A Mysterious Illness and a Long Road to Recovery

A speech pathologist was struck by a severe and puzzling illness in 2019. Vanessa Abraham felt like she had a bad flu. She was exhausted, her body ached, and her voice was hoarse. Antibiotics did not help. She was rushed to the ICU when she collapsed and struggled to breathe. Doctors were baffled. They tried various diagnoses, but none fit. She was unable to speak or eat. She was paralyzed and could barely move. Her neck was so weak that she couldn't lift her head. She was terrified and anxious. She was in the ICU for a month. She was released, but doctors still didn't know what caused her paralysis. Abraham spent time in physical therapy. She battled severe anxiety and depression. She even considered taking her own life. One night, she found the email address of a medical student who had spent time with her in the ICU. He remembered her, and his response brought her hope. It took four months to finally diagnose her with a rare form of Guillain-Barré syndrome. This condition attacks the nerves and causes paralysis. It usually starts in the legs and moves up. Abraham had a rare variant that affects the diaphragm and throat. It is very difficult to diagnose. There is no single test for it. Doctors rely on symptoms. Only a few people are diagnosed with this variant each year. Abraham started treatment to strengthen her immune system. She accepted that recovery would take time. She still has some weakness, but she can do most of her daily activities. She is back at work. She spends time in the gym to strengthen her body. She stayed in touch with the medical student. He is now finishing a fellowship in critical care medicine. Abraham's experience inspired him to study this area. She joined a support group for people who have trauma after time in the ICU. She wrote a memoir about her experience. She has worked to raise awareness for the benefits of such groups. She understands that recovery is about more than just physical strength. It is about healing the mind and spirit as well.