I posted a couple of weeks ago saying that my dads cancer was respondeing to treatment after he was diagnosed in July with a brain tumor. He was doing really well and having some more chemo but ended back in hospital on wednesday having fits and he has a dark purple rash all over him. The hospital don't know what causing it and are treating him for meningitas (sp) but they won't get the results back till tomorrow. They have said if its positive they will give the family antibiotics. Really worrying now. Anyone know what the chances are of catching it (didn't even know you could). Me and Aimee were with him on wednesday before he got too ill. Anyone got any advice?
Any advice please!
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Tara & Liam
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hi hun, sorry for what your dad is going through and you and your family.
my step brother had a brain tumour and secondary spinal cancer in 1991. He caught meningitis in the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, i suppose because his immunity was low because of the chemo. now my stepdad's girlfriend was visiting and she had a grandaughter who caught menigitis but it affected her bone in her hip and leg. but they are unsure how she caught it, one suggesting is that Jenny carried it from seeing Martin and gave it to Ellie, but no one knows for sure.
my step brother had a brain tumour and secondary spinal cancer in 1991. He caught meningitis in the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, i suppose because his immunity was low because of the chemo. now my stepdad's girlfriend was visiting and she had a grandaughter who caught menigitis but it affected her bone in her hip and leg. but they are unsure how she caught it, one suggesting is that Jenny carried it from seeing Martin and gave it to Ellie, but no one knows for sure.
Aw no how worrying 
The only thing I can say is if the test is positive, the good thing is they will have a REALLY early warning on the rest of the family.
I know you hear horror stories about meningitis, but there are lots of different kinds, and some aren't as bad as others. Also mainly the problem with meningitis is that it is diagnosed too late...you have a really early warning so all of these things are in your favor.
Also has she had the new Men. Jab? Maybe ring your doctor and ask about having it?
The only thing I can say is if the test is positive, the good thing is they will have a REALLY early warning on the rest of the family.
I know you hear horror stories about meningitis, but there are lots of different kinds, and some aren't as bad as others. Also mainly the problem with meningitis is that it is diagnosed too late...you have a really early warning so all of these things are in your favor.
Also has she had the new Men. Jab? Maybe ring your doctor and ask about having it?
Tara & Liam
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hi meant to add that i used to work in the haematology department at our local hospital and i never heard of any cases of people catching menigitis in the cancer ward and given it to other family members.
hope this sets your mind at rest hun.
x
hope this sets your mind at rest hun.
x
How Do People Catch Meningitis?
Some, but not all, types of viral and bacterial meningitis are contagious. People infected by a virus that causes meningitis may not always develop the disease, but they can pass on the virus to others, who may get menin-gitis. Fewer than 1 in 1,000 people infected with viruses that cause meningitis actually get meningitis. Most infected people do not get sick, or they become only mildly ill with a cold, rash, or low-grade fever.
Enteroviruses, the most common cause of viral meningitis, are very common in the summer and early fall, and many people catch them. Enteroviruses usually are spread through contact with saliva or mucus. This typically happens when people are exposed to the virus on the hands of, or on objects touched by, people with enteroviruses, then rub their own eyes, nose, or mouth.
The virus also is found in the stool (bowel movement) of people who are infected with enteroviruses. It is spread this way mainly by young children who are not toilet trained, or by adults who change the diapers of infected babies. Good hand washing (thoroughly and often) is important to prevent the spread of the viruses that cause meningitis.
Some forms of bacterial meningitis are contagious. The bacteria are spread through coughing, kissing, and other breath and throat secretions. They are not spread by casual contact. However, people who are in close contact with an infected person may catch the infection. This includes those who live in the same house as the infected person or children who go to the same daycare center as infected children. It also may include girlfriends or boyfriends who kiss infected people. Outbreaks may occur in places like dormitories, military barracks, and prisons.
Some, but not all, types of viral and bacterial meningitis are contagious. People infected by a virus that causes meningitis may not always develop the disease, but they can pass on the virus to others, who may get menin-gitis. Fewer than 1 in 1,000 people infected with viruses that cause meningitis actually get meningitis. Most infected people do not get sick, or they become only mildly ill with a cold, rash, or low-grade fever.
Enteroviruses, the most common cause of viral meningitis, are very common in the summer and early fall, and many people catch them. Enteroviruses usually are spread through contact with saliva or mucus. This typically happens when people are exposed to the virus on the hands of, or on objects touched by, people with enteroviruses, then rub their own eyes, nose, or mouth.
The virus also is found in the stool (bowel movement) of people who are infected with enteroviruses. It is spread this way mainly by young children who are not toilet trained, or by adults who change the diapers of infected babies. Good hand washing (thoroughly and often) is important to prevent the spread of the viruses that cause meningitis.
Some forms of bacterial meningitis are contagious. The bacteria are spread through coughing, kissing, and other breath and throat secretions. They are not spread by casual contact. However, people who are in close contact with an infected person may catch the infection. This includes those who live in the same house as the infected person or children who go to the same daycare center as infected children. It also may include girlfriends or boyfriends who kiss infected people. Outbreaks may occur in places like dormitories, military barracks, and prisons.
Well my dad finally got his results today (almost a week later) I think it took so long as he couldn't have a lumbar puncture cos he has just had brain surgery. So after being kept in isolation for a week, he has MRSA! Don't know why its took this long. He also has something else, vasclaosis or something like that and that was what caused the rash. He is on the mend now, thank god! He can now have visitors. Although i thought MRSA was worse! Shows what i know.
Sarah&Braydon
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we have to residents at work ith MRSA and there fine hun we just have to be extra carefull ie gloves etc
hope he is feeling better soon hun
hope he is feeling better soon hun
