Jackie: Seronegative Autoimmune Encephalitis Lived Experience

Jackie shared her story at the Encephalitis International event, My Brain: My Story, in October 2022.
Jackie Stebbins is a former trial lawyer turned author and motivational speaker.
Jackie, from the USA, was diagnosed with seronegative autoimmune encephalitis in May 2018. She has been recovering from autoimmune encephalitis since then and believes her recovery to be a lifelong process.
Jackie hosts the podcast, Brain Fever, and authors the JM Stebbins blog. In 2022, her memoir, Unwillable: A Journey to Reclaim my Brain, was published by Wisdom Editions.
For more information about Jackie and her book, blog and podcast, please visit www.jmstebbins.com
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[@leightonstead2321]

My daughter is dealing with this right now....i currently type this from the hospital...this is my 8th night by my daughters side.....ive basically moved into the hospital. . Its nice to hear these positive outcomes because what im seeing is heartbreaking.

[@ladyhawkster2854]

Hi, I'm 3 weeks in the hospital today with my 27 year old daughter. She is still non responsive/ catatonic. I'm very scared for her as she has been through all of the treatments. We are just waiting for her to improve. 😢

[@bushknobile]

This is giving me incredible hope for my husband. Diagnosed in October 2022. No anti bodies discovered.

[@bintoujagne70]

Jackie, thank you very much for sharing your story. As I listened to you, it sounds like MY life. As a Chartered Accountant in Practice (CPA with my own firm), it resonates. The fears and worries of losing your livelihood, the house, your career, the impact on a young family; still dependent on mum and dad....but you have given me hope. RECOVERY IS INDEED ON THE WAY.

[@justacluckaway]

Jackie your story almost lines up with the medical problem I have had for a year now. I was a fit healthy individual that took no medication. To a person whose brain has edema and doctors keep telling me it's Lupus attacking it. I have every symptom you mentioned minus the seizure and hallucinations. After watching your video, I am going to bring this up with my doctors. Thank you for sharing your story with us!! And I wish a continued healthy life for you and your family.

[@josephmorsette6359]

Thank you for sharing your story, Jackie. You are amazing.

[@conorkilmartin6779]

You go so am I USA when I was nine years old I had it been 18 years my name is Conor I’ve been fighting through this all the time too. We’ve been blessed with the Lord we are all special now don’t ever give up.

[@jaimz33]

Good for you continuing your pregnancy. And good luck for the future. It would have been interesting to see the first version of your book with the polished version as 2 books to compare the effects of Encephalitis

[@darrenhirst9900]

Anyone ever tell you that you look like a young version of Carrie Fisher?
Hope you're doing well Jackie?

[@jaimz33]

I asked Aintree hospital for my MRI but they told me patients can't see them.