Living with Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis

---

i was diagnosed with Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis in August 2014 whilst visiting family in Luxembourg. I was admitted to a closed psychiatric ward as they thought I was going crazy. I had numerous seizures which doctors in the uk had previously put down to panic attacks and anxiety. It was all down to a nurse on the psychiatric ward in Luxembourg who had read an article on Encephalitis the week before and thought I had the same symptoms. My body started to struggle and give up from all the damage the seizures were causing and the tests were performed immediately. They came back positive for this rare type of Encephalitis, only discovered in 2007. My brain was incredibly swollen - those were the words of the professor looking after me. IVIG saved my life along with that nurses quick thinking. 

I am now slowly recovering and reducing a lot of the medications, I am finally off of the steroids and anti epilepsy medications and starting to feel 'normal' again. I can no longer return to my precious job but now volunteer for the community brain injury service in Poole and spend a lot of time raising awareness about Encephalitis and brain injuries. My rehabilitation is doing well even if my life has slowed down a lot more than what I am used to. 

Encephalitis took my old life away from me but it also gave me a second chance at life and a reason to never take anything for granted and live each day to the fullest. It showed me who was actually there for me and I have met a great network of people- my encephalitis family.. I now have a new career path and for that I am 'thankful' that I have Encephalitis.