My WNV Journey

---

I was on vacation in New Orleans in August of 2012.  While driving home I remember my right arm felt like  it was broken in my forearm and that I had headache that wouldn't go away.  By the time we got home 15 hrs later I hurt everywhere and my head was killing me.  I went to the ER for help and they gave me a migraine cocktail and sent me home.  The next day I was a lot worse and we went back and I was throwing up and could barley walk or stand.  About 5 days later, my family and the Drs were still trying to find out what was wrong,  I had  meningitis and a rash, throwing up and hurt everywhere.  They sent me home after 10 days and said when they get all the test back they would let us know.  About a week the NC health dept, called and said it was either WNV or EES.  They did more test and said WNV and I should be better in a couple of weeks.  I saw an infectious disease and a Nero and a few more test and they said with the brain damage that I had I had encephalitis also.  And I never got better.  I have migraines daily for almost 5 years and the doctors are working in quality of life. I have tried everything available and haven't had much success,  I am at a point with medicine that it is as good as it is going to get.  I am grateful to be alive and able to have time with my family and the few friends we have left.  Life is a little more simple and your don't take anything for granted.  I always try to count my blessing and pray for the ones on this earth that have harder time then I do.  It helps to keep things in perspective..