NOTE: I did NOT say that AFM is Polio! I said it’s basically “modern polio” because they’re very SIMILAR but they are NOT the same! AFM is NOT polio! AFM is also not connected to vaccines - either from getting a vaccine or not getting a vaccine! If you comment anything about a vaccine or polio, your comment will be promptly deleted. AFM is an entirely different disorder caused by the virus that causes a COLD. There is no vaccine for a cold. I would also like to note that AFM is NOT the same disorder as TM; AFM is a subtype of TM. Additionally, whether or not a lawsuit occurred is nobody’s business and I will not be commenting on such a matter. Otherwise, thank you to everyone else who is leaving nice comments! For a deeper understanding of AFM and what happens within the body, watch my explanation of AFM here: th-cam.com/video/IWKAvs6_Y1E/w-d-xo.html
Don't let their negativity get to you hun, some people are just mean and nasty and like to bring other's down always with something. You're amazing, keep smiling cus it makes them mad. 💜
Your very confident Sarah thankyou for sharing your story with everyone, it's not easy and like everyone else is saying don't let the negative words bring you down, as your confidence is so much stronger than anything else, nothing will get you down. Be blessed my friend
The hospital told me i wouldn't be able to walk, talk, or learn again. I got shot in my eye, through brain, and out the back of my head. With a 9mm hand gun breaking every bone on the right side of my face. At age 15....4 years later i graduated high school and will attend college to become an anesthesiologist
I can’t believe how the hospital treated you. I took my daughter to the hospital because she couldn’t move one knee. I thought she was ‘faking’. The dr we saw recognized that it was psychologically based. He recommended treatment and spent a long time explaining how the psychology worked and why it was important to address. So even for psychologically based pain we weren’t sent home, taken very seriously and provided a treatment plan.
That really is what happens. People assume once they get to the hospital they will be better but sometimes that doesn’t happen and especially when people are kids and doctors don’t believe them if the symptoms are visible.
I am an ER doc. You should sue the hell out of that alleged doctor that sent you home. I knew the diagnosis as soon as you went through your symptoms. I am so very sorry that there are idiots out there who claim to be physicians and they need to be put in another job that doesn’t affect people’s’ lives. You are so sweet and deserve the best your life is definitely going to give you. What a lovely inspiration you are!! God bless 🥰
I'm a health scientist from the UK & have an extensive medical background. It shocks & concerns me just how many incompetent doctors there are in the US who get away with negligence & malpractice. It also seems to be rare to have decent doctors acknowledging the issue. I've had to stop watching programmes like Mystery Diagnosis that make excuses for doctors claiming that some diseases are rare, when they can be picked up with routine testing! One example was an episode on haemochromotosis, which would be quickly picked up with a routine blood test here in the UK, even if you weren't looking for it! I just want to say thank you for acknowledging the issue. More decent doctors need to speak up about the doctors who harm patients by simply not caring enough to get their heads in books & not give up until they find the answer or refer them on to someone they know who can. The negligent malpracticing doctors need to be stopped. Their behaviour wouldn't be tolerated here in the UK. They would be swiftly struck of the GMC (General Medical Council) register. In any case no 8 year old child is gonna think of & be able to conistently fake that & even if they were, in country where people have to pay for their medical care, what parent would take their child to hospital if they were faking it?! And what medical professional would have the child air lifted if they were faking it?! smh
My husband is an Emergency Room doctor and he was shocked when I told him about your initial experience. God bless you, sweetheart, you're articulate and beautiful.
This video really hit home for me. I became paralyzed at 12. I had broken my leg, they put a cast on it. Six weeks later the cast came off and they told me to walk. I couldn’t. No one believed me. They thought I was lying for special treatment or wanting to get out of school. Turns out, two large tumors were compressing my spinal cord. The doctors were able to remove the tumors and I was able to relearn to walk. Thank you so much for sharing your story!
That is scary. How did you break your leg? I got sick when I was young- lost my sense of smell and taste for 2 years- did not eat for 6 weeks. As in, nothing- not a cracker or a single blueberry- nothing.
When my sister in law was 17 she had major migraines, to the point she couldn’t see or walk straight. The Dr said it was exam stress and palmed her off. She researched her own symptoms and became horrified at what she read. So she pushed and pushed for a CT scan and MRI scan. Turns out she had a brain tumour! 😭 she’s now almost 24 and still battling it
I had a brain injury from a car accident, then years later started having debilitating migraines like that (would lose vision/hearing/mobility at times). Was written off for 2 years as stress and not accepting loss of functioning from accident. Got to the point where I was fainting and sleeping 16-20 hours a day. Turned out to be a thyroid condition
I'm so sorry to hear ur story. It's awful how that first Dr acted. My daughter had a seizure. I took her to the hospital and she started the jerking again. The Dr said she was faking. I said, there is no way to fake jerking for over 30 minutes,never stopping. I demanded tests. They kept saying she was faking. So I yelled out, if she's faking then we need to admit her in the psychiatric ward and get evaluated. They then knew I was serious that she wasn't faking. He agreed to a shot that eased the jerking. Plus he did an eeg that proved she had a seizure. We mother's can get loud when we have to and who cares if we r rude. I'm so very glad u r doing better. U r just inspirational and so beautiful.
