is 07917060274 i do understand my son Liam was only 16 1/2 months he died on the 11/12/06 |
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Name:
Jackie Hill
Date: 09/03/2007 Location: NottinghaM Message: HI STEVE JUST LETTING YOU KNOW WE HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN YOU HAVING A FUNDAY ON 24TH JUNE TO CELEBRATE WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN CORRINE'S 18TH BIRTHDAY KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK JACKIE X |
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Name:
suzanne elliott
Date: 25/02/2007 Location: cumbria Message: i lost my son liam robert elliott to meningococal septaecemia meningitus b on the 11/12/06 it was the worst thing in the world to have ever happened Liam showed no signs or symptoms of this tragic disease so to say we were shocked is just not a strong enough word 1 minute your life is wonderful the next its been shattered forever every minute of every day i feel the pain of being withiut my son and wouldnt want anyone to ever go through the same pain as i do this is why its so important to help find a vaccine as we all have children in our life as well as young and old this disease can affect |
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Name:
Andy Lead
Date: 23/02/2007 Location: United Kingdom Message: It was Viral for me, and on an aeroplane on my own was not the best place to find out something was wrong! I was on my was to Florida to meet an internet friend who worked at Disney. Even though the trip was ruined my friend was great to me. My headaches, earaches and neckaches lasted over 12 months. Not even the doctor knew what was wrong with me. I had to look up "stiff neck" in one of those family medical books. It said "in rare cases, it can be viral meningitus". When I went back to the doc and showed him this, he sent me to hospital! 7 years later I'm all good now, but feel for people who tell me they have had it. Good luck to you all. Andy |
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Name:
Sarah Buck
Date: 20/02/2007 Location: Beverley East Yorkshire Message: Firstly I would like to send my thoughts out to those people who have lost loved ones to meningitis x. My son aged 13 is currently recovering from pneummoccocal meningitis,(we realise how lucky we are) after a month in hospital. This has been such a scary experience for our whole family. I would just like to thank the meningitis UK web site for being a support as we gained so much information from here. The other thing I do feel quite strongly about though is like Sam also from our area my son did not get a rash and we was informed this is not always the case and particularly with the pneummoccocal bacteria, he also did not suffer the photophobia therefore as a nurse myself I never suspected meningitis even though he was seriously ill. I now stress to friends and colleagues a rash is not always evident and to go with their instinct if the child/adult is very ill. (my son did have other classic signs eg stiff neck, loss of balance excrutiating headache, vommitting etc). The doctors and nurses who cared for my son were all very good and supportive to the whole family and also a source of information. |
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Name:
Alison Whitmore
Date: 10/02/2007 Location: Stoke on Trent Message: I contracted menningococcol septacaemia in 2000 aged 31 and spent 9 days in intensive care on a ventilator, I feel very blessed to have pulled through with few after effects. However I still cannot get over how devastating this illness is and feel utter sadness for anyone who has lost a loved to it. |
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Name:
samantha klein
Date: 08/02/2007 Location: hull Message: My son samuel james klein sadly got meningoencephalitis on the 3rd january o7 . and sadly died on the 9 th january . But all they kept saying in hospital was does he have a rash i kept saying NO cause he didnt , so couldnt understand why they said it was a form of meningitis when he had no rash . He never did get a rash . But delevoped swelling on the brain as well . But everybody was lovely and helpful caring for him . love you lots sam. x x |
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Name:
daanielle skinner-gibson
Date: 26/01/2007 Location: scunthorpe Message: heya id like to thank steve for all the help he has given us over the past year, my sister died 16 years ago to the day and still can't express how we feel about out loss, but i really am grateful fo all the help you have given me and my family, once again thankyou x |
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Name:
derek lilley
Date: 07/01/2007 Location: dunblane,perthshire Message: MY DAUGHTER STEPHANIE HAS JUST GOT OUT OF HOSPITAL .THE DOCTOR TOLD US THEY HAD FOUND TRACES OF THE MENIGICCOCAL VIRUS IN HER SYSTEM,THANKFULLY MY WIFE HAD NOTICED THE START OF A RASH AND WE RUSHED TO HOSPITAL AND WITHIN THE HOUR SHE WAS GIVEN ANTIBIOTICS THE DOCTOR TOLD US SHE HAD BOTH TYPES OF RASHES AND BECAUSE OF THIS THEY WOULD TAKE NO CHANCES. SHE PICKED UP THE NEXT DAY .I FEEL SO FORTUNATE TO HAVE HER. |
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Name:
amythomas
