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Close Topic OptionsMan Trapped In Coma For 23 Years Was Awake
Man Trapped Coma 23 Years Awake - Psychology, Special Needs, Health - Posted: 24th Nov, 2009 - 6:28pm
Posts: 8 - Views: 655
Man Trapped In Coma For 23 Years Was Awake
When I read this story I was heartbroken for what this man is going through but at the same time happy to know that he can now communicates with friends and family.
QUOTE An engineering student thought to be in a coma for 23 years was actually conscious the whole time, it has emerged.
Rom Houben was misdiagnosed as being in a vegetative state after a car crash left him totally paralyzed.
But, in actuality, he was trapped in his own body the whole time with no way of letting friends and family know he could hear every word they were saying.
The 46-year-old, who can now tap out computerized messages and read books on a device above his hospital bed, has revealed: "I screamed, but there was nothing to hear.
"All that time I literally dreamed of a better life. Frustration is too small a word to describe what I felt," he said. "I shall never forget the day when they discovered what was truly wrong with me - it was my second birth. I want to read, talk with my friends via the computer and enjoy life now people know I am not dead."
His misdiagnosis was discovered by neurological expert, Dr. Steven Laureys, who fears there may be similar cases all over the world.
He looked at Houben's case again at the University of Liege, Belgium, using state-of-the-art imaging that showed the patient was aware of what was happening around him even though he had lost control of his body....
Rom Houben was misdiagnosed as being in a vegetative state after a car crash left him totally paralyzed.
But, in actuality, he was trapped in his own body the whole time with no way of letting friends and family know he could hear every word they were saying.
The 46-year-old, who can now tap out computerized messages and read books on a device above his hospital bed, has revealed: "I screamed, but there was nothing to hear.
"All that time I literally dreamed of a better life. Frustration is too small a word to describe what I felt," he said. "I shall never forget the day when they discovered what was truly wrong with me - it was my second birth. I want to read, talk with my friends via the computer and enjoy life now people know I am not dead."
His misdiagnosis was discovered by neurological expert, Dr. Steven Laureys, who fears there may be similar cases all over the world.
He looked at Houben's case again at the University of Liege, Belgium, using state-of-the-art imaging that showed the patient was aware of what was happening around him even though he had lost control of his body....
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Man Trapped In Coma For 23 Years Was Awake Health & Special Psychology
Stuck in the same position every day. Looking at the same ceiling tile every day. You know when the stuck him with needle they didn't care if it hurt or not...heck...he was a veg. People saying things they never would if they knew your could hear. The only thing you have to look forward to and dread at the same time is someone coming into your room and talking to themselves...pure hell!
Man Trapped In Coma For 23 Years Was Awake
Thanks for sharing this. I was having a quite depressing day and this lifted me up because sometimes I don't realize how lucky I am. I hope the man on the story can have from now on a decent life with loved ones around.
Man Trapped Coma 23 Years Awake Psychology Special & Health
I bet anyone would go crazy if that happened to them for a week or a month. I can't even imagine 23 years like that. It sort of reminds me of the that drug they use in operations that not everyone falls to sleep with. They end up awake through the whole operation!
TOPIC: Man Trapped In Coma For 23 Years Was Awake