Hi Everyone,
I went and saw my brother-in-law today at the rehab hospital he was moved to this past Sunday. I was really surprised at the difference from last week. He appears to be doing much better. It has only been 22 days since he started having symptoms and 17 days since his E diagnosis and treatment of Acyclovir began. I am so amazed at the progress he is making. He definitely seems confused and distant and is not his usual engaging self, but I know this is to be expected. He also seems sad and it is so hard to see him this way. I can only imagine what my sister and nieces and nephews are feeling. I would love some guidance from you all on the best things to say and do for him and his family right now. They have a big support group wanting to help but no one is really sure what to do. I'm also wondering what you think of this progress so early on. Do you think he will start to regain his emotions and traits of his old personality at some point? I don't any of the doctors at the rehab know the extent of damage done to his brain so therefor can't really give a definite prognosis or timeframe for full recovery, or if in fact he will make a full recovery. This site has been a Godsend. Thank you all so much for your thoughts and time. -- Amy
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Timeframe for Recovery
- By concrndsisinlaw
- Posted October 28, 2009 at 7:17 pm · 11 replies
- In Life after encephalitis
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11 replies
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- By WendyStation
- Posted October 28, 2009 at 11:22 pm
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Hello Amy...
You ask, "I would love some guidance from you all on the best things to say and do for him and his family right now. They have a big support group wanting to help but no one is really sure what to do. I'm also wondering what you think of this progress so early on. Do you think he will start to regain his emotions and traits of his old personality at some point?"
Amy, your brother in law has months and months of recovery yet to come.
Please understand that the first weeks are extremely difficult for the family... but the survivor rarely remembers those first weeks. Your warmth, your being there... those things are of value.
- By muzzamo
- Posted October 29, 2009 at 8:09 am
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I am of the opinion it's highly likely he will regain his old traits and personality. Around here people do complain of ongoing cognitive issues such as exhaustion and also headaches but I think most people agree that they are the same or similar intellect and personality. You need to wait at least 6 months and possibly 2 years before making any judgements. How old is he?
- By concrndsisinlaw
- Posted October 29, 2009 at 9:34 am
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Thank you for your responses. Dave is 56.
- By jhilly
- Posted October 29, 2009 at 10:12 am
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Hi everyone,
Another concened sister-in-law of Dave's. Looking forward to visiting with him later today and seeing the difference from my visit last week. This is a wonderful website and we're grateful for all of your responses.
Sincerely,
Jackie
- By cbrocket
- Posted October 29, 2009 at 10:21 am
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Hello sis and all,
If you live close by you can be invaluable to your sister.
Many people will say to your sister and her husband "just call if there is anything I can do" but nothing will come of it. Friends and acquaintances are bound to bring casseroles for a little while and that will take of some pressure. But you need to be a little more intrusive. All of the practicle things that your brother in -law does he is not going to be doing for an extended period. Does she already pay the bills? Is she comfortable with that. Does she know what to do about short term disability. Does she know what doctors she will need? Talk to her about these things. And investigate for her . Help her identify problems and solve them. Bless you. YOu'r already on th ssite trying to figure it all out. I have one friend who has come to visit me once a week since I got sick she is so faithful. She takes me out with her when she makes sales calls and no one has ever had such a dear friend. God just puts an angels heart in some people. Bless you
rocket
- By MichelleN
- Posted October 29, 2009 at 7:29 pm
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I don't remember the time around when I was in the hospital, but I do know that my family said the meds said they could tell when my family had been there because I seemed much happier. They just sat & talked with me.
Rocket is right about your sister needing help & she might not even know what help she needs. My mom & step dad wore themselves out being there for me even after I got out of the hospital. My mom was happy that her sister would occationally get her to just sit & watch a movie or something.
You being there will be a big support.
Michelle
- By Ryanallan
- Posted October 30, 2009 at 11:24 am
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I got sick in May 2006 and died from A.D.E.M. for 5 min then in a bad Coma for 2 months. I could not feel or move anything from my neck down. Almost 4 years later and I can stand, walk, and do simple tasks.
Am I in great pain every day, YES. Do I sleep more than 2 hours a night, No. Can I beleive every day will get better, NO. Every day is different. Some mornings I can't get out of bed without pain medication. Some days I can't feel my legs at all. But with support like yours and a good attitude goes a long way.
Keep up the good work.
- By Ryanallan
- Posted October 30, 2009 at 11:24 am
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I got sick in May 2006 and died from A.D.E.M. for 5 min then in a bad Coma for 2 months. I could not feel or move anything from my neck down. Almost 4 years later and I can stand, walk, and do simple tasks.
Am I in great pain every day, YES. Do I sleep more than 2 hours a night, No. Can I beleive every day will get better, NO. Every day is different. Some mornings I can't get out of bed without pain medication. Some days I can't feel my legs at all. But with support like yours and a good attitude goes a long way.
Keep up the good work.
- By concrndsisinlaw
- Posted October 30, 2009 at 11:31 am
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wow, RyanAllen - I just read about A.D.E.M. and it says it is caused by innoculation or vaccination. Is that true? I really appreciate your honesty and openness about your illness. I hope you have a lot of love and support around you. Thank you again for your thoughts.
- By misseaster13
- Posted October 30, 2009 at 1:09 pm
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six months down the line now,my husband has made a tremendous improvement,as you have already seen signs of his recovery everyone else will too,thats a big lift for those that are caring for him and he will see it on your faces,my husband will say am i really improving? look at my smile i answer,its a new journey for everyone involved one thing i have learned is its not one you can hurry,like you thank goodness for this site .
- By scaredmum
- Posted October 31, 2009 at 10:11 am
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It takes time - you will hear this so much. It is so true though! Each day you will see changes. Some good, some bad. Family support is so important though! I cannot thank my family and friends enough for the support they have given us during my daughters illness. I will say though, it was me who had to succombe to "asking for help". We all tend to say, yes I will call if I need anything and then we hesitate thinking we are been a nuisance. I had to accept that this sickness was way out of our control so in the end I had to just accept that I needed help! It was hard but for my daughter I did it. We are all so proud during times like this. I found when people asked if there was anything they could do, I bit the bullet and said "yes, I need a meal made, yes, I need some items from the supermarket." It again comes back to "we are all in this together!"
Good luck with the recovery for your brother in-law. I hope he keeps gaining his strength each day and makes his way back. From where we were 5 months ago, I would have thought my daughter was never going to regain her life. I look at her now, and Wow, what a recovery she is making. She is different in many ways, but she is still the same in many ways. I think E changes us all in ways we would never imagine.
Take care and know that things will get better!
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