Lionel Jauregui's story

My name is Lionel Jauregui and I'm 28 years old and I was diagnosed with meningitis in the spring of 2010 at the age of 25 going on 26.

I don't remember anything prior to me being in the hospital and two months after the hospital. The Medical Doctors say I developed the viral meningitis on my own and three years later I still deal with the after effects. I have trouble sleeping, I have a hard time writing down ideas. I hate meeting new people because I know I'm going to forget their name.

I don't remember the five years prior to the meningitis and I have very little recollection of my childhood. I don't remember graduating from the University of California, Riverside in 2006 or working at Lowe's from 2008-2010.

I feel at a loss because my family doesn't understand or empathize with me. Both my parents treat me like I'm 4 yrs. old. I'm not allowed to drive. My Doctor won't let me go back to work. I'm pretty much at a loss and there is not much I can do! I also had three strokes while I was in the hospital. Sadly I don't remember any of the trauma my family went through.

I discovered this site a couple of days ago and I'm super happy that I'm not alone.

Lionel Jauregui
September 2013