Date: 18/12/2006 Location: longtown primary school Message: i hope you raise lots of money for the research of meningitis |
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Name:
Nicola Brown
Date: 01/12/2006 Location: uk Message: Hi. I would just like to say how sorry i am to everyone that has lost omeone to this disease. My niece was recently in hospital suffering from this and i truely know how hard and painful it is to nearly lose someone, so it must be 3 times worse when there gone. Keep up all the good work and hopefully one day we will be able to get rid of this disease, i the mean time,lets just keep people aware that it can happen to anyone and keep an eye out for the symptoms. Nicola |
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Name:
Michael Skee
Date: 28/11/2006 Location: Gateshead Message: I contracted meningicocal septicemea on the 6th of march 2006 both my wife and myself were unaware that someone of my age could get this disease (I am 45)I spent 12 days on a ventilator and was given only a 10% chance of survival I pulled through but on the 6th of April I had to have both legs amputated below the knee not being one to give up I was determined to walk again by christmas I now use prosthetic limbs for about 6 hours per day and walk without the use of walking sticks I still question the reason I made it through and people younger and fitter than me did not please take hope from my story there can be light at the end of the tunnel |
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Name:
Anthea Berry
Date: 19/11/2006 Location: somerset Message: No day goes by without out thinking of our loss, love to all |
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Name:
amanda burgess
Date: 03/11/2006 Location: south wales uk Message: My son thomas had septacemia /strain c meningitis when he was 6 months old,he made a full recovery and is a lovely 7 year old boy whos bravery and fight for life has amazed us,we are so thankfull to dr .mutaza for being the only doctor to actually believe my gut feeling,and start treating tom regardless of cost or repramandment from his peers. keep up the good work.xxx. |
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Name:
MarjorieCoulter
Date: 02/11/2006 Location: Whitehaven cumbria Message: I lost my little grandson Liam Mason Curwen to menningococcol septacemia in september 2000..He was 6 months old and was diagnosed with an ear infection at 1pm and and sent home . he died at 6pm the same day after being rushed back to hospital and Steve Damon was very good to my daughter Louise and son in law Michael. it is 6years now since we lost him but my daughter and son in law still havent dealt with it. |
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Name:
Neal kennedy
Date: 26/10/2006 Location: glasgow,scotland Message: this website is great, i suffered from meningocal meningitis this year which left me slightly deaf in one ear. and iam sorry to hear from all those who have lossed a loved one due to meningitis. |
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Name:
alison, 14
Date: 01/10/2006 Location: shropshire, UK Message: can anybody help me about the types of meningitis please i would like to know about HIB meningitis if anyone can help me by giving any information thanks. |
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Name:
Miss L Dudley
Date: 28/09/2006 Location: Middlesex UK Message: 1 of our twin sons contracted group B strep meningitis at 6wks old,he's 8 now&has no health problems but it is something we will never forget!Although I'd seen our Gp that day she dismissed that anything was wrong.Instinct made me go to the hospital,they took one look at him and knew.Thank god for their expertise and speediness.I was told I had Strep B at the onset of labour, but told it was nothing for me to be concerned about!!! |
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Name:
Tonia Breach
Date: 09/09/2006 Location: Bristol Message: Hi Steve, I just wanted to say 'Keep Up The Good Work' you are doing a remarkable job with fundraising and awareness. Families affected by meningitis have the support from you and Spencer Dayman Meningitis UK when they need it the most. You are an amazing person x |
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Name:
Sheelagh Craven
Date: 07/09/2006 Location: London Message: My son contracted group b streptococcus meningitis very soon after his birth. Thankfully the nurse realised something was wrong and he was rushed to intensive care, it was touch & go for a while, but he survived and is now nearly 5 and is healthy and well. I am so lucky my son survived this terrible illness. |
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Name:
jackie boyle
Date: 01/09/2006 Location: washington tyne & wear Message: we tragically lost our son John Evans on the 24th January 2004 aged 19 years. John died after only 6 hours and his death has left a huge void in our lives. We all miss him greatly and the sooner a vacine is found for this terrible desease the better, no one should have to lose a child especially in this tragic way. |
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Name:
jennifer pennington