As a nurse, I must say how very sorry for the lack of care, understanding and treatment you received the first time you went to the ER. It's appalling the way the ER doctor and staff treated you. You are such an inspiration and beautiful young lady. You're in my prayers. Stay strong! 💖💖
I’m so sorry that happened to you! Sadly, this happens all the time and nothing is done about it. My mom’s co-worker sat in the emergency room lobby having a heart attack and they wouldn’t see him, even with her begging. My newborn niece was turning blue with labored breathing in the ER and they weren’t doing anything to help her. We had to call a different ER to send an ambulance to save her (which they did. And saved her life). I also sat in the ER bleeding for over two hours after a tonsillectomy. Literally choking on my own blood. And they refused to tell my surgeon. He found out in passing that I was there and immediately took me to surgery. They also had to pump my stomach because I swallowed so much blood. The surgeon apologized for the ER’s incompetence. He was livid. Anyway. I don’t understand why these horrible things happen. I wish someone would fix it!
Hits home for me as well! I was 12 and my left leg was numb and I was screaming for my mom to help. She rushed me to the ER and they took an X-ray and told my mom that I was faking the numbness and was craving attention, nothing was wrong! The next morning they called to tell my parents not to let me move it could be fatal or paralyze me. I went in for emergency surgery. I had a disease in my hip called Slip Capitol Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE) pronounced skiffy. Usually happens to 12 year old overweight males, I was an underweight female. If it wasn't for the specialist passing by that seen my X-ray and said what room number is this patient in, my life could of been changed drastically. Thank you for sharing your story. Keep being amazing and the positive vibes going.
SCFE would not paralyze you or kill you. All it'd do is make you walk wobbly for the rest of your life due to limb length discrepancy. It IS a surgical emergency and needs to be fixed asap (through surgical fixation), but that's due to mobility issues if it isn't fixed. It definitely isn't a life threatening emergency though. Regardless, those ER docs were clowns for what they said to you Demographics wise, it's very common these days with the rise of adolescent obesity, and rates seem to be higher among those who are overweight (think growth plate sliding from being put under too much strain). However, it's definitely not only caused by this, and often can happen in those of normal weight. I wonder if the numbness was due to femoral or obturator nerve compression? It is kinda like a hip dislocation.
I’m so mad that doctor for sending you home. Doctors not believing people symptoms is a huge issue I’ve had it happen to me and this case is absolutely horrible.
Marisa Circus I went to the hospital once in excruciating abdominal pain. It came in waves and I would lose consciousness with each wave of pain. The doc didn’t believe me and thought I was constipated, and rules it as gastroenteritis or some shit. The nurse was extremely worried. Long story short I ended up back in the ER, and a doctor said that if I’d waited a few hours to come in I’d likely be dead. It was a huge ovarian cyst that had ruptured and caused a massive infection. I was SICK. It was bad. And I could’ve died because of the stupidity of a doctor.
I went to the er for severe back pain. So bad I couldnt move much. I called 911 and they came and got me. The er dr simply said that they dont give intravenous pain meds for back pain. They gave me a lidocaine patch and made me sit in the waiting room. I was alone. I had no ride home. And the patch did nothing. The er dr didnt even try to find out why i was in such pain. They did a pregnancy test. Not pregnant. My parents came and took me to their house. I spent a week in bed unable to move without extreme pain m i finally got into a chiropractor and he took xrays. Turns out i have a degenerative disc in my lower back and it was inflamed. Im better now but angry at the er dr for assuming i was just there for the pain killers.
I was constantly sick for like four years. I got urinary tract infections, throat infections and stomach infections ALL the time. I had to insist again and again to be seen by a specialist, finally I got sent to the endocrinologist, he ran specialized tests and it turns out I'm diabetic. They never took me seriously and they could have helped me not become diabetic at 26 has they ran tests years before. I have never liked doctors or hospitals and I never will. They just practice medicine for the money, they don't care about patients.
I’ve had the same thing happen to me when I broke my toe and it hurt like hell, but the doctor didn’t believe me and put a lot of pressure on that toe to test me. Of course, I was screaming out in pain, and he just wrote in my file that I was an overreacting patient. Only the next doctor realized that my toe was broken. Of course, this is not as bad of a story because a broken toe isn’t that bad at all, like it heals and you’re fine, but I just think it’s terrible that doctors sometimes don’t believe patients.
