Meningitis in your words

Genevieve B.'s story

  • Location: England
  • Categories: Viral
  • Age: Teenager
  • Relationship: Parent
  • Outcome: Recovery with after effects
  • After effects: Co-ordination problems
Genevieve B.

My daughter was 14 when she got viral meningitis. That was the first day her hell began! 

My daughter has since been diagnosed with severe depression, POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), a blood disorder, Lupus Anticoagulant, memory loss, severe dizziness, fatigue and panic attacks because sometimes her arms and legs will go numb. 

"She has never been able to get any type of gainful employment."

My daughter has struggled in so many ways since she was diagnosed with meningitis. People would say, “You’re lazy, get a job”, when she could barely get through high school. She has never been able to get any type of gainful employment. 

She did have a baby when she was 18, and we finally received some answers because for the first time she was connected to a heart monitor. Back when she was younger they thought she only suffered from depression, but her blood pressure when she stood up was 46/0 - we think this is the result of viral meningitis. 

My daughter finally has answers from a neuropsychologist and she has been legally diagnosed with a disability just a week ago. All the while I knew it, that day my daughter changed and watching a vibrant teenager change drastically to a helpless woman never wanting to get out of bed is just an awful experience. My daughter is very upset because all of these years she has been suffering and at times self- medicating but hopefully now we can get the medical and financial assistance she needs! 

If you are suffering, get a neuropsychological evaluation, it has opened our eyes!

Karen Arcuicci
March 2015