Meningitis nearly killed me, but doctors sent me home
26.01.11
A MAN spent a week in hospital battling meningitis after he was misdiagnosed by doctors three times.
Steven Drew, 38, went to his GP suffering from headaches and migraine symptoms after he played rugby.
His GP, followed by two A&E doctors, reassured him there was nothing to worry about, saying he had concussion.
Yet he was later rushed to hospital where he spent seven days fighting for his life.
Mr Drew recalled: "It felt like I was dying and I feel very lucky to be here today.
"When I saw my GP he thought it was concussion because I played rugby two weeks before, but he sent me to hospital to be sure.
"Yet when I was there the doctor was very dismissive and said it was concussion and I needed to go home, take some pain killers and it would clear up in a couple of days.
"It got worse so I returned to A&E, but again was told the same thing, even though I had all of the meningitis symptoms apart from the rash."
Things came to a head the next day, which was Christmas Day, after Steven had been sick throughout the night.
His wife Karen called an ambulance to their home in Richmond Avenue, Shoebury. Paramedics recognised the symptoms and rushed him straight to hospital, where he spent the first four days in a critical condition. Mr Drew, who is still recovering from the illness, added: "It has really affected me.
"I still have a headache and I get sleepy very easily and if I am tired I slur my speech.
"It is very frustrating because I can't work at the moment, but I am lucky that my children did not catch it."
He added: "I want to do more to raise awareness in hospitals to recognise the symptoms and work with charities like Meningitis UK, who have been really supportive to me."
A hospital spokeswoman said: "We have been in direct contact with Mr Drew to discuss his concerns which we will now investigate."
Steve Dayman, the chief executive of Meningitis UK who lost his own son to the disease in 1982, said: "We were pleased to hear that Steve's making a good recovery after a very frightening time.
"His experiences highlight that meningitis can affect anyone of any age, especially at this time of the year when cases peak.
"This winter we have seen a slight rise in the number of people falling ill with meningitis which is likely to be due to the high number of flu cases at the moment, coupled with the cold weather.
"While meningitis is notoriously difficult to diagnose, health professionals need to make sure they're alert to all the signs because of the speed at which meningitis strikes, sometimes killing in under four hours.
"Meningitis should always be a major consideration because early diagnosis and hospital treatment can mean the difference between life and death."
Meningitis UK is dedicated to funding vaccine research to eradicate the disease through its Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign.
Although successful vaccines exist to protect against some strains, there is still no vaccine available to protect against the most common form – meningococcal group B.
Meningitis UK is offering the public free symptoms information packs to help raise awareness. These include a leaflet with all the facts and frequently asked questions, plus a 'Check the Symptoms' fridge magnet and a handy wallet-sized symptoms card.
To order your free symptoms information pack, please call 0117 373 73 73 or visit www.meningitisUK.org
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774
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