A man from South Africa, who survived over 10 years in coma, has recounted his miraculous&nbsp;journey of recovery. Martin Pistorius, from Johannesburg, shared the terrifying&nbsp;experience of being trapped in his own body, unable to move or communicate, yet fully conscious of everything happening around him.

His struggles began at the age of 12 when he returned home from school with a sore throat, as reported by The Sun. Initially thought to be the flu, his condition deteriorated rapidly, resulting in the loss of mobility, independent eating, and communication abilities. Diagnosed with cryptococcal meningitis and brain tuberculosis, he eventually slipped into coma.

His mother said Martin's last words as a child were spoken in the hospital: "When home?"

Doctors said they couldn't do anything, but his parents decided to keep him alive in a care centre. Four years later, he woke up, but he still couldn't talk or move.

"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.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/speech-impaired-child-thrown-into-crocodile-infested-river-by-mother-in-karnataka-718242">Also read |&nbsp;Mother throws 6-year-old speech-impaired son into crocodile-infested river in Karnataka</a>

He shared that he stayed informed about significant world events by listening to the television or people talking nearby.

'I was aware of everything, just like any normal person. Everyone was so used to me not being there that they didn't notice when I began to be present again. The stark reality hit me that I was going to spend the rest of my life like that – alone. For me, that feeling of complete and utter powerlessness is probably the worst feeling I have ever experienced, and I hope I never have to experience it again. It is like you don't exist, every single thing in your life is decided by someone else,'' he told<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/how-ghost-boy-survived-over-decade-trapped-his-body-n296451">&nbsp;</a>NBC News.&nbsp;

Years went by, but he remained confined in a motionless body, with only his thoughts and imagination to keep him company.

In 2001, when he was 25 years old, a caregiver at the day centre urged his parents to take him to the Centre For Augmentative And Alternative Communication at the University Of Pretoria. There, he successfully passed a test by using eye movements to point at objects.

His parents then purchased a computer for him, equipped with communication software akin to what Stephen Hawking used. After extensive practice over many years, he became proficient in communicating through synthetic speech. Eventually, he mastered website development and graduated from university. In 2008, he met his future wife, Joan, through his sister Kim, and they married the following year. They welcomed their son, Sebastian Albert Pistorius, in 2018, and he often shares family photos on Instagram.

Currently, he is employed as a computer scientist and web developer.

Also watch |&nbsp;South Africa: Ruling ANC facing possible voter decline in May 29 election

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-africa-ruling-anc-facing-possible-voter-decline-in-may-29-election-718578/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He said: ''Once, I was perceived to be an inanimate object, a mindless phantom of a boy in a wheelchair. Today, I am so much more. A husband, a son, a friend, a brother, a business owner, a first-class honours graduate, a keen amateur photographer. I can communicate that has given me all this.''

His life story is told in a book called "Ghost Boy."

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

A man from South Africa, who survived over 10 years in coma, has recounted his miraculous journey of recovery. Martin Pistorius, from Johannesburg, shared the terrifying experience of being trapped in his own body, unable to move or communicate, yet fully conscious of everything happening around him.

A man from South Africa, who survived over 10 years in coma, has recounted his miraculous journey of recovery. Martin Pistorius, from Johannesburg, shared the terrifying experience of being trapped in his own body, unable to move or communicate, yet fully conscious of everything happening around him. His struggles began at the age of 12 when he returned home from school with a sore throat, as reported by The Sun. Initially thought to be the flu, his condition deteriorated rapidly, resulting in the loss of mobility, independent eating, and communication abilities. Diagnosed with cryptococcal meningitis and brain tuberculosis, he eventually slipped into coma. His mother said Martin's last words as a child were spoken in the hospital: "When home?" Doctors said they couldn't do anything, but his parents decided to keep him alive in a care centre. Four years later, he woke up, but he still couldn't talk or move. "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. Also read | Mother throws 6-year-old speech-impaired son into crocodile-infested river in Karnataka He shared that he stayed informed about significant world events by listening to the television or people talking nearby. 'I was aware of everything, just like any normal person. Everyone was so used to me not being there that they didn't notice when I began to be present again. The stark reality hit me that I was going to spend the rest of my life like that – alone. For me, that feeling of complete and utter powerlessness is probably the worst feeling I have ever experienced, and I hope I never have to experience it again. It is like you don't exist, every single thing in your life is decided by someone else,'' he told NBC News. Years went by, but he remained confined in a motionless body, with only his thoughts and imagination to keep him company. In 2001, when he was 25 years old, a caregiver at the day centre urged his parents to take him to the Centre For Augmentative And Alternative Communication at the University Of Pretoria. There, he successfully passed a test by using eye movements to point at objects. His parents then purchased a computer for him, equipped with communication software akin to what Stephen Hawking used. After extensive practice over many years, he became proficient in communicating through synthetic speech. Eventually, he mastered website development and graduated from university. In 2008, he met his future wife, Joan, through his sister Kim, and they married the following year. They welcomed their son, Sebastian Albert Pistorius, in 2018, and he often shares family photos on Instagram. Currently, he is employed as a computer scientist and web developer. Also watch | South Africa: Ruling ANC facing possible voter decline in May 29 election He said: ''Once, I was perceived to be an inanimate object, a mindless phantom of a boy in a wheelchair. Today, I am so much more. A husband, a son, a friend, a brother, a business owner, a first-class honours graduate, a keen amateur photographer. I can communicate that has given me all this.'' His life story is told in a book called "Ghost Boy." (With inputs from agencies)

‘Felt like a ghost’: Man slipped into coma for 13 years after experiencing simple sore throat

The indigenously developed Pinaka-guided rocket system was successfully test fired on Monday at Pokhran desert in Rajasthan, in a boost to artillery capability of the Army, the defence ministry said.

