- West Nile Virus
- Interviews
Edith's interview
How did all start?
Wasn't feeling well, went to Dr. who sent me to Urgent Care, who sent me to ER. Admitted and by morning I couldn't talk, had huge tremors, incontinence, and extreme fatigue. Within a day, I couldn't move my arms, hands, legs or feet and generally cannot remember the next 3 weeks. During that time I had many anti-virus meds as well as an anti-seizure med, fluids, and after 6 days, a feeding tube.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
After a spinal tap, I was diagnosed with WNV 5 days after being admitted.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
During the time in the various hospitals I was seen by my heart doctor (I had open heart surgery about 7 months earlier), rheumatoid arthritis Dr., Neurology, Psychiatrist, Speech therapist, Physical therapist, and Occupational therapist. The therapists helped me learn how to walk again and begin to care for myself as well as develop my thinking and memory.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Everything worked together to help me regain the ability to eat, sit up, walk, shower, shave, brush my teeth, etc. I am now walking about an hour a day through the house without my walker, I get tired easily and although I do not show inflammation, I have a lot of nerve pain.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
It has been very, very slow making progress but i continue to get better., It has been 5 months since this journey started and I have a long way to go.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
Everyone has been very helpful and supportive.Relationships are strong.
What things have you stopped doing?
Driving, working in the yard, house projects, going upstairs to my bedroom.
What do you think about the future?
I think I will continue to improve although it will take time.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
Mid years. I have a family of 4 children, have written Bible lessons, retired from teaching.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Everything I used to do.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
I'm disappointed with my condition.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Hang in there. Be patient. Accept help. Be positive. Work hard.
