Polish Man Wakes Up After 19-Year Coma

A man fell into a coma nineteen years ago, when Poland was in the grasps of Communism, and has now woken up to a "prettier world", according to the Associated Press. The man's 63 year old wife, Gertruda Grzebska, had a four year stint during her husband's coma where she would carefully feed him with a spoon and move his body to prevent bed sores.

Gertruda told the Associated Press through a telephone interview that her husband had not moved or spoken at all over the course of nineteen years. She said that he would try to say things, and that usually she and the rest of his family would only pretend to understand. The man, Jan Grzebska, is now 65 years old and is finally able to sit in a wheelchair with help from his wife. His wife has just recently been able to take him out of their home and on walks with her. Jan has stated that the world is "much prettier" now that it is no longer under the grasp of Communism.

Jan also has regained the ability to speak and has given several TV interviews in his native Poland. His voice is still very weak and quiet, but will most likely gain strength over time. According to the Associated Press, Jan's rehabilitation specialist, Wojciech Pstragowski, stated that Jan was amazed by the changes in Poland. Jan's main amazement comes from the change that has occurred in Polish stores, as under Communist rules all that could be found on a store shelf was vinegar and mustard (as Jan remembers).

Poland was liberated of the Communist rule in 1989; only a year after Jan fell into the coma. Changes that Jan will also notice are that Poland now has a democracy and a market economy. 1988 is the year that Jan fell into a coma after sustaining head injuries he suffered while at work. Doctors also stated that Jan had cancer in his brain, and there was not much that could be done for him.

Even after doctors had given up hope that Jan would survive, his wife remained by his side and never lost faith in him. Gertruda even took care of Jan in their home. She told the Associated Press that his new life has been her reward for her faith.

Associated Press, "After 19 years, man wakes to changed Poland." MSNBC NEWS.

URL: (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19037401/?GT1=10056)