socialmedian: My brain abscess and me

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My brain abscess and me

Source: The Guardian

Nov 03, 2009

Summary

I had no idea I had a potentially fatal infection. Now, after my life-saving surgery, I will never take my health for granted again

May 2009: dizzy and confused

It felt like sea sickness at first, or a hangover, only I hadn't been travelling or drinking. Yesterday I rounded off the bank holiday weekend with a three-mile run in the park, then rested on the sofa, happy and refreshed. Now I feel dizzy and disorientated, as though I'm struggling with a mild virus.

At the office, I realise I can't focus on the speaker in a meeting: I see her profile in double. I've never experienced anything like this before and feel a shot of concern. The following morning, Wednesday, I visit my GP, who examines me and finds nothing obvious to explain my growing malaise.

Could I have labyrinthitis, a viral inner-ear infection? She agrees it seems the most likely diagnosis. My blood pressure is high, so I am to return for a test. I'm sick in the evening. The next day, I leave work at lunchtime and go home to bed.

On Friday, the nurse taking my blood finds a doctor to see me because my

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