It was January 2025 and I had just recently returned to work, having relocated back to the UK after living in North America for a few years as part of my career. About two weeks into the new year, I began to feel unwell with stiff shoulders and neck, an absolutely crippling headache and fatigue I had never felt before. I put it down to a return to work plus adjusting back to life in the UK – I mean, everyone is ill during the winter, right?!
Trying to remain resilient, I ignored my symptoms and tried to carry on as normal until one weekend, I felt different. Very different. The only way to describe it was like a feeling of dying, my organs shutting down. It might sound dramatic, but this is the truth about my symptoms and the diagnosis it led to.
I knew I had to call the emergency services and I knew it was important to describe my symptoms as best as I could. I spent what felt like forever trying to think of what to say. What I didn't know was that at this point, my brain was already poisoned, so it was no wonder I wasn't thinking straight. An ambulance was dispatched and on arrival, the amazing paramedics did various tests and took me to A&E (accident and emergency).
After a few hours, I ended up on a ward and was told I was being treated with suspected meningitis, sepsis, as well as pneumonia, which was highlighted as part of the scans done. It took quite a few days for the lumbar puncture results to come back, confirming that I had bacterial meningitis.
I am extremely grateful that the hospital staff treated me on a suspected nature, as this is what kept me alive and helped to aid my recovery. A key part of this was making sure I articulated my symptoms and would encourage everyone to not ignore these and to mention whatever you're feeling, even if it feels small.
I spent almost one month in hospital, several hours a day on drips full of antibiotics, steroids as well as oral medication, along with oxygen to stabilise my breathing. I felt very poorly and uncomfortable. An hour felt like a day and the various side effects from the medication were kicking in, which added to the discomfort.
It was by far the toughest time I’ve endured in my but finally the moment came where I was able to leave hospital and continue recovery at home. I cannot express my thanks for the healthcare heroes amongst us. I experienced nothing but kindness, patience, and humour during times of sheer despair and endurance. These folks work long hours and are 100 miles an hour the whole time.
On coming home, my pneumonia returned and recovery was nowhere near as easy as I thought it would be. Sepsis had got the better of my muscles, my memory, my energy and my organs. About three months into recovery, I lost about 50% of my hair due to telogen effluvium, a stress condition which leads to hair loss following a severe bout of bad health or stress. I was overwhelmed by the support shown by my family and friends, which was a big part of my wellness.
It has taken several months to start feeling like myself again, and I am incredibly grateful that I have made almost a full recovery. I am thankful to the Meningitis Research Foundation for the resources made available on their website. I also did other research and listened to podcasts to get tips on recovery.
In the pictures, I am celebrating a birthday around halfway into my recovery and on holiday in Malta, which I didn't think I’d be able to go on.
It's a really scary experience, I don’t know how I got it or how serious it could be. Symptoms and recovery is different for everyone, so don't compare yourself to how someone else might be doing. Recovery also takes time and milestones look different to everyone, so make sure to remember to be kind to yourself.