![MarkAustin - Meningitis in your words](/getattachment/1443bb17-20dc-4ae9-86a2-1d8b0685c708/Mark-Austin)
My first time started with a splitting headache. For weeks I couldn't keep anything down and started showing signs of meningitis that were not diagnosed correctly and when I finally got to the hospital I had lost 40 pounds and was delirious.
I was put on painkillers and when I finally got a lumbar puncture it was as if cool water was running over me and it was instant relief. I spent a total of ten days in the hospital and it took me about six months to regain my strength. I had balance issues for a few years but found a treatment that so far has been effective.
I have had two more recurrent episodes but got treatment within hours. Each time another ten days in hospital. It's been almost a year since my last episode and I have not fully recovered, my hearing loss is more pronounced and my memory has been slowly getting better.
I now have irrational fear of things that never bothered me before - I don't like driving over or under bridges - at times it's absolutely terrifying. The good news is that I'm alive and getting better and I take antivirals daily to prevent future recurrences. I'm very fortunate to have had access to fantastic medical care.
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The worst will pass and recovery will come, get involved in your passion and life life fully.