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Any chance of full recovery from wernicke (wks) effects?

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aaron13105
aaron13105

I am a non alchoholic due to surgeon/hospital post surgery mis-management I was not given any vitamins. I was on glucose drips as I was not able to eat orally as my intestines were 'silent'.

After 50 days, I was in coma and MRI scan of my brain showed heavy damage due to lack of thiamine. Blood test showed thiamine at 0%. Breathing very shallow and life support system was hooked up to my body. After 3 days, I woke up and showed remarkable alertness.

Another 3 days, I was discharged from hospital. I was prescribed oral multivitamins and thiamine tablets. I was bed ridden for 2 years.

I gained alertness 8 months ago. My fingers were hardened and I walked with a very abnormal gait. I cannot remember anything during the first 2 years I was home. I have been on physiotheraphy the past 2 months and saw a little improvement in my gait. My fingers are getting better slowly as I can hold a spoon / fork to feed myself. I used to play guitar and piano .... but find it difficult to move my fingerd over the piano keys. I am still practicing daily.

My daughter is getting married next year. I want to walk her down the ailse in the church.

Any full recovery from wernicke?

0 likes, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • lily65668
    lily65668 aaron13105

    Posted

    Aaron, as a former neuro nurse I'm horrified to hear you weren't given parenteral thiamine when you were on a glucose drip. I think you have a case for suing the hospital if you can prove they knew you were an alcoholic.

    However, you seem to have recovered well from the amnesia. It can sometimes take longer than that. Since you say you're responding reasonably well to physiotherapy, I see no reason why you shouldn't be able to walk your daughter down the aisle in more than a year from now if you're prepared to put in the work, even if she has to support you a bit. You don't have to be able to walk perfectly to take the bride down the aisle. Do you remember Earl Spencer (the old man, not the current Earl) walking L@dy Di down the aisle at the 1981 royal wedding, when he could barely stand?

    As far as I know, the chances of full recovery from Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome are quite low. However, if you've improved to the extent of being able to walk a little and feed yourself after just two months of physio, I think you could expect quite a lot more improvement.

    All good wishes for future progress!

  • duane26425
    duane26425 aaron13105

    Posted

    Aaron, I know absolutely nothing about your condition, but your apparent will to do it, will give you the ablilty to walk your daughter down that aisle.

    You are in my prayers for your continued improvement.

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