Man who was in a coma for 12 years says he was 'awake' and could understand everything

A South African man who was left in a coma for 12 years has told the remarkable story of how - unbeknownst to his friends, family and doctors - he was still aware of everything happening around him.

Martin Pistorius says he "began to wake up" two years into his vegetative state - meaning that while he still appeared unable to process information, he was actually slowly becoming aware of events such as being dressed, bathed and - to his annoyance - sat in front of children's television shows.

In an interview with NPR this week, he expressed his frustration at watching 'Barney' reruns over and over again.

Pistorius - who fell into his coma in the late 1980s - has since written a book about his experience, entitled Ghost Boy: My Escape From A Life Locked Inside My Own Body.

One passage describes one desperate, failed attempt to get his father's attention while trapped in his body.

He also described his feelings during the period: "I am totally alone. You are pathetic. You are powerless. You will be alone forever - alone forever - alone forever."

However, he did not remain alone forever - and married his wife Joanna in 2009.

"When Martin talks about me or types about me, he always starts smiling," she says.

In a YouTube video Martin posted to potential publishers in 2010, she describes their introduction by his sister.