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| Elyse |
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I am 37 and live in Massachusetts, and contracted encephalitis in Jan. 1995. I had just begun a new job (7 weeks) and woke up in the morning with
a severe headache, but felt as though I had to go to work. Off I went, with a bottle of Tylenol. I worked all day and still can not figure out how
I lasted. I was sick all night and called in sick the next morning. I must have passed out for the rest of the day. The next thing I remember was
calling my husband (we were separated at the time) and asked him to pick me up and take me to a doctor. I was diagnosed with meningitis and sent home.
I slept all day and the next morning was rushed to the emergency room. I spent over three weeks in the hospital, of which three were in intensive
care.
The rest follows what others have been saying on this web site. It takes time
to rebound. Time to gain strength and confidence.
Once I was back on my feet, about three months later, I went back to work - - with
a driver. I was unable to drive for several months. I wanted answers to questions,
I didn't remember a thing. It was difficult to speak with anyone. My family
was so thrilled I was "ok" we didn't talk about it for years.
About a year and a half after my illness, I changed professions. I lasted about
9 months before I felt as though I was going crazy. I went back to the neurologist
and told him I was losing my mind. I was unable to remember phone numbers,
people's faces and names, dates, meetings, word finding etc. I met with a
Neuropsychologist for hours and underwent testing. I was told I did have some
problems that would probably remain with me forever.
I have a hard time understanding why I wasn't told about the possible problems
after my illness. I believe it would have been much easier to have known what
was going on. I fight a self-confidence battle all the time. I do not have a
great deal of patience with myself when I forget an incident or cannot find a word.
I have a full time job, two kids and have been divorced for several years.
I would like to see the medical profession spend more time discussing some of
the possible effects of the illness with the patient and family members. I didn't
understand what was happening to me and I believe it took a great deal longer to
come to terms with the side effects than it should have.
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Elyse
Massachusetts, U.S.A.
Posted: June 28, 2000 |
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