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Ed Heinlein, West Nile Virus Journey

My husband, 70, became ill in September of 2017. After two days in the hospital he could not move his legs and arms although he was not paralyzed. He was diagnosed with West Nile 4 days after a spinal tap, and encephalitis and meningitis within days. After 10 days in the hospital he had a feeding tube inserted and was moved to a rehab facility. At that time he could not move or speak. About two weeks later he had a PE and was moved back to the hospital. From there he went to a small rehab center in a USC hospital. After 3 weeks of rehab, he left the rehab and could walk about 100 feet with a walker. His recovery continued with in home physical therapy 2X weekly. Now, a year out, he can do most things for himself. His voice is strong again, he can shower, walk without assistance, etc. However he tires easily and his fine motor skills are shaky. He has a lot of nerve pain that is not RA associated.

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