Meningitis in your words

Ester González Velasco's story

  • Location: Spain
  • Categories: Viral
  • Age: Adult 25-59
  • Relationship: Myself
  • Outcome: Recovery with after effects
  • After effects: Epilepsy - Seizures (Fits), Hearing problems, Other, Headaches
EsterGonzález Velasco
EsterGonzález Velasco - Meningitis in your words
Mi nombre es Ester, ahora tengo 47 años. En 2.020, me llegó la meningitis, concretamente la meningitis hermética. Era época de covid me salieron unas pupas al salir del trabajo y fui a urgencias y no le dieron importancia. Di negativo a las pruebas y no hacían caso a mis síntomas hasta que a la cuarta vez mi marido me llevó a hospital ya muy grave.

Estuve un mes en el hospital y me han quedado muchas secuelas no visibles. Afasia anómica, Bob puedo nombrar cosas que perfectamente reconozco, anosmia, ageusia, pérdida absoluta olfato y gustó, tinittus, acufenos, daño en audición, epilepsia sintomática, dolor cabeza, una leve dificultad en concentración... etc. Mi vida cambió, tengo discapacidad reconocida.

Empecé a dar visibilidad con apoyo de amigos y profesionales, cree web y redes sociales llamadas "Cerebro Éster Sin H", doy visibilidad y apoyo a meningitis y secuelas, soy una persona llena de resiliencia.

Deciros que pertenezco a la Asociación Española contra la meningitis y colaboro no sólo como afectada, sino como coach personal para apoyar a afectados. La asociación es maravillosa, Cristina, Elena, junto a todo el equipo que lo formamos, afectados, familias.

La meningitis es una dura enfermedad, es desconocida los tipos que hay y las diferentes secuelas que da, ojalá más apoyo para personas afectadas, más vacunación gratis en España y más visibilidad y empatía. 

Gracias!! 

English translation:

My name is Ester and I am now 47 years old.

In 2020, I got meningitis. It was the time of Covid. I got some sores when I left work, so I went to the emergency room, but they didn't give them any importance. I tested negative and they ignored my symptoms until the fourth time my husband took me to the hospital, already very seriously.

I was in the hospital for a month and I have many hidden after-effects. I can name things that I perfectly recognize: anosmia, ageusia, absolute loss of smell and taste, tinnitus, hearing damage, symptomatic epilepsy, headaches, mild difficulty concentrating, etc. My life changed. I have a recognized disability.

I began to raise awareness of meningitis with the support of friends and professionals. I created a website and social networks called "Cerebro Ester Sin H." I raise awareness and support for meningitis and its after-effects. I am a person full of resilience.

I'd like to tell you that I belong to the Spanish Meningitis Association and I collaborate not only as a patient, but also as a personal coach to support those affected. The association is wonderful, Cristina, Elena, and the entire team that makes up the association—those affected, their families.

Meningitis is a serious illness. The types and consequences are unknown. We hope for more support for those affected, more free vaccinations in Spain, and more visibility and empathy.

Thank you!!

Listen more to Ester's story in her YouTube video here.

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