Encephalitis. What a mouthful of a word. Ever heard of it? I hadn’t heard of this 12-letter word until 6 years ago. When the doctor said it, I kinda shrugged, thinking “thank God it wasn’t a stroke.” His expression changed as he explained that encephalitis is a form of brain injury, quite similar to a […]
When death stared me in the eyes 8 years ago this week, I never contemplated survival from encephalitis. I fast forwarded to milestones I assumed I’d miss … my son’s graduation, his career, his choice in who he’d marry. Being with my family during holidays. Traveling to new countries. Retiring. If I were to survive, […]
Warning to readers. This is a story of 56 years of a “mistaken identity.” A miracle, if I may proclaim it. In this fourth issue of a series on “success post encephalitis,” you might find yourself amazed by the resilience of the human spirit. In November 2011, I had the momentous occasion to meet Carol […]
“Still Alice” captures the dramatic nature of dementia in its recent release in theaters. Julianne Moore gracefully depicts the real-life trauma of forgetting and the unfortunate shame that accompanies that circumstance. If years lend us the opportunity to grow older, most of us will gradually meet this tragic and startling experience head on. As a […]
Brainstorming among the brain injured … now there’s an interesting way to spend a Saturday afternoon! At our Nov. 22nd survivor/caregiver meeting, these were the top mentions of helping us help ourselves. That’s what I call a successful brainstorm. Top tips: Listen to your body. Learn to pace yourself. It sounds so simple, yet we […]