Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] when I was about 2 years old I had bacterial spinal meningitis. I was unconscious and did not know my mother from my grandmother. I was fed antibiotics through my ankle and was fortunate to live through this devastating illness. I do remember a couple of snippets from my illness when I was 2. I have no outward repercussions, however I was wondering if, at the age of 2 it could have affected my nervous system. I seem to be very emotionally sensitive and have been on anti depressants for over 10 years. These help very much and i am glad i live in an age when these are available. I don t seem to be able to make mental connections as quickly as most seem to do. My IQ is very average and in school I was almost always the last one to finish a test. i read rather poorly and slow even at this age 62 and do not enjoy reading that much (neither here nor there i guess) I don t mind but I had always tried real hard to study and work on my school work .I always took more time than most in school. I do not seem to catch on as quickly as most. I do not mind as I am 62 years old and am retired. Life is pretty great really although hard, it is for most i beleive. I am good at artwork and conceptual thinking. I know you can not tell me anything definitive but I was wondering what sort of internal brain damage there could have been - I was very very athletic and that was another thing (with my artwork) that i was quite strong in. Can you tell me anything about nerve connections that could have been slightly damaged at the age of 2 - I have heard that at 2 your nervous system is finishing it s development. Can you tell me anything in your experience or reading? I am just trying to know myself better. Thanks, Lauren Thomas.
[|AI|]  Hi, I am Chat Doctor.  I have read your question with care and understand your apprehension. Let me try to help you Question 1 : I was wondering what sort of internal brain damage there could have been - I was very, very athletic and that was another thing (with my artwork) that I was quite strong in. Answer 1 : Spinal Meningitis affecting Brain is not common. But, in your case, I have very well say that it has not affected at all because 1. You were very athletic 2. You are good at artwork and conceptual thinking Question 2 : Can you tell me anything in your experience or reading? I am just trying to know myself better. Answer 2 : One point I would like to disagree is your assessment of your IQ. I do not think that your IQ is very average. Being the last one to finish a test in school does not mean that your IQ is average. It means that you have a lot to write, and you wanted your answer sheet to be more perfect. So Please don't worry Be happy and cheerful Hope you found the answer helpful. If you need any clarification / have doubts / have additional questions / have follow-up questions, then please do not hesitate in asking again. I will be happy to answer your questions. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care.