| |
This story concerns my sister. Paulette was 53 years old from Lynbrook New
York and contracted Encephalitis in August 2000.
On Saturday, August 5th of 2000, she had a backyard party. On August 6th,
she was very tired and just assumed she had over done it the day before.
On August 7th, she woke up with a terrible headache, sick to her stomach,
a drop of tingling on the right side of her mouth. Called doctor, he suspected
just a virus. They told her to take aspirin, and call in morning. On August
8th, she was worse, numbness on her right side, pain in head, etc. Family
took her to doctor, he ordered a cat scan, which showed no symptoms. He
didn't like the way she looked so he demanded an MRI be done. The MRI showed
a mass of some sort located at the brain stem. She was told it was a tumor
and to call NYU Hospital the next morning to arrange for further tests.
When she woke up on Wednesday, August 9th 2000, her symptoms had increased
to such a level that the doctor ordered her to the emergency room immediately.
As the day progressed, she became unable to talk, she could not move the
left side of her body. By days end, she was basically in a coma. By Thursday,
August 10th, she had suffered cardiac arrest due to the fact that her breathing
was becoming so labored. The doctors and the family had a meeting and we
were told that because of the pressuring building up in her brain, the family
had to decide whether to allow a shunt to drain the spinal fluid. The procedure
was done. We were told at that meeting my sister would probably never fully
recover. Because of her general health to begin with, Encephalitis attacked
her with such severity and attacked the worse part it could, the brain stem.
All motor functions are controlled by the stem.
Knowing my sister, we all felt that being the fighter she has always been,
she deserved the chance to fight! After days the shunt was removed, it had
done it's job and a permanent one was not needed. Further MRI's showing
the infection were finally slowing up. She was on every conceivable antibiotic
on earth. They were pumping her with all they could. Every day we would
hope that the doctors would find out what type of e, how did she get it,
what could be done?
October, 9 weeks after Paulette woke with a headache. Doctors still don't
know what type of Encephalitis she contracted. Probably never will. She
is in ICU, feeding plug in stomach. Still on the respirator, although they
are weaning her off. She knows when you are there, rec-ognizing everyone.
Can move her head yes or no, she can see out of one eye, she can hear. The
latest MRI showed infection has decreased by two-thirds. Question is, the
remaining one-third. Is that damage or residue of infection? Her white count
is up again. She runs a fever, low grade. She lets you know if she is in
pain. When she is off the respirator, she will be moved to rehab.
My sister has always been a fighter. She is doing more now than the doctors
thought she ever would. We are all learning that it is one day at a time.
We pray that the strength that has gotten my sister through a lifetime
of health problems, will also get her through Encephalitis. We pray that
rehab will help her regain the functions she has lost.
2/06/02 It's just about 18 months ago that Paulette was stricken. Paulette
is at home now with 24 hour nursing care. Her physical capabilities are
limited. Blind in one eye, partial vision in the other. This eye "jumps"
all the time which makes Paulette dizzy. The doctor prescribed valium
for that but of course it just makes her sleep. She can move her right
side somewhat but is confined to either her bed, couch or wheelchair.
Her feeding tube remains but just this week the doctor decreased the amount
of liquid feedings because she is capable of eating soft items. So that
is good news!!!! Maybe that darn thing can be removed soon...just like
the trach was!!! She can speak somewhat but it's difficult to understand
at times. Some days we laugh together, other days we cry. For those of
you that aren't familiar with Paulette's background, her health wasn't
that great before E, and she was stricken severely. The doctors told us
that Paulette would never do the small things she is doing. Her strength
is an inspiration to everyone that knows her. Paulette has been left more
like a stroke victim than an E survivor. Her mind is 100%. It was her
brain stem that was destroyed by this demon, and that of course controls
many physical commands to the brain. Bottom line, the way I look at it
anyway, is that Paulette should be an inspiration to all. Not someone
to feel sorry for but someone to look at with hope.
All my love,
It is with deep regret that I inform you that Paulette passed away from complications of Encephalitis.
Sister Debbie
Lynbrook, NY, U.S.A.
Posted: February 6, 2002
|
|
 |
