Sparaliżowana w wyniku złej diagnozy
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A young woman from Oklahoma has shared how she was paralysed after alleged medical mistreatment
24-year-old Aspen Sage of Wanette was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder at age 21, resulting in loss of limb function, loss of speech, non-epileptic seizures, and many other symptoms.
"Before my diagnosis, I was juggling two jobs, running a small business and studying at college. My world was full of possibilities until it wasn't," recalled Aspen.
Three years ago, Aspen sought help for panic attacks following a difficult breakup. Her request for a holistic treatment approach was dismissed and she was admitted to a mental health facility, where her situation drastically worsened.
"The medical team was experimenting with various medications to manage my anxiety. They prescribed Hydroxyzine, which resulted in my entire body going numb for nearly 24 hours. I was afraid, hysterical and accused by nurses of faking my symptoms. At one point, I was dropped on the floor and mocked for needing help in the restroom," explained Aspen.
"Eventually, the doctor discontinued the medicine and listed it as an 'allergy' on my medical chart, but later decided to try the same meds again. I tried to advocate for myself, but I had unknowingly relinquished my rights to stop them from making decisions that would harm my body. The second administration paralysed me from the neck down. My mum fought to get me released from state mental care."
Aspen finally received the correct diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). FND is a complex and frequently misinterpreted condition characterised by a wide range of intense neurological symptoms. She was discharged with little more information than a website address to learn more about the condition. Just a few days later, Aspen was back in hospital several times after having seizures. Following a series of more tests, it was further confirmed she suffered Autism, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Osteopenia, Arthritis, EOE, and Celiac Disease.
While on treatment, Aspen's condition began to show some improvements.
"I regained some movement in my upper body and hands but still suffered seizures, fainting spells, and dysautonomia. Now, two years later, I'm officially a T-9 Paraplegic. It's like my body's constantly fighting with itself because my brain's signals are all over the place. Most days, I can deal with pain, but the seizures knock me out for days. The worst one was last December. It took me a month to return to my 'normal'. My parents had to do everything for me," she explained.
Despite the immense challenges, Aspen turned her ordeal into a platform for advocacy, raising awareness for disability rights, mental health, and the need for compassion within the healthcare system.
"I don't ever want anyone to be afraid to ask for help," she asserted, emphasising the importance of viewing patients as human beings deserving of dignity and respect.
Travel, once a passion of Aspen's, has now become a lifeline for her.
"Since I can no longer work or drive, travel turned into my light at the end of the tunnel. It got me out of the rut, away from all the trauma I'd experienced and into places that reminded me there's still beauty out there," she said.
While travelling with a disability has its own set of challenges, Aspen insists 'it's a different kind of stress'.
"Before I travel anywhere, I personally do a lot of research on hotels, transportation, restaurants, and wheelchair rentals in case something happens to my wheelchair. There are also a lot of requirements for travelling internationally with a service dog, so that is probably the biggest stressor. I not only have to prepare myself, but I have to prepare my dog, who requires vaccines, permits, and health certificates that are different for every country. Flying can be tough with frequent wheelchair damage. Advocating for passenger rights is crucial, and I've often fought to keep my wheelchair with me. Dealing with setbacks, like sudden severe seizures, is challenging, but my incredible support system of family, friends, and my service dog has been my backbone, helping me through the toughest days."
Knowing how much extra work goes into planning trips with a disability, Aspen saw a chance to help others by sharing what she's learned on her blog and social media.
"We definitely need more info out there for people with disabilities and also to teach the rest of the world a thing or two about accessibility and making everyone feel included. If I can help one person feel less alone, that is enough for me," she said.
"My message to others living with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or going through rehabilitation is to keep fighting. Find the tiniest thing or moment to make you happy. Travel doesn't have to be expensive or far away, and many places like zoos and museums have discounts for those with a disability. Take baby 'steps' and plan something - even if it's a short trip or somewhere local. Always remember, if there's a wheel, there's a way!"
Featuring: Aspen Sage
Where: Wanette, Oklahoma, United States
When: 19 Mar 2024
Credit: @aspen.sage.baxter/Cover Images
**EDITORIAL USE ONLY. MATERIALS ONLY TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH EDITORIAL STORY. THE USE OF THESE MATERIALS FOR ADVERTISING, MARKETING OR ANY OTHER COMMERCIAL PURPOSE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. MATERIAL COPYRIGHT REMAINS WITH STATED PHOTOGRAPHER AND/OR SUPPLIER.**
2024-03-19
Cover Images/East News
Cover Images
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