Meningitis in your words

Lacey Jensen's story

  • Location: USA
  • Categories: Viral
  • Age: Adult 25-59
  • Outcome: Full Recovery
Lacey Jensen

Before reading any of these stories, remember that everyone has a different experience and a different recovery time.  Talk to your doctor before you start googling.

I thought I had the flu, (even though I had a flu shot) with the worst headache of my life. My temperature was 102° and I could barely move.  I went to urgent care and they suspected meningitis...but I could move my neck and my blood work was great.  They told me if my headache persisted, I needed to go to the ER.

Four days later, my fever was gone but I had a horrible headache still.  More than anything I was so lethargic.  I decided to go to the ER.

What I learned was that the only true way to test for meningitis is through a lumbar puncture. 

Here is where things took a turn.  My spinal fluid was clear (good sign).  The doctors came back in the room and told me I have meningitis but they couldn’t match me to a virus or bacteria.  Everyone in the ER including my husband and children had to get a precautionary shot in case it was bacterial.

I then was quickly sent away on an ambulance to a nearby city with a bigger hospital where more testing could be done.

I was in isolation for 4 days.

The CDC doctors, ID doctors and regular doctors were all coming in asking questions and doing tests.
I had a CT scan, brain MRI, lots of bloodwork.

Because my condition was not declining, they assumed I had viral meningitis and not bacterial.  But still waiting on tests to be certain.  After four days, there was no bacteria (thank goodness) but they also couldn’t match me to a virus. Fifteen doctors had concluded that I had viral meningitis but there are so many viruses and only so much spinal fluid to test.  They told me I was fine and sent me home. 

"They told me it would take a couple of weeks to feel better. It truly has taken almost two months."

This is when the panic and anxiety set in. It is still hard to decipher if my six week recovery was more due to anxiety or the meningitis itself.  I still suffer from headaches and a little confusion but I feel better each week. They told me it would take a couple of weeks to feel better. It truly has taken almost two months.

If you have meningitis and you’re reading this, allow yourself time. Be patient. Sleep. Eat right, drink lots of water...Let your body heal.  Make sure to do a follow up appointment with your doctor. 

I asked how this happened to me...they told me I had bad luck.

If you ask me, I have pretty good luck.  I am very thankful that I didn’t have bacterial meningitis.  The doctors said I would make a full recovery.  I am taking it day by day...I have faith and I believe I am getting better.

Lacey Jensen
Janauary 2020

Detailed information about the after effects of meningitis

Dr Fiona McGill answers one of our most frequently asked questions.
Stories that inspire us to create a world free from the diseases.

Whether you are living with the after effects of the diseases or coping with the death of a loved one, we are here for you.

Provide a lifeline for those in need
Provide a lifeline for those in need
£6/€7.20/$8 pays for a 30 minute call from a trained support officer.

They listen to the issues faced by someone struggling with the impact of meningitis, and provide detailed information and support.
Membership and support

The MRF Membership and Support team are here for you for any questions you might have about meningitis and septicaemia and their effects on you, or your family and friends.

Tel: Helpline UK 080 8800 3344 Ireland 1800 41 33 44