Date: 24/08/2006 Location: bolton Message: my daughter died in 2001 from meningitis she was four & i still blame my self. so i just help as much as i can to raise money, i like making things too for my little angel chloe she is never forgot. |
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Name:
Peter Hack
Date: 22/08/2006 Location: Norway (British) Message: My wife died on the 1 march 2006 of pneumococcal meningitis. She was 34 years old. She had been sick with flu-like symptoms for a couple of days. On the morning of the third day she complained of a stiff neck. I said she needed to get out of bed and take a hot bath as it was probably lying in bed for two days that had caused it. I ran her a hot bath and took our son (16 months at the time) out to a childrens museum. I came back 2 hours later and she was just lying on the bedroom floor. Her eyes were open but she was 'zomby-like' to coin a phase. She couldn't speak, but she gently squeezed my hand a couple of times. An ambulance came and took her to hospital. Two hours later they told me that her brain had swollen and that there was nothing thy could do for her. It has been a terrible 5 months since then (as you could imagine). My lfe was turned upside down overnight. We had only been married 3 years. What got me through it all is our son - Sebastian. Suddenly becoming a single parent was a shock. I was an active father but Janne (my wife)was the 'fire wall'. It took time to adjust but now I have settled into the routine of my new life. Its now that I really miss my wife. |
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Name:
Amy Francis
Date: 21/08/2006 Location: South Wales Message: I just wanted to say how great it is that there's a website where people can come to learn about Meningitis - I almost died in June 2005, just a week after my son's 1st birthday. My GP told me that I had Chicken Pox, even though I had it when I was 5. I fell asleep on Thursday 2nd June and I woke up on Sunday 5th June. I had Meningicoccal Septacaemia. I've been really uspet since I left hospital because I have no marks left on my body, no consequences of it at all, so when I read your messages and hear of your losses, I can't help but feel guilty - you're all so strong to keep going after your losses and my thoughts are with you all xxx |
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Name:
tom
Date: 12/07/2006 Location: - Message: i had meningitis and i nearly died i hate meningitis it's a scum of a illness |
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Name:
mick and nicki
Date: 07/07/2006 Location: mansfield Message: we are very lucky thanks to kings mill and queens med, our daughter contracted meningacocal sceptesemia at 18 months old and was in intensive care for 11 days she now has no spleen and chronic renal failure she is now 7 and still battles on. |
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Name:
Leigh Jones
Date: 20/06/2006 Location: Paignton Message: Thank you for your letter in the Herald Express. Laura's death was such a big shock to us all and reading over some of the other families stories you realise that wea re not alone. I have been looking over the website and i think at a later date it will be helpful to my family. We have so far raised over £3000 for the Meninigitis Research Foundation and still going strong. Hopefully the money raised will help other families never have to go through this heartache. |
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Name:
Sharon Homes
Date: 05/06/2006 Location: Chesterfield Message: A huge thankyou to Steve for supporting me and my family after I lost my 12 month old son Jack in April 2005. Losing a child is the hardest burden to bear but knowing that Steve and his team are there to support you is agreat help and I found it a great comfort to know that I was not alone. We will never get over losing our precious little boy Jack but I know that Steve will always be on the other end of the phone if I need him. Thankyou for everything and my heart goes out to everyone who has suffered in any way through this devastating disease. |
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Name:
hayley hartnettt
Date: 27/04/2006 Location: london Message: we have raised alot of money at mount carmel secondary school and hope that it will help in some way to fined a vaccine for these diease.even though my famliy and i lost a beautiful lil girl we need to make sure no one else gets this diease and let their familys go through what we have gone through. thanks hayley xxxx |
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Name:
kelly crisp
Date: 23/03/2006 Location: london Message: This message is for Lisa forsyth, I lost my little girl Jessica on Nov 5 2006 to meningococcal septicaemia she was 2 years old I am truly devistated I took her to the doctors and the hosiptal where they diagnosed gastick she died the next day. If you would like to talk please dont hesitate to contact me (Email address removed for data protection reasons, but has been passed on to the relevant persons) |
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Name:
HAYLEY PEARSON
