Man Who Was 'Locked' Inside Body For 10 Years Woke Up To Tell Incredible Story

Davy

• Published in Interesting
• February 4, 2024

Martin Pistorius' life took an unexpected turn when, at the age of 12, what started as a sore throat rapidly progressed into a vegetative state, trapping him inside his own body for ten years. Despite the grim prognosis, Martin's story is one of incredible resilience and hope.

This article explores his journey from being unable to move or communicate to regaining his ability to interact with the world, thanks to groundbreaking communication technology and his indomitable spirit.

In 1988, Martin Pistorius, a young boy from South Africa, fell victim to a mysterious illness that left him in a coma-like state. Diagnosed with cryptococcal meningitis and tuberculosis of the brain, Martin's condition deteriorated rapidly, rendering him immobile and mute.

For a decade, he was trapped in his own body, fully aware of his surroundings but unable to make his presence known.

Martin's parents, Joan and Rodney, were told by doctors that their son was as good as not there, a shell of his former self.

Yet, they refused to give up on him, maintaining constant care and hoping for a miracle. Martin, for his part, lived in a world of his own making, his imagination a sanctuary from the unresponsive physical state that held him captive.

The breakthrough came when a care worker noticed Martin's attempts to communicate through eye movements. This led to an assessment at the Centre For Augmentative And Alternative Communication at the University of Pretoria, where Martin finally showed signs of awareness.

Using technology similar to that used by Stephen Hawking, Martin began to communicate, selecting letters and symbols with a head-mounted device.

Martin's recovery was slow but steady. He went on to achieve remarkable milestones, including earning a degree in computer science and web development. He found love with Joanna, a social worker, marrying her in 2009 and welcoming a son in 2018.

Today, Martin is not only a family man but also a published author, sharing his story in the book "Ghost Boy" to inspire others with his testament to the power of the human spirit.

Martin Pistorius' journey from a decade of silence to a life full of achievements is a profound reminder of the depths of human resilience and the potential for recovery against all odds.

His story challenges our understanding of consciousness and the unexplored capabilities of the mind, offering hope to those in seemingly hopeless situations.

Davy