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| Paul |
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I contracted encephalitis when I was 6 years old, back in 1983. I even remember the date as it was my sisters 2nd birthday; February 10th.
I was at home from school as I was suffering with the measles. I was playing around with
my little sister when my mother called us for breakfast. Although this is now 17 years
ago I still recall everything perfectly. Anyway, we sat down to our Cornflakes with hot
milk. I just looked at mine, and pointing at my sister and said "Give them to him!!"
The next thing I remember, I am awake in a hospital bed with about a dozen doctors &
nurses around me. They are asking me to do little excerises like lift my leg in the
air and lift my arm in the air. I can do them without any problem. I was placed in
Intensive Care for 3 days and moved into the ward for another 10 days, and then I was
let home. I had routine check-ups once a year until I was 12. I was given a full bill
of health.
I owe my life to 2 people; my mother and our family doctor. My mother was in a panic
when I lapsed into a coma but she still called the doctor. He was in the middle of his
surgery but came straight away as he did not like the symptoms explained to him by my
Mom; cold, blue lips, not knowing who my Mom or sister were. He drove me to the local
hospital (The National Childrens Hospital in Ireland) in his car; he said an Ambulance
would take too long. When we got to the hospital the doctors didnot know what to do.
They did a Lumbar Puncture and Encephalitis was diagnosed. The doctors told my Mom that
there was nothing they could. They said I had a 50/50 chance of living but if I did
live I would be brain damaged.
When I came round and they found no sign of brain damage, they said it was nothing they
did but it was the work of someone else. I realise who it was, and when I read the other
stories about peoples suffering I thank God for sparing me.
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Paul
Ireland
Posted: Sept. 11, 2000 |
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