I got Encephalitis again Feb. 1996, and the stages were exactly the same. This time I was in a coma for 10 days and in the hospital for 30 days. This time the doctors almost lost me within the first week. My family was called in because I was so close to death. I can't imagine what it was like for them, my wife, and young son. They all had been through this before but this time was much, much worse. The last ten days at the hospital I was able to make some good progress and was walking with a walker. I did the rest of my recovery at home with the help of my family and seeing a lot of doctors. I was at home for over a year before I was able to take on some part-time work.
I was still left with the same symptoms as before, except this time with fatigue. If I tire myself mentally I tend to shut down, my speech is impaired, I become very confused and must sleep. It has been over 3 years now since my last bout, and at this time of the year I tend to worry and watch out for colds and flu's. I have no complaints. Everyday is a great day. I have grown as a person in so many ways. I am a different person than I was before Encephalitis. I am quite different than the man my wife married twenty years ago. I am a much happier person. I am balanced and live each day with a sense of peace. People can feel this peace when they are round me for some reason, especially kids. I have changed careers and now am a employment counselor. Along way from the shallow business person I once was. My story is a good one all in all. I have chosen not to waste any more time and do the things that are important to me.
LeoVancouver BC, Canada
Posted: June 30, 2000
