West Nile Patient Learns to Walk Again

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK-- When Clark Curry was diagnosed with West Nile Virus this summer, he lost use of his limbs, and was confined to a wheelchair.  Doctors warned Curry and his family some patients never make a full recovery.

"We just thank God," said Janis Curry, his wife, "and we're just so thankful we've come this far."

After several months in occupational therapy, Curry stood up on his own for the first time two weeks ago. 

"Quite frankly, I overdid it," said Curry, laughing as he recalled the moment, "I probably did it six, or eight, or ten times the first day, wore myself out, but it was a fantastic feeling."

Since then, Curry started walking again.

"You're just incredibly elated to see that progress," he said.

Curry spends several hours each week working with his occupational therapist, Teresa Hannay, at Mercy Hospitals. 

"He's so motivated to get out of that wheelchair," said Hannay, "and just be himself again"

Curry says aside from grueling therapy sessions, he also exercises on his own each day. 

"Even though they may seem to be very simple, minor exercises, if you're exercising the muscle you're supposed to for a particular purpose, it works out," he explained.  

As he regains his strength, Curry hopes to gain the ability to drive, make repairs around the house, and go on the daily walks he enjoyed before contracting West Nile.  Although he has a long road to recovery, Curry's family says each mark of progress is a blessing.

"We didn't know from one day to the next what would happen," said Janis, "but we're just so thankful."
West Nile Patient Learns to Walk Again

Posted: Monday, November 19 2012, 09:37 PM CST