The weapon system is equipped with state-of-the-art guidance kit comprising of an advanced navigation and control system.&nbsp;

"The indigenously developed guided Pinaka, developed by DRDO, will significantly boost the capability of the artillery to make precision hits," the defence ministry said.

About the tests, it said the weapon systems impacted the intended targets with high precision and achieved desired accuracies.&nbsp;

"Telemetry systems tracked and monitored the vehicle all through the flight path. All the mission objectives have been met," the ministry said.&nbsp;

The indigenously developed Pinaka-guided rocket system was successfully test fired on Monday at Pokhran desert in Rajasthan, in a boost to artillery capability of the Army, the defence ministry said.

The indigenously developed Pinaka-guided rocket system was successfully test fired on Monday at Pokhran desert in Rajasthan, in a boost to artillery capability of the Army, the defence ministry said. The weapon system is equipped with state-of-the-art guidance kit comprising of an advanced navigation and control system. "The indigenously developed guided Pinaka, developed by DRDO, will significantly boost the capability of the artillery to make precision hits," the defence ministry said. About the tests, it said the weapon systems impacted the intended targets with high precision and achieved desired accuracies. "Telemetry systems tracked and monitored the vehicle all through the flight path. All the mission objectives have been met," the ministry said.

Chinese woman's dedication pays off after her husband wakes up from 10-year-long coma

The switching off from Monday of the life support for a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/parents-appeal-to-french-president-in-right-to-die-case-219660"> Frenchman who has been in a vegetative state for 10 years</a> comes after a six-year legal dispute between his relatives, which rekindled the country's heated debate over euthanasia.

Here is an overview of the case of Vincent Lambert:

Vegetative state&nbsp;

The former psychiatric nurse suffers severe brain damage in a car accident in 2008 that leaves him a quadriplegic at the age of 32.

He is admitted to a hospital in the northeastern city of Reims, where doctors say in 2011 that he is in a vegetative state without hope of improvement.

In 2013 the hospital initiates procedures to cut off life-sustaining intravenous food and water, in line with the wishes of his wife and other relatives.

She and others say Lambert made clear before the accident that he would not want to be kept alive artificially in such circumstances, though this was never put in writing.

But the move is contested by his Catholic parents and two siblings, who urge a local court to rule that life support should continue, which it does.

Taken to higher courts&nbsp;

In January 2014 doctors inform the family for a second time they will stop feeding Lambert intravenously, in line with France's "passive" euthanasia law, which allows doctors to withdraw support for seriously ill or injured patients with no chance of recovery,

But five days later a court rules his treatment must continue, on the request of his parents.&nbsp;

His wife and the hospital appeal to France's supreme administrative court, the State Council, which orders a new medical assessment.

After experts determine that Lambert cannot recover and his condition has even worsened, the council rules in June 2014 that he should be allowed to die.

Lambert's parents take the case to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, which says he must be kept alive as it considers the case.&nbsp;

In June 2015 the court backs the State Council's decision.

The following month the hospital announces a third plan to start procedures to end life support, but days later doctors refuse to follow through, citing security fears as the case enrages pro-life activists.

Fourth attempt&nbsp;

In September 2017 doctors announce a fourth bid to withdraw the life support. Lambert's parents again appeal to the State Council, but the request is rejected in January 2018.

In April a court asks for another medical opinion, at the request of his parents. But the experts involved withdrawing in June, citing criticism and attempts at manipulation.

In November a new assessment concludes that Lambert's chronic vegetative state is irreversible.

In January 2019 a court near Reims upholds the decision to withdraw life support. Lambert's parents again appeal to the State Council and the Europe court, but in vain.

In May a UN committee on disabled rights asks France to suspend any action while it studies the case.

Days later Lambert's doctor says he plans to end life support during the week of May 20. A new court appeal by his parents fails.&nbsp;

On May 18 they ask President Emmanuel Macron to intervene, as France's Conference of Bishops urges doctors to wait for the UN committee's findings.&nbsp;

On May 20 doctors begin switching off the life support.

The switching off from Monday of the life support for a Frenchman who has been in a vegetative state for 10 years comes after a six-year legal dispute between his relatives, which rekindled the country's heated debate over euthanasia.

