ENCEPHALITIS CASES

Encephalitis Cases

Sharon

My name is Sharon and I am from Wisconsin. I was 37 years old and I was hit with encephalitis on February 10, 2003. At that time, I had been married for 15 years. My children were in 7th grade, 2nd grade and kindergarten. I was a nurse for and OB/GYN and live and work in the town I grew up in.

I had not been feeling well for a couple of days, but still went to work on Monday. Everyone at work could tell that I didn't feel well that day. The following day I stayed home from work. My husband would call me at home to make sure I felt ok. On Wednesday, I still had a temperature and headache, but I got up, took a shower and got dressed for work. My husband was still home, making breakfast for our children. Suddenly, he heard a scream and ran into our bedroom. He found me laying on the floor, having seizures and immediately called our doctor. The doctor instructed him to call the rescue squad. They transported me to our local hospital where I proceeded to have different tests done, including MRI, MRA, Cat Scan, spinal tap and blood tests. I was hospitalized for two weeks. While in the hospital, I could barely walk, talk, didn't know my family/friends names and couldn't even go to the bathroom by myself. (I don't remember any of this; my family has informed me of this). There was one day the doctor spoke to my husband and informed him that they were not sure if I would make it through the day. My coworkers, family, friends and church were extremely concerned and started praying for me daily.

After being in the local hospital for 14 days, and becoming more stable, I was then transferred to a larger hospital in Madison Wisconsin. While there, they attempted to teach me how to eat, cook, print words and even learn what my own name was! I remained there for 7 days. The doctor felt that I was stable enough to return home, however, I could not be left alone.

Once home, my husband had to find someone to stay with me daily. Friends and family helped him care for me and my co workers and friends prepared meals for my family. I was home for 3 weeks and then I crashed again! My husband and sister drove me back up to UW-Madison Hospital. The doctor was puzzled by my symptoms and changed my medication. I immediately got better and stayed at the hospital for another week.

In the following months, the doctor continued to do a variety of tests on me to determine how I had acquired the encephalitis. Some of these tests were done on an outpatient basis, while other test were done and I had to remain at the hospital. I gradually relearned my children, family and friends names and how to eat and dress. My husband still needed someone to stay with me on a daily basis, plus he also needed help with our children. Again, family and friends helped! My husband made every attempt to keep life somewhat normal for my children. He kept them involved in all of their activities, plus made every attempt to help me.

My co workers had a benefit party for me. At the benefit party, they held a silent auction, served food and drinks. Without them having the benefit party, we would not have been financially able to make it. Hundreds of people from my small community donated items, attended the party, purchased items and gave my children, husband and I hugs!

In September 2003, I finally received my drivers license back. I was so excited. I was now able to remain home by myself, and started volunteering at my children's elementary school. This was a wonderful experience for me, because it helped more of my memory return.

By May of 2004 (over a year) I was able to return to my former employer. I was not hired as a nurse, but as a receptionist. In September of 2004, I returned to see my neurologist and he asked me how well I thought I was. I asked him how well he thought I was! He smiled at me and said if he didn't know any better, he thought I was back. Then, he gave me a hug and said I didn't need to return to see him. By the next year, I was able to return to my nursing job. I felt such an accomplishment by being back, doing what I enjoyed.

My life has changed since all of this has happened to me. I have different priorities; a different outlook on life and I believe that one needs to enjoy each and every day plus live life to the fullest. I am now more outgoing, honest and up front, I still do not have 100% of my memory back, but each day, more and more returns. I also can not smell (but I can taste!). Often time I see people and recognize them however I can't remember their name. An illness can also make or break a marriage. My marriage ended in divorce, however it also made me stronger.

To this day, I am unsure where I acquired the encephalitis. When I think of how ill I was, it is amazing how well I have gotten, however, I still wish it had never happen to me and ask God daily why it did.

I hope my story helps anyone that is going through encephalitis. May you realize that life can get better, even when hit with encephalitis.

Sharon
Wisconsin, U.S.A.

Posted: September 18, 2007

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