I am a final year Engineering Student in Somaiya. Last year, over a few days, I lost the power in my fingers of my right hand, progressing to my left, and eventually, my legs lost their strength. I showed no improvement with the treatment given to me by a doctor in my locality, which made my father realise that this could lead to grave consequences and admitted me to the hospital. I was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome.
I woke up to the pungent smell of hospital disinfectant. The room was silent but for my heavy breathing and the beeping sound associated with hospitals and indicates you’re alive. Coming around, I took in the deserted, blue and white colour schemed ICCU hospital bedroom and wondered how long I had been there.
I had never felt this level of helplessness in 21 years of my life. But the smile on the nurse’s and doctor’s faces, trying to convey I’d get past through this was somewhat soothing. As my condition improved, they shifted me to the general ward, during which my family came to visit me. For the 5 nights, I realised the true meaning of family and how fortunate I am to have one. They were the only thing that held me. A million apprehensive thoughts would just vanish on seeing their tired, but composed faces. In this difficult time, my family and the hospital staff were of great help. I don’t think I can thank them enough.
Soon, the hospital days were over, but the battle wasn’t completely conquered as I had to continue with physiotherapy to fully recover. I started physiotherapy here, at Somaiya under the guidance of Dr Priti and her students.
I remember when I first came in here, mom used to bring me in a wheelchair, and I required at least 4 therapists to transfer me to the plinth. I couldn’t even perform a bedroll! But ma’am and her therapists assigned for me, their pertinacity helped me gain what I am today. We started with simple PNF patterns to activate my muscles. I used to question them a lot, “How much more time will it take? Will I recover completely? Will I gain my original strength?”. They answered all those questions patiently. After a week, we started training with a walker, and the struggle was real, as my knees used to buckle while I tried to bear weight on them, and so a therapist had to hold them while I walked! They kept thinking of various ways to make me more and more independent, day by day. Their goal was very clear – to restore what I originally had. I wonder if that’s what kept them going with their diligence undeterred, not only for me but all other patients- some non-cooperative, some frustrated. My condition was improving drastically, from the wheelchair to walker and driving my way for these sessions. However there was a plateau phase that took a toll on my persistence, but it passed too – thanks to the team here. I resumed college, thinking it would take my mind off, but then again, people noticed that I was walking weird, some kept from saying but their head nod said it all. But I realized soon enough, I’ve come this far, and this was all part of the process.
After numerous protocol changes, posting alterations, breathing exercises, examinations with the masters and therapists, here or there, all those PNFs, stand to sit, backward walking, weight shifts, pelvic tilts, etc, here I am a writing this rather not so short article, improving day by day, to get back. Without the team here, I don’t think I stood a chance, to do what I could do easily, to become normal, no, not without them, not without their hard work, assistance, and pursuance. I deeply appreciate what they’ve done for me and I can’t be grateful enough!
The size of your problems is nothing compared with your ability to solve them. Don’t overestimate your problems and underestimate yourself. Cheers!
To give someone “hope” and help them get back on their feet is marvellous. For a person who couldn’t move her/his finger, and help them stand on their feet, give them their lost confidence – must have a different level of contentment. Hats off!
Glint 2020 