|
|
| Richard |
I am now 30 (2005), but was only 6 yo when I contracted viral encephalitis. I had been off school ill for a couple of days and was being pampered by my parents (as people do when your child is unwell), and being allowed to watch all the TV I liked. However, I suddenly deteriorated one Sunday afternoon.
I remember that I needed to go to the toilet, but was too weak to manage it myself. I tried to talk to my parents, but couldn't, so tried to sign what I wanted. It was at this point that the ambulance was called and I was rushed into the hospital with suspected meningitis. I remember very little about the trip (although I do remember the ambulance). My mother has told me that I was very limp and listless. I spent the next week in an isolated room in the children's ward, being fed through a drip. I had a couple of lumbar punctures, which confirmed viral encephalitis.
I was unable to walk, or talk for the first day or so. After a couple of
days, I regained enough control of my arms and hands that I could draw
again - to keep myself occupied, and my speech returned. After about five
days I was able to walk (with assistance), the impetus being a visit to the
children's ward, by a British children's TV celebrity, Jimmie Saville, when
I got out of bed to show him how 'big and strong' I was, and to get his
autograph. After 7 days, I was taken off the drip, and allowed to eat solid
foods. My first meal was a jam sandwich - a delicious food that was banned
at home.
I was in hospital for a further 7 days (I think) on the main ward, and then
returned home. I went back to school on half-days up until the Christmas
break (about 6 weeks). I continued as an out-patient for some time
afterwards. During these visits I remember my reflexes and my eye-hand
coordination being tested. Coordination was assessed by playing a game
called 'kissing bees', in which I had to point my two index fingers out and
bring them together so the tips met, both with my eyes open and closed.
Apparently three other children about the same age came into hospital with
the same infection in the following couple of months, two were not as
severe, but one was worse.
I have not suffered any long-term effects from this. A friend suspects my
short temper as a child might have been a hangover from this, but I think
being impatient is just in my nature. It's not much of a cross to bear, and
maturity has helped me contain it.
What I would say to anyone who's child is going through this is to believe
in the medical care that is being provided, and not to be too proud to take
the emotional support that will be offered to you by friends, neighbors and
family. Also remember that it may be a serious infection, but people do come
through the ordeal - I did.
Finally, I would like to thank the staff at the hospital who cared for me,
and for all the people who supported my parents through what must have been
a very harrowing time.
Sincerely,
|
Richard
England
Posted: July 18, 2000 |
|
|
