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: 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.

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.

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

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.

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.....

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???.

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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,

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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

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 .

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

Name: Mary Jane
Date: 24/04/2007
Location: Edmonton
Message:
My Friend is seriously ill with this Disease so please Pray for him

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Name: amythomas
Date: 18/12/2006
Location: longtown primary school
Message:
i hope you raise lots of money for the research of meningitis

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

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

Name: Anthea Berry
Date: 19/11/2006
Location: somerset
Message:
No day goes by without out thinking of our loss, love to all

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!!!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Name: Sharon Homes
Date: 05/06/2006