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In April 2021, I was diagnosed with Anti NDMAR Encephalitis, a type of brain inflammation caused by the bodies own immune system attacking the NDMA Receptors in the brain. Symptoms of mine included seizures, confusion, hallucination, memory problems and much more. 

It is difficult to diagnose at early stages but after tests and a lumbar puncture, doctors were able to confirm I had Encephalitis. My family had never heard of this illness I was suffering from. The early stages were very scary and uncertain. I was transferred to the Neurology Ward (4E) at the Royal Victoria Hospital where I began my treatment. This included, immunoglobulin infusions, steroids, plasma exchange and Rituxamab. 

My recovery was very slow and my hospital stay totalled to 4 months. It was after my 24th Birthday on 15th June when my family started to see signs of improvement daily. I worked with the phycologist and OT to learn basic maths and spellings again. This was a struggle at first and I had many tough days. 

When I was well enough to walk again, my family would take me for walks around the hospital for fresh air and to try and stimulate my brain. This continued and I started to do low tempo workouts on the grass outside the hospital. These played a huge part in my recovery and helped me massively on the tough days. With the help and encouragement of my family, I progressed to slightly tougher workouts. 

When my treatment was finished, I was assessed to be transferred to the Regional Acquired Brain Injury Unit at Musgrave for intense Rehab before going home. I stayed 3 weeks here and in that time, I got my independence and confidence back and was able to make decisions for myself, something I struggled with before.

I was discharged on 28th July 2021 and am so happy to say I have got my life back, my family and boyfriend have got ‘Jill’ back! 

I am taking on a 4 hour workout to mark the 4 months I spent in hospital battling this awful illness. Please come and support me on Saturday 19th February 2021 at Tamnamore Health and Fitness for ‘Jill’s 4 hour Warrior Workout and Coffee Morning’.

I want to spread awareness and to help anyone else affected that may not have been as fortunate as I have in my recovery. Thank you so much for your support! 

Jill