- West Nile Virus
- Interviews
Blanca's interview
How did all start?
Hypersensitive skin. It literally felt as though my clothing was scraping my skin.
Overwhelming exhaustion then followed by back pain.
I also lost hearing in the left year for several months.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
West Nile Virus was diagnosed after 10 days.
The CDC doctor said meningitis/encephalitis
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Natural remedies
Vitamins
Time and patiencememory
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Memory
Gaining back muscle lost
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
The relationships haven’t really changed however, some don’t seem to understand because I look normal on the outside and difficult for them to see and comprehend this illness.
What things have you stopped doing?
I haven’t had the energy to start working out again.
I noticed I don’t want to go out to socialize like I used to, but I’m getting there.
I don’t feel comfortable with long distance driving and I used to do that for work and enjoyed it.
What do you think about the future?
I feel it’s going to get better. I’ve already made long strides.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
I’d like to be able to have a full time job. I get exhausted (mentally drained after a few hours)
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
There are different degrees of this illness and affects people in different degrees, but I would suggest, not to give up, be patient, join a support group.
Try natural herbal supplements, juicing for health, exercise if you’re physically able to.
