How Long to Recover from Meningitis

I haven't had the specific ailments your are speaking of, but I have had my share of surgeries. As far as healing goes, it takes what it takes. Each person is different. There are so many things that can help or hinder. A good diet can make a world of difference. What a hard thing for your mother. I am sure she is frustrated! There is nothing harder than someone pushing you when there just isn't anything you can do to make the situation better.

Hi, K.!

I really hope your mom's surgery helps. I had bacterial meningitis myself in Jan. 2008. Thankfully it was caught fairly quickly although I was in a coma for 3 days and had 2 weeks of in-hospital recovery and another 3 months before I was really myself again physically.

As you probably already know, this is a serious infection and the person going through it is rehabilitated the same as a person who has had a brain injury. (And your poor mom has been through this 4 times!) After a brain injury a person's behavior, physicality, and even personality can be altered. (It can make a person "edgey" and more easily frustrated.)

I don't know whether your mom has had a CT and whether this is the case (I mean, whether she ends up with some permanent changes), but it's something to learn more about from her docs.

It doesn't seem fair of your sister to pressure your mom about anything. It takes time to heal and get your faculties back. I found it was very frustrating having to deal with my own mental slowness (in the beginning), the lack of energy, and having to get your coordination and balance back. (You just want your old life back--PLEASE!)

I would urge your sister to talk to the doctors and/or therapists your mom is working with about what she can expect while your mom recovers. If she really refuses, then she should probably limit the amount of time she spends with your mom until a)your mom is more fully recovered, or b)she has educated herself about recovery.

Here's a link to an article about recovering from meningitis: http://www.meningitis.org/disease-info/after-effects . Please be kind and patient with your mom--she'll benefit from your level head.

I wish you all the best--this can't be easy for you. I hope your sister will get over whatever is keeping her from talking to the docs.

Best of luck!

My husband had bacterital meningitis many years ago and I do remember a lengthy stay in the hospital first and then several weeks (or even a month or 2) before he felt he had his energy back completely. He was in his 30's at the time so the age difference is a factor and healing is different for everyone.
Not sure if it is your mom or your sister wanting things to get better more quickly. If your mom is interested in getting better quicker, I can share something with her that is helping other people literally around the world. Not sure if it would be something she would be interested in but may be worth at leasting checking out.
Blessings,
L. O
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My daughter had bacterital meningitis last year and she is also still recovering. Short history she was in a car accident in June where she was hit broadside. She complained about her back hurting from before she even left the scene but due to her existing back problems the doctors weren't listening. In Oct the pain went into her leg and she went to the ER (on a Tues) where she was told by doctor "she was a narcotic addict looking for a fix and there was nothing wrong with her". She barely remembered going to ER that night and doesn't rememeber much of the next 4 days. I took her to doc on Thur and Fri where someone finally listened and did white count and sent her straight back to ER. She spend the next 5 days in ICU and 7 more in hospital, had 3 surgeries to drain the abscesses on her back and hip that let to the meningitis. She was sent home with an IV antibotic that was to last 4 weeks, however was taken off early due to being sick from the antibotics. Here we are in April and she is still having health issues that I believe is from the meningtis and treatment of such. someone needs to go with mom to doctor and listen/ask questions that because of the illness and surgery your mom may not understand. This is a tough illness and I'm sorry for your mom and your family to have to go through this 4 times once was more then enough for me. I hope for all concern both your mom and my daughter get better real soon. God Bless

Its going to take some time. Like my mother said, in Oct of 2008 I found out i had bacteria Meningitis. Its been almost 7 months now and im STILL recovering. It takes a lot out on a person. You have your good days and you have your BAD days. I would have you and/or your sister go to the dr with your mother and ask questions. I dont have a actual recovery date to tell you but know this it take a LOT of time and she need your support.

My Pastor's wife had the same surgery over 18 months ago, she still is not fully recovered mentally! Her memory comes and goes (it's worse early in the morning), physically she is a lot better! She is able to drive and care for her self but we often need to remind her of a lot of things. She is a little younger than your mom but not by much ( 2-3 years!)she was able to begin driving again about 3-4 months after her surgery! But again your mom has had a double wammy so she may require a longer healing process! Good luck and God Bless!

Hi! My name is Basil, I'm from Russia and had a surgery on my brain :). It was related with a severe hemorragic stroke which has taken away a cigarette-pack sized part of my brain.
The prognosis for 10 days was death with a little chance of vegetative-state life for a couple of years.

I did survive - and I did improve. For 2 years that had passed since then I
ve recovered almost fully - with a blind spot in my vision, but I'll fix it as well as soon as I find a way. I will.

You may blame me, but listen. The only good advice is: STOP LISTENING FOR OPINIONS BOTH OF YOU. Do not make gods of doctors and gold of someone else's experiences - a human body is not a mechanism: all you both need is within you. You've got all!

These are the problems you've faced. HER problems, not someone else's - and only she can find a perfect solution, which will work in HER case.

You hear of a nice doctor? Learn his methods, inform mama - and STOP. She will find a perfect key if she needs it. You - wont. Anyone else - wont. If she doesn't need - she wont as well. That's what to think off.

So both of you, stop searching for the excuse of the idleness (I know what I say) and just go solve it. If you need.

Sorry for my poor English an good luck.