Marty's Health Story: The Beginning with West Nile Virus

Marty's journey with health challenges began unexpectedly when he contracted West Nile virus. This viral infection, primarily transmitted through mosquito bites, marked a turning point in his life-June 2022

Initial Symptoms

It started with mild flu-like symptoms, including:

• Fever

• Headache

• Fatigue

• Muscle aches

• swelling of the eyes
• Rapidly loss of weight

 

Impact on Health

The diagnosis was alarming, as the virus can lead to more severe neurological conditions. Marty experienced:

 

• Severe headaches

• Confusion

• Weakness

• weight loss
• memory loss
• swelling of the brain
• swelling of the eyes
• blindness
• right side paralyzed
• non-verbal
• bed-ridden

 

These symptoms escalated, leading to a 7 different hospitalization and rehab facility where he received supportive care.

Lessons Learned

Through this experience, his wife Debbie has learned the importance of caregiving, being Marty's advocate, protecting him and showing him mostly all the love. If they can give any advice, it would be these: 

 

• Awareness of mosquito-borne diseases

• Seeking medical help early

• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle for recovery

• advocate, ask questions, research
• Never give up! Keep moving 

 

Marty’s story is a testament to resilience and the power of support during health challenges.