Help!!

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My father, who just turned 75, was diagnosed with HSV Encephalitis a little over a year ago, treated and released home. Over the last year his short term memory, frustration and behavior problems became so severe he was hospitalized, then to a nursing home, psychiatric unit, now back to a nursing home, and remains there heavily medicated. This is the first site I've found of any life after HSV Encephalitis and discussion of the same symptoms my father is experiencing. We just want to know where to turn for help. I know he is capable, with the right therapy and treatment, to come home again. No one here seems to know what this is or can give us any answers. I'm searching everything I can find on the internet at this point. Thanks if there is anyone out therewith information or assistance, I would be grateful.

7 replies

Did you check out the HELP!! section at the Encephalitis Global Inc., website?
http://www.encephalitisglobal.org/Help.asp

It's a good place to start.

Kloyie I am younger than your father, but I just recently was able to leave assisted living. I'm not sure, but I think that I had my E in 2005. Many things have changed and gotten better. I can't tell you about medicine, but I can tell you that my recovery has take time, but it is happening. The support I recieve is a big part of that. Other than that what I call my medical journal has helped me the most. My mom and my doctor both recommended it and it really has helped me find reasons some things happen. I don't know if that would help anyone else, but while I hated assisted living it did help. I hope things get better for you andyour father very soon.

MichelleN thanks for your reply. I have a few questions for you if you are comfortable answering. What kind of assisted living situation have you been in? What types of meds seem to have worked for you with behavior issues? My dad seems to become so severely frustrated with what is happening to him that it is hard for him and he becomes angry and has behavior issues hence the nursing home. What is a medical journal and how has it been helpful to you? Again, thanks so much for taking the time for us. Good luck with your recovery.

Thanks Wendy for the reference. I will get busy and read, read, read.

What has worked the best for my behaviour issues is family support followed by friend support. I was so frustrated for awhile that I thought I was worthless, but my family helped me improve by giving me little things that would help me a little at a time. At first it was things like getting out of bed then getting ready to go places out of my room by myself like the kitchen. Slowly getting better made me feel like I was worthwhile and not just a burdon on my family.

My journal is where I put everything that goes on in my life. I used paper at first, but now I use the computer. I put everything in it that goes on in my life even gross things. I don't know if that will help you, but it did me. Good luck with you and your fathers recovery.

Thanks for the advice MichelleN. We will try a journal when we can get his medication levels reduced and he is able to write. Good luck to you as well with your recovery.

Hello Kloyie, I am younger then your father but I went into the hospital on April 14 2006 with HSV Encephalitis and after 3months in hospital. I was lost emotionally for a while after my release but thankfully my family & friends have helped me in my recovery. I keep a journal on my laptop & use my cell phone as a calendar. I also keep notes of everything as a simple reminder. Writing everything down has worked for me. Best wishes to you & your father.

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