HSE.... Viral encephalitis

Hi there

I am a 33 year old mother... Two years ago I fell ill whilst on a business trip... no one knew what was wrong with me... and as a result I fell into a coma. They then diagnosed me with HSE. I was in a coma for approximately 6 months... of which I have no memory. My family were told to prepare for the worst... it was touch and go.... I eventually became semi-conscious and my family evacuated me back to my home country, where I was placed in a specialised hospital for 3 months.

My first memory was after that 9 month period... I remember them removing the trachea, the feeding peg and having to learn how to eat, talk, move again.... I was discharged from hospital into the care of my parents... and had to receive physiotherapy on a daily basis in order to teach me how to walk again. I progressed from a wheel chair - zimmer frame - walking stick... finally to be able to walk with no support. 5 months later, I had made such a remarkable recovery that I was fit to fly back to join my fiance and start working again.

It has now been 9 months since I was discharged from hospital... and although I walk with a limp - as my left leg doesnt bend... my left arm doesnt bend as well.... and my fingers are slowly straightening... I am alive, have a job, am a mum to my child again and a loved one to my fiance...