Underwater: When Encephalitis, Brain Injury and Epilepsy Change Everything

by Chris Maxwell

Encephalitis almost ended Chris Maxwell’s life. The scar tissue in his brain and life with epilepsy made him – and his family and friends – feel like the life they'd known changed suddenly and permanently.For Maxwell and the staggering number of people facing traumatic brain injuries, epilepsy, or other painful encounters, life is experienced through a different lens. Names are tough to remember. Medication is a common acquaintance. Exhaustion, seizures, and mood swings are daily traveling companions.Maxwell's writing and the stories of others offers hope. Hope that you're not alone, even when your experience underwater seems to change everything.“If any neurologist looks at Chris's MRI of the brain and then sees Chris, they can't believe they are looking at the same person. Chris could easily have gone into a deep depression over his illness. His tenacity to stubbornly refuse to lose is what made him into the winner in life that he is today.Don't let epilepsy or your illness define you. You can succeed in life if you believe in what you are doing and are willing to fight for it. I hope this book will help you in your journey through life.”Hal S. Pineless, D.O., FACN, President, NeuroCare Institute of Central Florida, Winter Park

160 pages, Paperback

Published March 7, 2017

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had encephalitis 2 years ago leaving me with a damaged brain causing both long term and short term memory loss. Reading generally has been a challenge not because I can’t read but because I can’t retain what I have read. It is a lonely existence and very much an underwater experience. Only you, yourself know. It has helped me to accept that I’m different now. I have limitations but through self care and acceptance I can achieve. Aim high!

Self-care isn’t selfishness. It helps us adjust to our present weakness and reach our greatest potential. It helps us no longer be controlled by what we can’t control - Chris Maxwell