For 30-year-old Emma, life before 2022 followed a predictable routine. Working in finance, she reports her days were a little work, eat, sleep, repeat. Emma acknowledges that she struggled with her mental health at the time and gave little thought to her physical health.

That changed when she fell ill at age 25.

What began as a persistent illness eventually led to severe symptoms, including brain swelling and a sudden loss of movement. Early on, Emma encountered significant challenges in getting a clear diagnosis, with her symptoms initially attributed to a mental health episode rather than a physical condition. Following persistent advocacy from her family and friends, further medical testing was completed. Emma was ultimately diagnosed with dry beriberi – a thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency causing peripheral neuropathy and Wernicke encephalopathy.

The condition left Emma experiencing global weakness, nerve pain, and paralysis from the neck down. When she was discharged from hospital, she required assistance for all daily personal care tasks.

Navigating the health system presented ongoing hurdles. Alongside fighting severe symptoms, she faced repeated setbacks, including six surgeries in a single year, allergic reactions, infections, and a broken ankle. At one point, her waist-long hair had to be shaved after months in hospital – a moment she describes as devastating.

Through it all, her strong support network kept her going. Her family, long-term partner, and close friends provided steady encouragement and advocacy every step of the way.

Shift in Mindset, One Step at a Time

Emma’s physical and mental recovery has been a gradual, multi-year process. Early in her rehabilitation, focusing on major long-term goals like walking felt overwhelming.

“I realised that if I looked too far into the future, I’d get lost in the in-between,” Emma says. “I had to focus on short-term, incremental goals.”

Working with her community physiotherapy team marked a major turning point. By translating physical therapy into functional movements for daily routines, Emma began building real momentum. Having her physiotherapist validate her hard work and identify standing as a realistic functional goal gave her renewed hope. 

Recently, Emma achieved a goal she described as “life-changing” – she can now independently “bum-shuffle” from her bed to her wheelchair – previously requiring assistance from one to two people for all activities of daily living. She is currently working on floor-to-couch transfers, with standing as her primary goal for the year.

Today, Emma lives in supported accommodation, enjoying a balance of daily independence alongside concierge support when needed.

A Journey of Self-Discovery

Beyond physical rehabilitation, Emma’s experience has sparked a profound personal self-discovery journey. She has developed a newfound passion for her health and wellbeing – discovering a love for art therapy, cooking balanced meals, and engaging in regular movement through her physio-prescribed exercises, yoga and stretching with her favourite music playing.

Though she continues to navigate challenges like agoraphobia and anxiety stemming from past trauma, she approaches each day with intention and gratitude. The resilience she built through adversity has given her a perspective wise beyond her years.

“Every time I do something new, it opens up a whole new world,” she reflects. “It makes me feel like anything is possible.”

Looking ahead, Emma hopes to use her experience to advocate for others navigating challenges with the medical system. Her advice to anyone facing a similar journey is rooted in her own self-advocacy:

“Don’t give up, keep fighting for answers. You know your body better than anyone – don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t.”

When asked to describe her journey so far in just three words, Emma chooses terrifying, exhilarating, and profound. Through steady effort and structured support, she has not only regained key physical abilities, but also embarked on a meaningful journey of self-discovery and personal growth. 

Emma’s journey is a testament to her resilience and determination. The outcomes and progress described here are not necessarily indicative of what others can expect. It’s important to remember that each individual’s experience with recovery, extent and nature of injuries and access to rehabilitation is unique.

Please consult with your healthcare professionals for personalised advice and support tailored to your specific circumstances.