Most mothers expecting a child wait impatiently for the day of their childbirth in order to be finally released from all the weight they have been supporting for 9 months, even if they are afraid of this moment, especially if it is their first expected child! Stress and fear are always part of the process, since giving birth can always bring its share of pain and complications.
However, many are unaware of the aftermath, some complications may still occur once the baby is out. Holly Gerlach is one oh these women that had to go throughout really unbelievable complications.
Postpartum depression is certainly the most well-known complication because it is more common than believed, but there are several others, such as infections or haemorrhages. Some women may also have health problems that are not related to childbirth but are nonetheless debilitating and prevent them from caring for their baby as they would like. This is what happened to Holly Gerlach, who, a few weeks after giving birth, was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Holly’s Story
Native from Edmonton, Canada, Holly is a 26-year-old woman who dreamed more than anything to become a mother. Her dream became reality the day she gave birth to her little daughter during a childbirth that had been perfectly smooth, uncomplicated.
However, a few weeks later, Holly felt some health problems. First she suffered from neck pain and her lower limbs were weak. It did not take time for her to become completely paralyzed.
She was immediately taken to the hospital where she learned the bad news: she had Guillain-Barre syndrome. As indicated by the Health + Magazine website, “This is an autoimmune inflammatory disease affecting the peripheral nervous system and which causes a muscular weakness leading to paralysis. The nerves are attacked by the immune system, they are thus destroyed, which results in paralysis that can even affect the respiratory muscles. This disease often begins at the level of the legs to ascend towards the neck and head. Guillain-Barre syndrome represents a medical emergency requiring quick and intense treatments. ”
Holly had to integrate a specialized department to receive the care she needed. When a nurse bent over to look after her, Holly said that at this point she was in pain, but when she thought about her baby, it gave her the strength and the courage needed to keep moving forward. She did everything she could to spend time with her baby despite her condition.
Unfortunately, her condition prevented her from moving, so she had to be transported every day to sit in a chair. She had a lot of trouble speaking, she often communicated by miming. Holly saw her little girl every day, but could not take care of her as she wished.
It was only after several weeks in the hospital Holly was able to breathe by herself, without apparatus. The movement of his hands has also gradually returned. Overall, it took her 70 days get up on her feet and finally leave the intensive care.
She gained a little more strength each day and she was able to start physiotherapy on the 78th day of her hospitalization. She had to do exercises to restore the muscles of her legs. With courage and determination, she was able to stand up for the first time after 3 months.
Then she was able to start exercising to work her upper body during her physiotherapy sessions.
It took several sessions, but she finally took her little girl in her arms for the first time in months.
By working twice a day, Holly was able to regain the traction of her legs and she was able to take her first steps on her 94th day of recovery. She first needed help of the nurses to walk and little by little she walked by herself.
It was finally after 126 days of hospitalization that Holly was able to return home where she learned to brush her teeth, brush her hair, walk and eat.
With all efforts, Holly was feeling much better a year later. She was able to cope with her illness, and then go over it, so that today she lives a normal life. Holly has had tremendous determination and strength, but we must not forget the help and support of her family and the professional team that surrounded her.
Holly is truly an inspiring young woman who is living proof that will and determination can overcome everything, even the biggest obstacles that life has to offer.
Source: Santé+ Magazine
