I've got meningitis??

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hey guys, just a story for you all...

Went to work Saturday and had a mild frontal HA. Little neck fullness Sunday Am. Thought maybe I might have a sore throat starting. Bigger headache Sunday afternoon and throat issues resolved. Got an on call for low census. Turned into the WORST headache of my life. Called the sup. and came in at 0330. Dilaudid and phenergan IM and home I went with the dx of migraine. (Not a migraine!)

Crawling the walls at 0830 I hurt so bad... back to ER I went. Prompt CT and lumbar puncture....AHA Meningitis. What???

Admitted and stayed 4 days and was d/c'd home yesterday following no growth on the culture plates and the dx of Viral meningitis.

I am amazed at how crappy I feel (still) and moreover, I am almost embarrassed that I, (the ICU nurse) did not catch on to what I had brewing... geesh.

Just had to share my lack of insight. LOL :imbar Amazing. ~Ivanna

Specializes in CCU MICU Rapid Response.

Thank you so much everybody for your kind responses and well wishes. You've made me feel better. :) Ivanna

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Specializes in A myriad of specialties.

I'm so sorry to hear this---but so glad it wasn't meningococcal meningitis---we lost our granddaughter to that disease 10 years ago----whenever anyone speaks of a severe headache, etc, fever, etc around the fall/winter, I think of meningococcal meningitis and start lecturing folks to get to the hospital. That disease can be fatal so quickly---it took our granddaughter's life in less than 12 hours---word has it that the disease can kill in as little as 2 hours. Hope you feel better soon.

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Specializes in CCU MICU Rapid Response.

Drifter, sorry for your loss. I am glad to hear that you educate those around you. Way to go! ~Ivanna

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Specializes in A myriad of specialties.
drifter, sorry for your loss. i am glad to hear that you educate those around you. way to go! ~ivanna

thank you, ivanna. here's hoping you are feeling better every day; the viral variety can be dangerous too. take care!

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wish you a speedy recovery. take time to rest and take good care of yourself. big hugs to you.

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