35 years ago, I was stricken with GBS. I was 18 years old. I had just had the swine flu vaccine and started taking birth control. I went from one week of being perfectly fine and a week later, the family priest was performing last rites on me.
Prior to my hospitalization, I felt weird unable to stand without holding on to something. I went to the ER, got a shot of Lithium, prescribed Valium and was sent home. The doctors thought it was psychosomatic but I knew I was not imagining it. It was 1983. It wasn't diagnosed until 6 weeks later I had GBS. I was paralyzed from the eyes down. They initially thought it could be Myasthenia Gravis or Bell Palsy. My family wasn't given much hope I would survive but I knew I wasn't ready to die. After 6 weeks in the ICU, I began to get feeling back all over my body. It was painful to get a well meaning hugs. To the clinical staff, I was a miracle. Everyday was met with rigorous physical and occupational therapy.
Over 8 weeks, I managed to leave the hospital walking with a cane. I promised God if he got me through it and if ever a situation came that I could help someone like I was helped, I would. 10 years later, it did. My career choice changed from wanting to be a attorney to becoming a respiratory therapy. I treated my own GBS patient 2 years later. Their condition was not as severe as mine was but I was still able to help.
April 18 of this year marked 35 years. I refer to it as my 2nd birthday since my life hasn't been the same since. It has made me stronger and more compassionate and it led me to a professional I loved doing until a IV pole came down on my back and I had to have back surgery that now has me walking with a cane.
I lost my ability to give a full smile after GBS and still it hurts but I'm grateful to be able to walk. I had some GBS patients who remains in a wheelchair. Besides the occasional nerve pain, I'm doing better than most. I'm married with a amazing husband and my son is about to graduate HS. Something I never imagined would happen when I was 18 happened and I think I'm a better and stronger person for having lived through it and had been able to help those like me.
Even though I live with pain, I try to still remain optimistic because of where I once was and where I am now. I was counted out but I'm still here. I continue to live.v My former career allowed me the opportunity to help others like me and although I am not able to continue with my career due to nerve damage post back surgery. I try to educate those facing similar obstacles.
-Helaine Hunt Martin-Jack.
