Pete: Encephalitis Lived Experience

[@margaretsparksrittenhouse8787]

Thank you Pete for your story. My name is Margaret, I live in Phoenix AZ USA and I am 21 days into my viral encephalitis illness. I too thought I had a bad flu at first. The headache was exceptionally bad but I’d had a long history of chronic migraine so I endured. I ended up being diagnosed after my husband found me having a seizure and was unable to wake me. I am lucky as there doesn’t seem to be much damage. I have a real problem with my short term memory and I have crushing fatigue and that seems to be it. I’m still finding my way and am grateful to see other survivors.

[@crystalb4747]

I was diagnosed with encephalitis in November 2020. I don’t have any recollection of September to January. I’m trying to get back to normal but I know it won’t be 100%. It’s such a rare thing to have that no one fully understands. And certainly as much as I am grateful for my loved ones they don’t truly understand what I’m going through. It changes a person...it really does. Thank you for sharing your story!

[@jennywelham1184]

Great message. Your beautiful water back-drop reminds me of a statement a doctor said about my own encephalitis survival. They said that "to the outside world you'll look like a serene duck on the water surface, but in reality, as an e-survivor, you'll be paddling very fast just to stay afloat!" Hope that makes sense to you too. Xxx

[@bleonhard818]

Thank you for sharing your story. I am also a survivor of viral encephalitis. I pray for your continuing recovery.

[@fluffypeaches9356]

Thank you for sharing your story I too am living with Encephalitis although I was 2 years old when I was diagnosed I was told by my family that I had to learn all of the basic stuff 2 year olds have already learned and now I’m 46 years old and still struggling with a lot of basic Motor skills like speech, listening, remembering things, walking n running, learning some skills n knowing when I need to use the restroom

[@duncanfromek4081]

Well said Pete.

[@batterbury4477]

Pete really appreciate your sharing your story. It's so valuable to know that other people are out there who know what this is like. I had a bad case of pneumonia that became encephalitis and it was undiagnosed and intreated. But here I am in spite of the odds. Although I have many years now of coping and rebuilding a life- fundamentally I often wonder who I am. My memory is so effected that every time I do my laundry I am 'discovering' my clothes - wow that's a nice shirt- I totally forgotten my clothing in less than a week. oh well I JUST HAVE TO LAUGH

[@AiSeeko]

Thank you for sharing your story

[@encephalitisinternational]

Thank you for watching, Knowledge&Wisdom!

[@MatMcCrudden]

Well done! Lucky man. Great hat there, Love their hiking gear.

[@ingridguerci368]

Thank you so much fir sharing your story. I had HSE in December of 1995 and most people think that I had a bad headache and had to b out of work for 3+ months. They just don't understand, do they/

[@shontasmith9362]

Thank you Pete for sharing your story! Very encouraging and I don’t feel alone.

[@a.p1675]

I am happy i found this channel. Just got home a couple of weeks ago after spending some moths in hospital because of autoimmune encephalitis. It is interesting to hear other people's stories but also very weird since there is such a big variety of symptoms. I get confused when people speak of "living with encephalitis" what they really mean is living with the after effects of encephalitis?

[@Zoran_S]

Dear Pete. Your story is almost identical to mine. Unfortunately, there is no Encephalitis Society equivalent in Australia and we need it. Thank you for sharing.

[@encephalitisinternational]

Thank you for watching, and for your comment, flex7891. We are so sorry to hear of your encephalitis. You are not alone - we are here for you and your family. The Encephalitis Society is an international charity, please don't hesitate to reach out to us for some support at [e-mail].