Still Me

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Lesley says she was 'stubborn' and worked part-time

this is a very different life for Lesley Hart , because she had meningitis almost 10 years.

"I'm not Miss Independent. It is goes on more and more as time goes on. But I live Every Day , as I want to. "

Lesley is one of the nearly 2500 people, the development of bacterial meningitis and Meningococcal Disease each year in the UK.

The Meningitis Research Foundation, says That The Right support is the key for people like you.

To mark Meningitis Awareness Week, it has released a survey That showed That , while many know can kill the state, very few are aware of, it can cause lasting side effects.

In the survey, of 2,000 people, 87% are underestimated - or not know -That people who contract bacterial meningitis may have problems with the left-hand, long-term.

And 90% did not know numbness is a common after-effect of meningitis.

Meningitis causes swelling of the mucous membrane of The Brain . It is caused by a viral or a bacterial infection.

Viral meningitis usually gets better on its own. And while most of them are treated swiftly, to make a full recovery, it can problems to serious long-term. In 10 cases with a fatal outcome.

Lesley's case, she did not seek medical help, if you improve the usual migraine symptoms.

she was hospitalized and at one point her parents were told she had only six hours.

Lesley, who is from Hereford, says: "'Meningitis is an infection That I never thought I would get.

"My after-effects are wide and varied, including a brain injury and short-term memory problems. I can fight with information, and I have tinnitus.

"I have nerve damage and I do not feel hunger or thirst. I fight to keep my feet warm. My skin grows weird on my feet, and so I deep-tissue-dermatitis.

"When I was discharged I have not received, and follow-up automatically, I had to fight for every single appointment.

"I was Once referred to The Brain injury team, they were amazing, though. He finished my sentences about what fight I with to.

"It was great to finally be listened to and validated. "

'I may have broken bits, but I'm me

she says she wants people to know That "adult it".

"people look at me and think I'm fine, but you don't see the drugs I take, The Pain , the frustrations That I go through.

"I had no septicaemia, but I after left with nerve damage, among other effects, and the damage to the nerves, the need of strong medication, just so I can. my arms and legs to move, still with pain, but not like someone sticking needles into you constantly

"I would also like to know the people That I'm Still Me . I can bits of broken, but I'm me.

"ask me, I like to say when I'm asked, instead of watching for the appearance of 'good', but lazy.

"I've come To Live next to my broken bits and accept That it could have been a hell of a lot worse and it is thanks to Hereford hospital, That he was not.

Lesley now lives in a bungalow can be controlled by an intelligent text, and has meals That you can heat up. "I forget That I Am cooking things, and let you burn".

But the disease has not only change your health.

"ended My relationship. I have two great friends, but I lost most of so I could go in Clubs, and alcohol has a very negative effect on me. I was no longer as 'fun'. "

Lesley now works Two Days per week. "The Brain -injury-hit type of team, until the work is complete, but I'm too stubborn. I couldn't keep up with My Own company Every Day . "

Vinny Smith, of the Meningitis Research Foundation, said: "many people are aware That meningitis cost of living, less people know the damage it can do, the disease, by the people, for the long-term health and your future.

"The cost of people can be immense, and unfortunately, some never recover completely, so The Right support is essential. "

meningitis, hereford

Source of news: bbc.com