Date: 08/03/2006 Location: GT HARWOOD, LANCS Message: me and my partner are very lucky to have our daughter. she contracted group b streptococcus meningitis at birth it was touch 'n' go.she had every infection you could get with gbs meningitis. she now nearly 3 and is doing very well, she can't walk or talk but is trying her very best.my heart goes out to all those who have losted a loved one to this terrible disease. |
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Name:
Lisa Forsyth
Date: 01/03/2006 Location: Worthing, West Sussex Message: We have just recently lost our beautiful daughter Leanne to Menigiccocal Septecaemia on the 11th December 05. I am beating myself up that I didnt do enough as her Mummy and trusted the GP that it was flu. When the rash appeared we immediately called an ambulance, but the symptoms didnt follow the pattern we have been told to look for. Leanne, our little Angel, died 24 hours later.This is wrong! How do some survive when others don't. There are no rules to this, no protection! I want my little girl back. |
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Name:
Paige Wood
Date: 23/02/2006 Location: London Message: I wud just like to say how sorry i am to Kelly And Warren for their loss to Jessica Morgan, she was a beautiful little girl and i am very glad that the both of you are letting me fundraise at my school. Thank you so much! Its a pleasure to be doing this for such a good cause! Best Wishes Paige X.x.x.x.x.x.x.X |
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Name:
Cheryl
Date: 20/02/2006 Location: Suffolk Message: Have just been looking at the site and some of the messages poeple have left. I had meningitis when i was 14 months old and i was lucky iam now profoundly deaf due to the illness because of this i am very aware of the damage that meningitis can do to a family. My heart goes out to all those who were not as lucky. |
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Name:
paul and liz brennan
Date: 17/02/2006 Location: wigan Message: Hi, we nearly lost our daughter Lucy when she was 18 days old from Group B Strep Meningitis. She is now 5 months old and has severe brain damage as a result of the illness. We are devastated. Please contact us if you have had a similar experience. |
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Name:
Alice Minell
Date: 12/02/2006 Location: Reading Message: WOW! just read all the messages left, I feel very sorry for every one who has had to suffer meningitis in any way. I met some of the team yesterday in town collecting money and me and my frends gave in a lot of change we had our photo taken and we all felt really good about giving money to this charity! we are all teenagers and we no we have a bad reputation but now you have heard this i hope teenagers reputation will start changing because not all teenagers deserve a bad reputation! i hope the money we gave to charity will help that little bit more to saving people from the awful, heartbreaking meningitis. |
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Name:
Hayley Hartnett
Date: 08/02/2006 Location: london Message: how did you cope with the loss of your son. could you contact me by email please xxx |
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Name:
Hayley Hartnett
Date: 07/02/2006 Location: london Message: im kelly's sister Hayley and i would like to say a thankyou for supporting kelly and warren and at my school mount carmel secondary school we are doing fundraisig for you charity |
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Name:
kelly crisp
Date: 22/01/2006 Location: london Message: Would just like to say a massive THANK YOU to Steve who has been so fantastic, since losing our beautiful little girl JESSICA in Nov 05 he has telephoned me on a regular basis just to see how i am, i find it very comforting to talk to Steve as i know he knows how i feel and what i am going through x |
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Name:
mitchell jukes
Date: 20/01/2006 Location: walsall Message: this is a great website an my dad walked in the londonerry to london walk he walked the chapel-en-le-frith to biggin |
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Name:
Joanne Futter
Date: 27/12/2005 Location: Wrexham, N.E Wales Message: Just like to say this is an excellent website and is a great source of information. i am 19 years old and suffered from meningitis and septicaemia in august this year and thankfully survived with no severe after effects. without the excellent treatment from the doctors and nurses at Wrexham Maelor Hospital and Gresford Health Centre i may not have been so lucky. x x |
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Name:
Emma and Darren
Date: 02/12/2005 Location: Derry, Northern Ireland Message: We lost Jamie, our 9 month old baby boy to this terrible disease on 1st November 2004. We know there are others out there like us.Thank you to Steve for not forgetting about us - looking forward to seeing you in the new year. |
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Name:
kelly and warren
Date: 01/12/2005 Location: london Message: november 5 we tragically lost our beautiful little girl Jessica aged 2 to meningacocal/septacemia after spending the whole of friday 4th nov all day in hospital we were told that Jessica had gastric and to give her calpol and neurofen every 4 hours. We sadly lost her saturday morning we feel so let down that even the medical staff (6 of them) through out the whole day had missed her symptoms. if any one has experienced the same situation pls contact us x |
