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461963 tn?1207002653

MS - w/ meningitis & Encephalitis

Hi - My mom has been living with progressive MS for over 24 years now.  She is wheelchair bound and living in a nursing home the last 3 as we were completly unable to provide her the level of care that she required.  Two weeks ago she came down with Shingles and was three days later hospitalized with Meningitis. As a secondary infection my mom got Encephalitis among a few other complications.  She was not awake and unresponsive for over a week.  The infectious disease specialist told us my mom has a really good chance of recovering from this with no significant problems and that this encephalitis has a great recovery rate.   HOWEVER - the Neurologist later gave a conflicting opinion and stated that due to our moms already neuroligical status and physical condition the recovery process would be much more difficult and he did not think she had a good chance.
My mom woke up Saturday and as of yesterday is able to recognize us and sometimes nod yes or no. She is unable to speak because she is intubated for breathing at this point.  I guess i was just wondering if anyone has any information or possibly been thru this or seen anything like this who may be able to shed some insite.  thanks.
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461963 tn?1207002653
There has been no change. Mom is awake and appears to be alert but at times she is obviuosly not.  The doctor said an MRI would not help to see if there were any brain damage but that when they send her back to the TCU (Transitional Care Unit) we can discuss with the doctor having the neurologist come back to see her and make further recommendations.  

Still wondering if anyone has been through this or knows someone who has?!?!   I hope everyone is doing good.. thank you.
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461963 tn?1207002653
Thank you -  we appreciate your prayers.  Sorry for the scare.. i surely did not intend for that...

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199882 tn?1310184542
God bless your mother and you.  I will definitely be praying for your Mother and family.  Reading your post really scared me as I'm sure it did others.  It kinda makes me wonder what the future holds.  

I'm very glad that you wrote to us and I'm sure that very shortly you will see what a wonderful place you have stumbled upon.  I really hope that someone can help you with your questions.  I haven't gone through anything like your Mother has and I pray I never do, but it sounds like she has a lot of love and support around her.  I hope you see the love and support already around you and your Mother.

I'll be praying,
Carol
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461963 tn?1207002653
They took the tube out yesterday and mom is breathing on her own. YAY!!!   She is trying to talk but without voice it is hard to understand her. She is alert and awake and recognizes us (My brothers & I) but sometimes she'll just stop and stare off into the world and gets this glazed look as if she is not alert and unaware.. and after a little bit of time passess she comes back and will look at you again and say hi.. we think this is due to the inflammation and swelling on the brain; possibly getting better but we are unsure of what to expect, I.E. the level of brain damage ?  how much better she will get?  she is unable to move her limbs when asked to do so but then at times she will pick her right arm up.  keep in mind; she was already wheelchair bound before this happened.  
I am going to ask the doctor today if/when they will do another MRI to survey the changes since the first one and possibly note any permanent damage and to where.
any suggestions or ideas ?
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461963 tn?1207002653
THANK YOUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!!  

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Avatar universal
SL was 'bumping' your post to the top again by writing something else in your thread. The higher ones get read more.

ess
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461963 tn?1207002653
WHAT DOES BUMP MEAN ?
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198419 tn?1360242356
bump for LSteip
Helpful - 0
198419 tn?1360242356
Hi,
Adding on a welcome to you too.
I'm so sorry that your Mom is going through all of this.
You must be afraid for her and her future.

I don't have any experience w/situations like this,
but do feel as if hope is something you should hang
on to tightly.  

You've gotten 2 differing opinions as to their
suspected course for her.  I would like to say to you
to keep your faith, keep an active journal of how she
is progressing.  That way, you can tell the Drs how
she is doing.  If you are not comfortable w/the Neuro's
opinion, that is ok.  Just make sure to make some
follow up appointments w/the infectious disease specialist.

Wishing you the best, as KITT says, you are in a good place here,
be well,
SL

Helpful - 0
164435 tn?1377102256
I HAVE NOT BEEN THUR ANYTHING LIKE THAT.
GOD BLESS YOUR MOM AND YOU.
I WANT TO WELCOME YOU TO OUR FORUM.
I AM SURE YOU WILL FIND AND OVERWHELMING
AMOUNT OF SURPORT HERE. AND HOPEFULLY
SOME ANSWERS. YOUR IN A GOOD PLACE.
HUGS  KITT
Helpful - 0
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