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Wow Charlie! I had viral meningitus as a kid, while I have no lasting effects I have my mother's tenacity to thanks for that as she fought the army medical system to admit me after twice being rebuffed. All the side effects you mentioned, had that happened today would the effects still be as severe with modern medicine?

In spite of the obstacles placed in your life you have accomplished so much and you continue to give on here, spreading your vast knowledge to a group or people who are I am sure, better people for it.

Blessings-
CK

Actually CK, a lot of the problems resulted from the Streptomycin. At that time (1953), the drug was experimental and hadn't yet been approved by the F.D.A. for use on humans. They had to get special permission to use it on me, but it was the only drug available at that time which worked against tuberculous. Since there were no protocols that had yet been established for the use of the drug, they tried what made sense to them, and it wound up that they gave me way too much of the medication. Actually, I got a little more than 15,000 times the currently recommended therapeutic dosage for a child of my age and size at that time. So, while the medication saved my life, it also did a real number on me, and it has really affected my entire life. But it wasn't until I saw my new eye doctor that the idea of a traumatic brain injury was ever raised. But when I think about it, the idea makes a whole lot of sense! Funny how that works sometimes.

And to answer your question, CK, had I contracted the tuberculous meningitis today, I might have been hospitalized for a day or two, not for 2 1/2 months. And now, there are dozens of drugs that they can use to treat tuberculous meningitis, many of which work much better than Streptomycin. So, if I got the disease today, none of the side effects would result from either the disease, or the medication that was used to treat it. But, they did what they knew to do at the time, and at least I'm alive today. Without the Streptomycin, I would most certainly have died. So, I thank God for what I've got, and move on from there.

Wow Charlie!! You really have been through so much!! I too, am so glad you survived because there would have been a whole lot of people who wouldn't have gotten the help they needed from you!! You truly have made a difference in this world!!

Big hugs, Suzee

Hi Suzee,

Thanks for your very kind words. I really appreciate the sentiment. And I'm glad I've been able to help others, it's brought meaning and purpose to my life.

Happy Valentine's Day to you. I hope you have a FANTASTIC day, and know how very much you are loved here on this site, and how much your contributions are also appreciated. With much love,

Your support Friend,

Charlie