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Name:
Lynda,Jess,Sam and Alex Nester
Date: 29/11/2005 Location: manchester,uk Message: Just a note to say thank you to Steve, for getting in touch and keeping in touch with me and my family after the sudden death of my wonderful husband and great daddy. I now know there is someone out there who knows and I don't have to speak for them to understand.. |
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Name:
phil parry
Date: 21/10/2005 Location: south wales Message: My son jack survived meningococcal septicaemia in May 1999 .he had fasciotomy Surgery performed by Miss Lisa sacks, plastic surgeon at Bristol children’s hospital Which saved his legs, hands and feet. My wife & I also spent hour upon hour Massaging his fingers, toes and feet to promote circulation we firmly believe That it help save his limbs and life. He has just his week undergone the last of the scar revision Operations to remove the skin grafts. He is a real fighter. More exposure of this illness is needed. |
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Name:
Nigel Francis (Chair of Governors, Sudbury Primary School)
Date: 21/10/2005 Location: Sudbury, Derbyshire Message: Thanks to Steve and the team for calling into see us at our morning assembly last Monday morning. The children were a bit dumb struck that anybody could walk 400 miles to see them, and then do another 140 miles before they get to go home. We all wish you every success on the rest of this walk and on any future treks. Well done all. ps the children loved the loud music! |
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Name:
Surj and Quent
Date: 20/10/2005 Location: Lincolnshire, UK Message: This web site has really given us some hope. Just knowing that there are people available to offer their support is wonderful. Our beautiful little boy 'Dylan' died on 7th August 2005 aged 21 months. He had cold/flu like symptoms and died very suddenly of Meningococcal Septicaemia. |
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Name:
Connor R. Curren
Date: 14/10/2005 Location: glasgow Message: Hey everyone be strong.My sister lost her dad because of meningitis im really sorry for her it's been 13 years iam only 9 years old.The websites great and has helped my sister a lot.Thanks. Connor Curren |
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Name:
Matthew Dowd
Date: 11/10/2005 Location: USA Message: I just want to say hello. your site is very pleasant and very cool! Thanks a lot!!! It was really interesting to surf your website. A lot of useful info can be found here!Respect! |
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Name:
kevin Stuart
Date: 11/10/2005 Location: Carlisle Cumbria Message: Just like to say thanks to Steve Dayman, Steve, Emily, Bob and all the crew for a most enjoyable walk from Carlisle to Kendal on sat and sun. Would also like to thank Dennis Law for walking with us, he was great company. |
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Name:
Kevin Stuart
Date: 07/10/2005 Location: Carlisle Message: Hello Have just seen Steve and the crew at Longtown in CumbrIA. I have pledged to walk some of the way next year as they are walking from John o Groats to Lands end. Good luck to you all for the rest of the trip. |
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Name:
Amy Corps
Date: 26/09/2005 Location: Winchester, Hants Message: Another great website raising awareness to this terrible disease. I lost my beautiful 19 month old daughter Freya to pneumococcal meningitis in April 2005 and we are also raising awareness through the media to this strain of meningitis as pneumococcal has the highest mortality rate and untill the day Freya was diagnosed we had never heard of it. |
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Name:
Katie van damme
Date: 24/09/2005 Location: scotland Message: Hi would just like to say to anyone who has lost someone they loved from meningitis to be and stay strong.I lost my dad and iam only 13 years old before i was born he was only 28. Be strong xxx |
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Name:
Jo Young
Date: 16/09/2005 Location: Essex UK Message: Four years ago,my Son,now seven contracted menigiccocal septicemia, Thankfully apart from a slight hearing loss, made a complete recovery.This illness is alot more common than most people think.The quicker it is diagnosed and treated, the better the chances,Seconds not hours matter. |
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Name:
andrea bradwell
Date: 31/08/2005 Location: England Message: My little girl contracted meningitis B and septicemia 6 months ago.We are very lucky that it was caught in time and she has no long term affects.I am so thankfull to have my little girl and my heart goes out to anyone that has lost a loved one to this terrible disease.I recently did the great north walk and raised just under £1000 for spencer dayman meningitis uk.xxx |
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Name:
Joan Sheridan
