Meningitis Support Group
Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes (meninges) covering the brain and the spinal cord. Although the most common causes are infection (bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic), chemical agents and even tumor cells may cause meningitis. Meningitis can produce a wide range of symptoms including fever, headache or confusion and in extreme cases, deafness, brain damage,...
Tell us about your personal experience with Vancomycin as a treatment: Has it worked? Have you had any issues? Any recommendations or tips?
I was really sick with meningitis. I vomited, seized in the ER and don't recall much after that. Next thing I remember is waking up in the ICU, or so I was told later that's where I was. I don't remember the spinal tap or anything else. Good thing, those spinal taps hurt like the dickens! I had several more later on. =( Especially in a military hospital where the training is somewhat lacking and its supposed to be a "teaching hospital". LOL But I digress... Vanc (as we so affectionately called it) was quite a drug. I received it through IV and it burned as I recall. It did work very effectively, with a combination of other drugs (like Tequin) to cure the bacterial meningitis. Since I was so out of it from being sick and having a cerebral spinal fluid leak its hard to know what side effects were caused by what. Sorry I couldn't be of more help there. I also had steroids, blood thinners, and a multitude of other things injected into me and shoved down my throat during that lovely month. Not to mention they ran out of role in my arms, so I got a pic line (sort of a semi-permanent IV) in my arm. I'm told I went to the hospital's library and checked out a book, read it, and even rode the month's household bills and balanced the checkbook although I have absolutely no recollection of doing any of those things. The mind and body are wonderful, mysterious things indeed!
I gotta say, meningitis is the most painful thing I've every been through. And believe me, I've been through my share of painful procedures, surgeries, hospital stays and other stuff. 23 years is like 100 on my body. I'm extremely lucky to be writing this, walking, breathing, and getting a degree in Social Work to help others like me!!! I'm truly blessed, and I know it, and I thank God everyday!!! Best of luck y'all!
~Katie