Update on my brother in law Jim: The docs did a lumbar puncture on 9-26 and he tested positive for bacterial meningitis. It is not contagious. It is the strep bacteria. With his liver disease his immune system was unable to kill the strep. So the doctors are attacking the meningitis with specific antibiotics and trying to keep him comfortable. Today they put Jim on a respirator. It may not seem to be good, but it is. His condition is so serious and with the brain swelling that comes with meningitis, he was constantly thrashing around and moaning in pain. They did not want to give him too much Ativan, because they felt that he went too far under. But with him being on a respirator they can sedate him enough to keep him comfortable, FINALLY!! They feel like he can recover faster this way.
Posted on: Fri, 27 Sep 2013 21:20:31 +0000