Introduction

I have been reading this forum since i came out of hosiptal 6 weeks ago. I've read some inspirational stories from courageous people. Personally i found it quite scary to read some of the stories because i really didn't understand the seriousness of the medical condition while spending 4 weeks in hospital.

I was diagnosed with Herpes Simplex type 1 Encephalitis while traveling in Europe at the end of July this year. I was 3 weeks into the trip when i started getting really bad headaches, sleeping all day and no energy to walk. I saw two doctors who misdiagnosed my condition and told me to go home and rest. I was admitted into hospital the third time in Swizterland where the virus had become very advanced and i had trouble talking and hearing. The doctor said it was extremely rare to get this type of encephalitis for my age (30 years). After spending three weeks in hospital i was released. I flew back home to Australia and found myself in hospital for another week.

I was very excited when i got released and very keen to get back to my normal life. I'd lost a lot of weight and strength, a loss of hearing and constant ringing in the right ear, a different sensation on the right side of my body, and a long list of other smaller issues.

My recovery seems to be improving each day. I'm able to now have a full active day and will return back to work in five weeks time. I still have slight ringing in my right ear which in certain situations can be really frustrating. I still have an "odd" warm feeling in my right leg. I'm hoping to be able to drive soon as i haven't had any seizures since being in hospital.

I've learnt not to be too critical or frustrated with myself as i have been told to give it at least six months to see most things improve.

I'm seeing the neurologist tommorrow and i am interested to see how he thinks i am progressing.

Cheers.