Encephalitis Cases
Judy
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My name is Judy, and I live in the
US. I "came down" with viral encephalitis on December 2 of 2009 right
before I turned 65. While there was no definitive conclusion as to
how I contracted "E," the doctors suspect it may have been as a result
of my seasonal flu shot about 4 weeks earlier. I had some "flu like"
symptoms which I ignored.
On December 2, I woke my husband to tell him something was terribly
wrong with me: I had lost control of my bowlels and bladder. We called
my doctors, but none could see me until the next day. Thank God I
have a friend who is a doctor at a walk in clinic and went to her.
She told my husband to get me to the hospital immediately. Within
two days, I had degenerated dramatically--was unconscious, didn't
move, talk, etc. I was in intensive care for 2 weeks and another week
in the hospital. I was in two different hursing homes (the insurance
company kept throwing me out). While I have no memory of anything
from Dec. 3 until January 1, roughly, my husband tells me how very
very bad I was. I didn't even know who was visiting me. I couldn't
recognize a knife or fork. I hallucinated. When I came home I was
still very bad, but my husband made sure I was safe from hurting myself.
I went out on disability from teaching for 4.5 months, and only just
returned. I am doing well, considering. I still have some balance
issues when I stand up and when I'm very tired, I sway when I walk.
My cognitive abilities are in tact, and my short term memory has improved
about 98%. I believe that it will take me another 6 months to get
back to 100%. I've worked very very hard doing my own physical and
cognitive rehab.UPDATE: Four months after contracting "E," I returned to work (classroom teacher). Only a few weeks later I was laid off due to budget issues in our school district. I was excited to be placed in a new school in August. However, within 2 weeks, I knew I was in trouble. I had no control over the classroom, I could not tell dates and time accurately, I had trouble reading to students, and many other major issues that teachers must deal with. Consequently, the school system placed me on forced leave and made me undergo neuropsychological testing to determine whether I am "fit" for duty. The tests showed I am not "fit" and cannot return to work until I am fit. I will begin folloring the therapists recommendations for cognitive and psychoatric therapy. My school district gives me 90 school days (not calendar days) to get well. I am lucky to be alive. And I am most fortunate that the school district took such a compassionate route with me. While I will most probably not return to teaching high school, I am glad I am going to get the help I need because these are skills I need for the rest of my life. By the grace of God I am awake, alert, and alive! Everyone keep your chins up and your attitude positive. God watches over us and keeps us safe no matter what the route. Judy Florida, USA  Posted: Nov 25, 2010 |
