This is kind of a long story but my sis has had viral meningitis since before the 4th. She has 3 bad cold sores on her lower lip and when I saw her on the 4th I thought that was why she wasn't moving her face much on one side. She didn't really think about it that much until yesterday when she woke up and both sides of her face are paralyzed. She went to the ER and was admitted last night. I was there when the neurologist came today. His prognosis was not what we were expecting to hear. She has nerve damage and this could last as little as 6 weeks to as long as 2 years, he could not tell us anything because he they just don't know. She is soooo sad. She can't smile or kiss her kids goodnight. She can eat but it's not easy. She's worried about a lot of things. She's worried about how she looks, how she sounds, that she can't work etc... Please pray for her comfort and a full recovery as soon as possible. She has a spinal tap last night and now an infectious disease Dr is being called in for a second opinion. Ever since she was little she would get cold sores on her lips. I remember one time she had 10 at once. That was as bad as it ever got. I get one every now and then when my immune system is down and I'm stressed. I think they're trying to deturmine exactly what is going on with her. I just feel so helpless. Thank God Sam and I were at the hospital today when she got the news. Her husband went home to take care of the Jackson and Delaney and give my mom a break. We'll go over tomorrow to help with them. Thanks in advance for the prayers!!!
Replies
83
beanAuthor
Refresh my memory - - is it Bell's palsy? Is she taking prednisone? I do hope she starts feeling better soon as I'm sure the depression is making it doubly worse. You are a wonderful sister to try to help her out in any way you can. That in itself is a blessing to her & hopefully this will be short lived!
She's heard so many different doctors call it different things. The biggest thing is she still has the meningitis and that is what makes her feel so bad. She's been on an anti-viral iv since leaving the hospital, prednisone, and pain meds. She also started vitamin B complex.Since her face is paralyzed on both sides the doctor today just said her 7th cranial nerve was traumatized. I do feel so helpless and I truly believe prayer makes a difference.
beats on hood
So sorry, OL. I'll keep praying for you all.
SoWal Insider
Yes, prayers for all of you.
Beach Fanatic
Thanks for the update. She is fortunate to have a sis like you.
Meow
Thanks for the update, OL. She has been in my thoughts.
SoWal Insider
I thought I would give everyone a little update. Lori went to the dr today, a reg scheduled appt. She has her good days and bad but today was one of the bad ones. She was hoping the dr would tell her she'll be feeling better soon but he said it could still be a while. She finished the iv meds today and starts taking oral meds tomorrow. ( this kept changing) She sees the neuro on Tuesday next week. She's quite depressed and discouraged that she can't care for her kids the way she needs too and she has to ask for help. I am there when I can be. Next week I'm going to take the kids or go and stay a night or two. Her MIL and my mom are helping too. Prayers are still appreciated!!!
I am glad to hear she will get better. I will certainly keep her in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for the update.
SoWal Expert
Ol, I've been thinking about your sister and hoping she'd be much better by now, but I guess these things take time. I know she must be so sick of being sick.She'll get there! I'll continue to pray for her.
Beach Fanatic
She's heard so many different doctors call it different things. The biggest thing is she still has the meningitis and that is what makes her feel so bad. She's been on an anti-viral iv since leaving the hospital, prednisone, and pain meds. She also started vitamin B complex.Since her face is paralyzed on both sides the doctor today just said her 7th cranial nerve was traumatized. I do feel so helpless and I truly believe prayer makes a difference.
My Dear Friend Ocean Lover I just saw this thread...having my own family medical problems of late I've been crazy. I just want you to know that if there is a financial need please tell your friends so we can help, if she needs flowers lets us know, a card, a book....magazine....food....anything! She has a multitude of prayers, but sometimes just getting things from outsiders help.Keep an eye on any kind of infections that might show up that may look like a bug bite, pimple, scratch....etc, and turning red and swollen. We are dealing with that in a family member and it's a bacterial infection picked up at hospital facilities (and some other places) quite a lot....... more then anyone is aware of. Something like staph, but it's called "Mrsa", and it seems to be immune to antibiotics. I'm sure Dr. Skunky could say more about this....but just wanted to bring it up.
Your sister is now in my prayer closet at home....along with you, your mother, her children, husband....well you get the picture!
Take care girl and know that you are so loved!
Your SoWal Friend,
Kat
beanAuthor
Keep an eye on any kind of infections that might show up that may look like a bug bite, pimple, scratch....etc, and turning red and swollen. We are dealing with that in a family member and it's a bacterial infection picked up at hospital facilities (and some other places) quite a lot....... more then anyone is aware of. Something like staph, but it's called "Mrsa", and it seems to be immune to antibiotics. I'm sure Dr. Skunky could say more about this....but just wanted to bring it up.
Your sister is now in my prayer closet at home....along with you, your mother, her children, husband....well you get the picture!
Take care girl and know that you are so loved!
Your SoWal Friend,
Kat
MRSA is so scary. You know I'l be praying for you and yours too. Your kind and loving heart is so apparent in all your posts not just the one above.
Darlene is my middle name, not my nickname
OL, I just saw this thread. I am sending wishes and prayers for your sisters recovery. Believe me I know how special sisters are. I hope she gets well real soon.
beanAuthor
Another update...Lori is doing sooo much better since she's off the heavy duty iv meds. Her face is still the same but she's feeling better and her spirits are high. 
Darlene is my middle name, not my nickname
Another update...Lori is doing sooo much better since she's off the heavy duty iv meds. Her face is still the same but she's feeling better and her spirits are high.
Thank you for the update OL....I hope that she continues to heal. Will keep in her in my prayers.
beanAuthor
Thank you for the update OL....I hope that she continues to heal. Will keep in her in my prayers.Thanks KD
Beach Fanatic
So glad Lori is doing better. Sounds like a long hard road but also sounds like she's healing.
SoWal Insider
great news!
beats on hood
Prayers *are* answered! Glad she's better.
SoWal Expert
Glad to hear this!Meow
...love hearing this good news!!!
fartblossom
i'm glad your sis is starting to improve 
SoWal Insider
Wonderful news OL, thanks for the update.beanAuthor
Wanted to give another update on Lori. She feels completely better but doesn't have all the feeling back on the right side of her face yet. I think the left side is completely back. Her spirits are up and I'm sure the rest of the nerves are slowly healing. Originally the doctors said it could take up to 2 years so she has made great progress and we are so blessed and thankful for that. I know your prayers helped in her recovery and I love you all for it. I couldn't think up better imaginary friends.
Meow
...;-)...
Beach Fanatic
Hi OL I'm glad progress has been made. I will keep praying your family!
I'm glad progress has been made. I will keep praying your family!Beach Fanatic
Grayt update! 
That can be painful.
That can be painful.SoWal Insider
That is wonderful news!
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