It was the day before my 32nd birthday; I was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome. I remember sitting across from the doctor as he explained the prognosis. As a nurse, I anticipated his explanation and treatment options. What I did not anticipate was my desire to embrace holistic therapies to accompany the medical treatments I chose. Although I was familiar with holism and knew about the positive affects of its therapies, I had never realized them personally. That changed on this day. Without hesitation, my first response to my neuroligst was to integrate a holistic healing process. To my delight, my medical team was supportive in my decision to integrate therapies. Once perceived as the worse time of my life, I now embrace my diagnosis of GBS as a gift. Because it was so profound in its life lessons, this became a transforming experience! Although the healing did not occur in a single therapy session, the process was definitely tangible. After each session I felt different. My pain threshold decreased, my ability to walk increased and so did my energy level. I felt a sense of calmness and hope. But more importantly, I gained a sense of control over my body and health. But another challenge arose. Urinary output was less than desirable. I was familiar with Reflexology, feet reflex body systems, and the potential benefits of working with "energy pathways". After discussing this with my healthcare team, I "put my nursing hat on" and allowed two weeks to "experiement" in order to see improvement. Reflexology sessions emphasized what is known as the "kidney reflex" and "the urinary system". I had reflexology for an hour each day, and as you may anticipate what I am about to profess....YES, my urinary function was back to normal! Some may say this was a coincidence, I say it was my turning point! For me, my therapies complemented my treatment plan and helped facilitate a quicker healing process. I had a wonderful medical team and knew the treatment plan was appropriate for the diagnosis. However, GBS had an unknown itiology as well as an undetermined recovery period. This "unknown" was frustrating and my pain threshold intense, therefore I sought additional resources to facilitate my healing process. Though terrifying and profoundly painful, GBS became my teacher because it put me on a journey. That journey allowed me to experience first hand how holistic therapies like Reiki, Healthing Touch, and Reflexology complemented my conventional medical treatment plan. Although claiming to be "optimistic skeptics" even my conventional medical team was impressed with how holistic therapies cut down my recovery time anddecreased my pain threshold! Yet for all of its challenges, GBS was a life-transforming experience. A journey that propelled me into a new career as a holistic nurse.

 

This is Jeannine Capria's story.“click here” to submit yours! Your story may be our next “GBS Story of the Month” story.

 

 

 

 

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