Man who survived being 'locked in his body' for over a decade woke up to tell a remarkable story

At the age of twelve, Martin Pistorius was admitted to the hospital, initially presumed to have nothing more than the flu by his doctor.

However, despite receiving the usual medical treatment, his condition only deteriorated.

The South African was later diagnosed with both cryptococcal meningitis and tuberculosis of the brain, resulting in treatment for both.

Despite the treatments, his body weakened and he eventually lost control of his bodily movements as well as his ability to speak.

Martin's parents, Joan and Rodney, weren't given a definitive answer as to why their son's body shut down.

They transferred him to a care centre where Pistorius could 'hear, see and understand everything' around him but was unable to communicate at all.

Little did they know, Pistorius would remain in this vegetative state for the next twelve years.

Martin Pistorius was locked in his body for twelve years / martinpistorius/Instagram

Now, in what seems like a miracle event, Pistorius has woken up from his internal hell and is able to tell his remarkable journey.

He described his profound feelings of 'complete and utter powerlessness' marking it as the 'worst feeling' he's ever experienced in his life.

'It is like you don't exist, every single thing in your life is decided by someone else.

'Everything, from what you wear, to what you eat and drink, even if you eat or drink, to where you will be tomorrow, or next week, and there is nothing you can do about it.'

Pistorius noted that although he had no idea what was happening to him, he did recall the TV show Barney playing on repeat.

He stated in an interview with NPR: 'I cannot even express to you how much I hated Barney.'

Furthermore, he noted the intense level of hardship his mother was enduring.

The South African now communicates through a device / martinpistorius/Instagram

Despite his decision being made for him, Pistorius said he 'felt only love and compassion' for her and wishes he could have told her how great of a job she was doing at the time.

Today, Pistorius communicates through a device that speaks the words he types into a computer, similar to the technology utilised by physicist Stephen Hawking.

The now 49-year-old is now working as a computer scientist and web developer and is a proud father to his son, Sebastian Albert Pistorius.

Pistorius has since shared his incredible story through his book 'Ghost Boy', delivered a TED Talk, and been a guest on many interviews, inspiring others with his resilience and determination.