Life after Viral Encephalitis?

[RiverBlues]

How can you attempt to live a "normal life" after surviving Viral Encephalitis?

I had to give up working in my dream job in the NHS due to Viral Encephalitis, I can now get 3 or 4 crippling Migraines per week, slurred speech that some people have thought I was drunk, getting words mixed up (asking my hairdresser for a wash and blow job is one memorable

[Kirk5w7]

Hi RiverBlues,

I am almost 8 years into my survival, and i know where you are coming from.

My migraines are quite successfully managed with Pregabalin. I was only prescribed this around 2 years ago but it has transformed my day to day life. I can now expect to be able to get up and function on a more normal level.

By that i mean i get around 4 useful hours out of the day, so have to plan what i want to achieve.

The fatigue is not so overwhelming but a cold or viral infection can lay me low for weeks on end.

There are many things i can no longer do but there are many that i can. I no longer drive because my reactions are much slower and i have lost some peripheral vision on the right. I cant move my head fast in any direction, so i am slower crossing the he road, i cannot exercise much because of the head movement although i do try to swim 2 or 3 times a week.

I go out on my own on public transport as i need some independence, i have even travelled on my own to my daughter in Eastbourne and also up to Glasgow, very challenging for me but not impossible. I am in Manchester.

If i can help with any advice or if you have questions please ask.

Take care

Janet x

[Broken_Doll]

When was your viral encephalitis?