Date: 28/08/2005 Location: Newcastle Co. Down Northern Ireland Message: Keep up the good work. My little daughter, Alice aged 5 died from Meningitis in May 05. It was all so sudden. I thought she had flu but she died within an hour of being admitted to hospital |
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Name:
Anthea Blackmore
Date: 22/07/2005 Location: Somerset Message: I visit this wonderful site often since losing my own precious son Ethan Jon to meningitis in March 2004. My partner met Steve very soon after and said he was an inspiration. I look forward to meeting you Steve and your wife at Spencers Ball. We miss our son so much each minute but are determined to keep raising money to help beat this cruel disease. Love to all our angels. xxxx |
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Name:
Emily Knight
Date: 04/07/2005 Location: Message: Keep up the wonderful work team. |
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Name:
Paul and Claire Snow
Date: 24/05/2005 Location: England Message: Luckily our daughter Anya,battled and survived this terrible disease, Anya was 9 months old when she contracted meningitis (SCEPTICEMIA B STRAIN)unfortunately there is yet no serum for the B strain,so the main objective is to raise funds for this terrible disease. Anya is now 6 yrs old,and suffers no side effects. Both Claire and myself consider ourselves very fortunate that our daughter made a full recovery. We both now try and contribute to the trust as much as physically possible. Anya's big sister Alicia would like to thank all the doctors concerned for making her wish come true,to make her little sister better. |
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Name:
Fiona Robertson
Date: 01/03/2005 Location: UK Message: I think you're doing an amazing job and my heart goes out to everyone on this site who has lost a loved one. My 19 month old son has just come out of hospital after battling this rampant disease. He is now profoundly deaf but he is still with us and for that I am so grateful. I pray that steps are taken to stop families having their hearts broken over this terrible disease. |
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Name:
Dr. J.E. Russell
Date: 19/02/2005 Location: Maastricht, The Netherlands Message: My PhD thesis research was based upon Neisseria meningitidis (a cause of bacterial meningitis). I really wish I could have stayed in that research field in The Netherlands, but alas there are no research groups in my region. I hope I can get back into meningitis research some day.... In the meantime I wish you all the best in your fundraising activities - I know a lot of the meningitis researchers in the UK - they are all great and work really hard for your cause!! Joanne and baby Thomas (4 months) |
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Name:
Mysti
Date: 04/02/2005 Location: England Message: I really appreciete what you are doing here. I hope you can continue saving lives. |
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Name:
Nika
Date: 31/01/2005 Location: Message: You have a very nice web-site! Best regards, Nika! |
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Name:
Carla
Date: 29/01/2005 Location: devon Message: Hi, my friend died of meningitis almost a year ago now, and we are doing some fundrasing too. Keep up your good work |
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Name:
Kim W.
Date: 25/01/2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Message: Fundraising for Meningitis is my way of knowing that there is hope for others to stop this devastating diease & the grief that it cause. I will be behind you all the way. "This site is both heartbreaking and inspirational." -These are 2 quotes that convey exactly what I feel. I lost my nephew one month before his 3rd birthday, and as everyone who has lost a child/family member...it's devaststing and life alterating...I would never wish this on my worst enemy. Thank you and your organization for doing what you are doing so that families in the future may not have to go through the horrible pain and loss that those of us have felt. |
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Name:
Carrie Brown
Date: 23/01/2005 Location: United Kingdom Message: I would like to say keep the good work up. My son Elliot had meningitis just aged four months. I was one of the lucky ones as he managed to fight it. He is now Three years old. He has now long term affects from it which I thank god for. It's nice to see so many people supporting this cause. Please keep it going so that more children are able to fight it like my son did. x x |
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Name:
stuart
Date: 21/01/2005 Location: scotland Message: great site keep up the good work |
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Name:
Jones Family
Date: 08/01/2005 Location: S.Yorkshire Message: Great to see that people are helping fight cases of meningitis, we lost our beautiful son, grandson and a dear nephew from Meningococcal Septicaemia ages 3 and a 1/2 and wouldn't want to see anyone go through the same. Keep up the work. |
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Name:
Damian Brady
Date: 26/12/2004 Location: MAYOBRIDGE Message: HI STEVE JUST TO SAID MERRY CHRISTMAS |