The switching off from Monday of the life support for a Frenchman who has been in a vegetative state for 10 years comes after a six-year legal dispute between his relatives, which rekindled the country's heated debate over euthanasia. Here is an overview of the case of Vincent Lambert: Vegetative state The former psychiatric nurse suffers severe brain damage in a car accident in 2008 that leaves him a quadriplegic at the age of 32. He is admitted to a hospital in the northeastern city of Reims, where doctors say in 2011 that he is in a vegetative state without hope of improvement. In 2013 the hospital initiates procedures to cut off life-sustaining intravenous food and water, in line with the wishes of his wife and other relatives. She and others say Lambert made clear before the accident that he would not want to be kept alive artificially in such circumstances, though this was never put in writing. But the move is contested by his Catholic parents and two siblings, who urge a local court to rule that life support should continue, which it does. Taken to higher courts In January 2014 doctors inform the family for a second time they will stop feeding Lambert intravenously, in line with France's "passive" euthanasia law, which allows doctors to withdraw support for seriously ill or injured patients with no chance of recovery, But five days later a court rules his treatment must continue, on the request of his parents. His wife and the hospital appeal to France's supreme administrative court, the State Council, which orders a new medical assessment. After experts determine that Lambert cannot recover and his condition has even worsened, the council rules in June 2014 that he should be allowed to die. Lambert's parents take the case to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, which says he must be kept alive as it considers the case. In June 2015 the court backs the State Council's decision. The following month the hospital announces a third plan to start procedures to end life support, but days later doctors refuse to follow through, citing security fears as the case enrages pro-life activists. Fourth attempt In September 2017 doctors announce a fourth bid to withdraw the life support. Lambert's parents again appeal to the State Council, but the request is rejected in January 2018. In April a court asks for another medical opinion, at the request of his parents. But the experts involved withdrawing in June, citing criticism and attempts at manipulation. In November a new assessment concludes that Lambert's chronic vegetative state is irreversible. In January 2019 a court near Reims upholds the decision to withdraw life support. Lambert's parents again appeal to the State Council and the Europe court, but in vain. In May a UN committee on disabled rights asks France to suspend any action while it studies the case. Days later Lambert's doctor says he plans to end life support during the week of May 20. A new court appeal by his parents fails. On May 18 they ask President Emmanuel Macron to intervene, as France's Conference of Bishops urges doctors to wait for the UN committee's findings. On May 20 doctors begin switching off the life support.

France's six-year battle over a man's life support

Aruna Shanbaug a victim of sexual assault remained in a vegetative state for&nbsp;about 42 years.&nbsp;

While working as a nurse in a hospital at Mumbai, Aruna was attacked by a ward boy, Sohanlal Bhartha Walmiki in 1973.

Following the incident, she remained in a vegetative state until her death in 2015.&nbsp;

A plea was filed in the Supreme Court by journalist Pinki Virani seeking an euthanasia for her.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The apex court had sought for the medical report of Shanbaug on December 17, 2010.&nbsp;

The court on January 24, 2011, responded to the plea filed by the journalist by setting up a medical panel to examine her.&nbsp;

In March 2011, the apex court legalised passive euthanasia in India.

According to the judgement, the decision to withdraw treatment, nutrition or water establish that the decision to discontinue the life support be taken by parents, spouse or other close relatives or in the absence of them by a &quot;next close friend&quot;. This decision further requires the approval of the High Court.&nbsp;

Aruna Shanbaug was, however, restrained from receiving passive euthanasia as the KEM Hospital where she worked as a nurse and where she was getting her treatment wished that she be allowed to live.&nbsp;

The court declined to consider Journalist friend Pinky Virani, who had filed the petition on behalf of Aruna, as the next friend and instead treated the KEM Hospital staff as the next friend.&nbsp;

She finally&nbsp;died of pneumonia in 2015.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

While working as a nurse in a hospital at Mumbai, Aruna was attacked by a ward boy, Sohanlal Bhartha Walmiki in 1973, following which she remained in a vegetative state for the next 42 years until her death in 2015

Aruna Shanbaug a victim of sexual assault remained in a vegetative state for about 42 years. While working as a nurse in a hospital at Mumbai, Aruna was attacked by a ward boy, Sohanlal Bhartha Walmiki in 1973. Following the incident, she remained in a vegetative state until her death in 2015. A plea was filed in the Supreme Court by journalist Pinki Virani seeking an euthanasia for her. The apex court had sought for the medical report of Shanbaug on December 17, 2010. The court on January 24, 2011, responded to the plea filed by the journalist by setting up a medical panel to examine her. In March 2011, the apex court legalised passive euthanasia in India. According to the judgement, the decision to withdraw treatment, nutrition or water establish that the decision to discontinue the life support be taken by parents, spouse or other close relatives or in the absence of them by a "next close friend". This decision further requires the approval of the High Court. Aruna Shanbaug was, however, restrained from receiving passive euthanasia as the KEM Hospital where she worked as a nurse and where she was getting her treatment wished that she be allowed to live. The court declined to consider Journalist friend Pinky Virani, who had filed the petition on behalf of Aruna, as the next friend and instead treated the KEM Hospital staff as the next friend. She finally died of pneumonia in 2015.

Euthanasia and Aruna Shanbaug: The case that started it all

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