Elaine
I had bacterial meningitis at age 6 in l960. It was the most serious meningitis you could get at that time and Penicillin was the only cure for it. Of course, I was allergic to it. I was in a coma for 3 days and had a high fever of 106 degrees Fahrenheit. Alcohol baths were given to me to cool me down, but after the 3rd day, my mom said I reached out, as if to ask for water. She put it to my lips and I threw up the poison that was in me. That glass of water saved my life!! My parents were told that I would be in a wheelchair and have brain damage, but 4l yrs. later I am fine. There are two types of Meningitis. Bacterial (the bad one) and Viral Meningitis. The Viral type can be treated with antibiotics. It usually starts with a stiff neck, high fever, vomiting forcefully, loss of appetite, lethargy, etc. Meningitis is an infection of the Meninges, which are brain tissue. My case started with an ear infection that got so bad, it went into my brain and down my spine. A spinal tap was done to extract the fluid from my spine for analysis. Any type of Meningitis is very serious and must be attended to within 4 hrs. from the onset of symptoms, or the victim can die. I had one hour to live and was given my last rights. Being allergic to Penicillin didn't help my situation at all. As soon as the doctor gave me the medicine, my throat closed up and I broke out in horrible huge reddish-blue hives all over my body. When I recovered, my left side was temporarily paralysed, but through physiotherapy and learning to walk all over again, I recovered, thanks to my Mom, her prayers and a glass of water. Hope this information helps you! Write back if you wish.