“If you ever feel like you are suffering with symptoms of meningitis don’t wait, go and get help - fast.”
Sarah, from Wainfleet in Lincolnshire, was 38 when she fell ill following spinal surgery with the rare pseudomonas meningitis.
Sarah survived, but has been left with memory struggles and migraines. Now she’s planning a special celebration surrounded by everyone she loves for her 40th birthday.
“I had spinal surgery on 13th November 2024. Around three days post surgery, I started to feel very unwell. Within hours I was so sick, and I mean it was constant, no time to breathe or have a break – it was constant sickness and wrenching.
“I remember my head just feeling as though it was being crushed and feeling so bad I couldn't open my eyes or speak or sit up. I had my head in a sick bucket and the bed lowered to lie sideways. I can remember my husband and sister being at my bedside, but I couldn't hold a conversation or really comprehend what was happening I was feeling so poorly.
Just getting worse
“I spent two weeks in hospital on two iv antibiotics and had to alternate two different iv antibiotics sickness meds. It became so intense after two failed attempts to lie me flat for an MRI that the spinal team told me I needed to sign a form and have a general anaesthetic. I agreed because to be honest I was just getting worse.
“I remember a man dressed all in green coming in after I was back in the side room on the ward and saying I had swelling of the meninges in the brain and had meningitis. I’m not sure at that point I could fully understand the gravity of what was happening to me.
“The lasting effects I have are memory struggles and migraines. I’m hoping over time they may become less frequent and things will improve for me.
Feel very lucky to be here
“I found out recently I was fighting pseudomonas meningitis, a rare form that I got during or after my spinal surgery. Reading the stats I feel very lucky to be here and I genuinely think it’s because I was in hospital when things turned bad and I had care and antibiotics fast.
“My experience may be quite a rare and different experience but it’s changed my brain and how I can think and remember things. It’s also left me with severe PTSD and if I feel sick it really makes me panic.
Special celebration planned
“I’m so happy to be able to be here with my family and friends and I want to thank my mum and husband who took it in turns to stay with me. And my sister, my dad and my son for coming to see me.
"I’m turning 40 in February and I want it to be a special celebration with everyone I love.
“If you ever feel like you are suffering with symptoms of meningitis don’t wait, go and get help - fast.
"To all the survivors living with after-effects of meningitis I am sending my love and prayers for a cure. Meningitis Now, thank you for being a beacon of hope for everyone who faces or has faced this awful disease.”