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Name:
Sarah Burns
Date: 22/12/2004 Location: Manchester, England Message: Matthew died three weeks ago of pneumococcal meningitis, aged 4. Yesterday I had the great honour of meeting Steve, the first person to sit in front of me and say 'I know how you feel' and really mean it. Im sorry we met under these circumstances, Id much rather we'd never heard of each other and that this charity wasnt needed, but it is needed and we did meet so I want to say thankyou to the support you offered. I will definately be getting involved and doing what I can. Sleep tight all our Angels Sarah x |
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Name:
Tom
Date: 10/12/2004 Location: Message: great site |
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Name:
Kayleigh
Date: 01/11/2004 Location: Lyme Regis Message: Congratulations on raising 90,000. I took part in the walk and I proud to be part of the success! |
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Name:
Kevin Stuart
Date: 01/11/2004 Location: Carlisle Message: Well done Steve and everyone else who helped on the walk. £90,000 brilliant. You are an inspiration to everyone |
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Name:
Jenny Gumbrell
Date: 29/10/2004 Location: Manchester Message: £90,000? That's amazing guys! Well done to all those who took part in the walk and to the dedicated team at SDMUK. Always loving your work. T-W xx |
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Name:
Kate
Date: 18/10/2004 Location: Lyme Regis Message: Hi, looking forward to meeting and walking with you on Saturday 23 Oct. Lets hope the weather is kind to us. |
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Name:
nik wills
Date: 11/10/2004 Location: uk Message: great site |
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Name:
Kevin Stuart
Date: 01/10/2004 Location: Carlisle Cumbria England Message: I have just seen the walkers from Spencer Dayman pass through Carlisle England. They were accompanied by children from Longtown Primary School. Well done all of you. |
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Name:
Scott Latham
Date: 27/09/2004 Location: Burntwood nr, Lichfield England UK Message: Hi I contracted Meningitis in Feb 2004 and was in hospital for serveral weeks. |
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Name:
Claire
Date: 19/07/2004 Location: Birmingham, UK/Halifax, Canada Message: I've found this website to be both heartbreaking and greatly inspirational. I will be contacting you very soon. |
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Name:
Linda Richardson
Date: 08/06/2004 Location: Uk Message: Hi Steve, Thankyou for your support since Lisa Died I will continue to support and raise funds for aslong as it takes to rid this terrible disease. |
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Name:
Pauline Skinner-Gibson
Date: 25/01/2004 Location: Scunthorpe Message: Thank you Steve for all the support you have given us in the last 13 years. You have been there for us through our difficult times. Someone to talk to who understands what we are going through.Even after all these years it is still very hard. |
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Name:
liisa menzies
Date: 15/01/2004 Location: west midlands Message: I nearly lost my baby 5 days before her 1st birthday, but due to the support of my family i was strong for her. She is 15 months old now and has scaring, but the whole situation has made her so much more precious. my heart goes out to all the families that lost there angels. i support all you are doing to help try and stop meningitis. |
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Name:
Mark Richardson
Date: 12/01/2004 Location: Newcastle-upon-Tyne Message: Hi Steve, I would like on behalf of myself and my family would like to thank you for the help and support tou have given us since my sister Lisa lost her life to meningitis. I don't know what we kould have done without you. Thankyou |
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Name:
Jackie hill
Date: 26/10/2003 Location: Nottingham Message: Hi Steve Without my family and yourself I don't know how I would be able to go on . Fundraising for Meningitis is my way of knowing that there is hope for others to stop this devastating diease & the grief that it cause. I will be behind you all the way, you are a lovely man |
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Name:
Diane Boam
Date: 25/10/2003 Location: Nottingham England Message: Hi Steve, Thanks for everything, we will continue to support you always. |
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Name:
lisa webster
Date: 16/10/2003 Location: england Message: Thank you for all your help,through my bad times.what a wonderful man steve dayman is. |
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Name:
lee turner
Date: 05/10/2003 Location: rochdale lancs Message: well done with your efforts |
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Name:
David Kingston
Date: 05/09/2003 Location: Bristol Message: Hello Spencer Dayman what a great site! Keep up the good work! |
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774