ENCEPHALITIS CASES

Encephalitis Cases

Christina

Hi there my name is Christina, I contracted encephalitis in the 80's.I was having a routine operation at the time, so I'm told, as I don't have any recollection of this or the time before I contracted this illness. I thought it was caused by too much analeptic which I had a reaction too apparently. However I woke up in a strange hospital and began a journey of which I am still on.

I have been left with many problems I cannot solve. My family does not understand what I go through in every-day life just trying to survive the day. I suffer from bouts of depression mainly as I am not able to understand what is happening to me. I often do something and when I try to carry out that same task again, even though I did it before, I get agitated with myself and others. I don't remeber many things from the past before my illness, except a few which every now and then come to me. At one time it was suspected I'd also got "ms" but I have never been told this by a neurologist. I have just gone through some more scans, so my consultant can compare my old ones from 15 years ago to these and note any change. I am awaiting results.

I have not improved much in the last 20 years so I doubt I will now. It's very distressing when you have a brain illness as you can't convey to others how you truly feel. It's very good that you have this site for people like us to share our experiences. All too often we hear that we have to get on with our lives, but it's very difficult to do when all is not as it seems. The tiredness in simple tasks and the constant pain which we get told is all in our head, yes it is, and its real discomfort too. I have bladder, bowel and muscle related problems all since contracting this virus years ago. I am in pain most days and can't settle, I don't like any change in my routine way or life as it stresses me too much. I don't like crowds or closed in spaces and I was never this way before encephalitis.

It would be good to talk to others who like myself, have gone through the same things. Family and most medical person do not really understand how we feel. My PC is a big part of my life now as I can't put pen to paper it takes me too long, so when I am able I type although I tire easily and can't spell very well, I do my best. I spend my days doing what I can and do tend to rush as I often feel I don't have enough time. Sounds silly but I cannot slow down even though I try. My life is often jumbled so I do what I can when I can and rest. Still I find life a struggle, I live in West Sussex now I was at Atkinson Morley hospital when I had the brain virus and lived in Surrey than. Due to my problems we moved to a bungalow near the sea, because rocks, sand and fresh air make me feel good. Frustration plays a big part of how encephalitis leaves one after having it, and the ability to cope with life in general. Simple tasks become a mission. Good luck in you research of others case studies, hope I helped in some way.

Christina
U.K.

Posted: August 20, 2008

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