A man who escaped from a 13-year coma has gained attention after narrating his terrifying experience during that time.
Martin Pistorius, who is now 47 years old, was only 12 when he fell into a coma. It happened after he had a sore throat.
The man was diagnosed with cryptococcal meningitis and tuberculosis of the brain.
At first, doctors thought he had the flu, but his condition got worse quickly, and he had to be admitted to the hospital.
Finally, the doctors discovered that he had cryptococcal meningitis and tuberculosis of the brain.
As his health worsened, Martin lost the ability to talk and control his body.
Even though doctors told Martin's parents, Joan and Rodney, that there was little chance of him getting better, they decided to keep him alive in a special place for people who need care.
Martin lived like this for many years, aware of what was happening but unable to talk or interact with others.
Man who wakes up from 13-year coma to tell a remarkable story
He described this time in his book, Ghost Boy, where he talked about how it felt like his life had no meaning and he didn't know what was going on around him.
It was a lonely and empty existence for Martin, as he couldn't understand or participate in the world.
Martin would imagine different things, like being very small and going into a spaceship to fly away. He also imagined his wheelchair turning into a flying vehicle.
He enjoyed watching how sunlight moved during the day and observing insects moving around. Living in his mind, he sometimes didn't pay attention to what was happening around him.
However, at the age of 16, a breakthrough happened.
Without others knowing, Martin was actually awake and aware of the conversations happening around him.
He used his imagination to imagine exciting adventures and transformations in his mind to stay sane and cope with his situation.
"I remember around my 16th birthday people talking about the stubble on my chin and wondering whether to shave me,"
"It scared and confused me to listen to what was being said because, although I had no memories or sense of a past, I was sure I was a child and the voices were speaking about a soon-to-be man," he said.
Then, in 2001, everything changed when a caregiver named Virna van der Walt realized Martin's hidden potential.
She encouraged his parents to bring him to a special place called the Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication at the University of Pretoria.
When Marton arrived at the center, a scientist showed him a paper with pictures and helped him focus his eyes on particular objects.
This moment was a major breakthrough in his life. Using a computer and special software, Martin could communicate by choosing letters, words, or symbols with a band attached to his head.
In 2003, Martin started working with Virna at the center, and it made him feel like he had a purpose and made him proud.
He did such a good job that he eventually got a paid job at the Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. As time went on, Martin even completed his studies at a university in South Africa.
In addition to his remarkable recovery, Martin also found his true love.
He met Joanna, a South African social worker living in Britain, through his sister.
Martin reflects on the years he spent longing for companionship, and the moment he met Joanna, he knew she was the one.
They eventually got married and welcomed a son named Sebastian Albert Pistorius in 2018.