I'm a 45 year old male I'm not a quadriplegic but I'm a hemiplegic due to a hemorrhagic stroke I suffered2 yearsago, I'm going through he'll but my experience cannot compare with what you experienced or experiencing , but you give me tons of hope and mountains of inspiration...thank you good luck with the channel! And God Bless You!
I walked into an ER once coughing up blood, was accused of faking to get pain meds, and sent home. 3 visits over 2 months I nearly died from DVT, PE, and pneumonia. I recovered though. I'm sorry that doctor was such a dingleberry!! Thank you for sharing your story!! You are an amazing, lovely, gentle soul. Subbed!!💖🤗
My friend’s 5 year old niece has AFM and is 100% dependent on the vent and others for help. She can’t move anything other than being able to speak and blink. It breaks my heart hearing her cry because of the horrific pain she feels. She feels everything, but can’t move anything. Thank you for sharing your story. It gives us hope for Ava!
You are an inspiration to me as well. I have Ehler’s Danlos Syndrome and understand what it is like to have an invisible illness. Thank you for being you!!
Cannot believe that someone can be faced with a life changing medical condition, and the people who are supposed to help you think you are faking it. UNREAL!
Sarah, I know that you have probably heard this a million times but I just watched your video and I think that you are an absolutely amazing young woman, sending you much love
I can’t believe the first doctor thought you were faking. Usually, kids are scared of the hospital and don’t want to go even when they are sick... most children wouldn’t fake something like that, so any doctor should have listened to your parents, especially since they were pleading and clearly stating that something was abnormal! Sorry you went through that.
Doctors didn't believe my mom was having back pain after a car accident when she was little and now 55 years later she suffers from severe chronic back pain.
I woke up after an afternoon nap and was paralysed from the waist down , then over the next few days the paralysis crept up my body. I was in hospital for nearly 5 months and a wheel chair just under 2 years. Lost my arms and legs but it didn’t reach my lungs. Today I’m sort of disabled but I get around. No wheelchair and I cope in different ways with things. Guillan Barre Syndrome. One minute everything is normal, the next you’re paralysed. Keep your attitude happy like you have and just keep on going. Xxoo from Australia ❤
From one disabled woman to another: Always keep a hold of the positive times and try to let the negative slip past, as you have been doing. The positives far outweigh the negatives!! I fully believe that everything that happens in life is either a blessin’ or a lesson, and any lesson can be turned into a blessin’. You have had a life changing experience happen to you and at such a young age. Many people would crumble and fall into the depths of depression. NOT YOU!! You have decided to grab life by the balls and keep going on whilst also telling others about your story, teaching others all over the world about disability and helping to bring awareness to those of us who suffer with an invisible disability. I wish you nothing but love and happiness!! 💜💜
I too suffer from a disability and some days are so painful it hurts to exist and others I'm almost normal again. I cant predict one day to the next if I will be fuctional or not. I try to pursue my dream in writing and even though the battle is insane some days I still try my best. Thank you for your encouraging comment even though it wasnt meant for me.
I had a similar situation where the doctor repeatedly told my parents I was fine and I was sent home. I had Anti-NMDA receptor encefalitis so my body was attacking my brain. They said I was making up the fact that I was having seizures, couldn’t talk or understand what people were saying and having delusions. I also spent two months at a hospital receiving treatment but had to go to a San Francisco to receive treatment instead because the hospital near my house said we don’t know what’s wrong and we can’t help you. My parents had to push for me to be referred to a better hospital because the staff thought I was just pretending.
Sarah Riedel I am wondering the same...I was a Pedi ICU RN (a long time ago...2002-2006🙀) & as soon as she mentioned the helicopter transfer (actually back when she first mentioned her flaccid/immobile hands/arms at her dance studio), I was quickly thinking over in my head...”ok, so when she gets to the children’s hospital, they will need to do this, and then this, and then this, etc.” and my mental list was getting longer (QUICKLY...at least 25+ things that I envisioned to be done immediately upon arrival).....and those were just what I assumed would be “done immediately/AT FIRST...with other things to be done at subsequent intervals after that initial slew of the MOST URGENT tests”! I would have thought...immediate c-spine assessment and imaging to clear her neck, and likely get a steroid infusion up ASAP... and I could truly keep typing about my “plan”😉 FOR HOURS... However...the focus here/now should NOT be on WHAT WAS NOT DONE by the medical staff upon her ER arrival 10 years ago, but instead be on WHAT this very courageous, strong-willed, beautiful, determined, fighter of a young woman, @Sarah Todd Hammer IS DOING NOW, by so bravely sharing her story, so that we can all “see” how (in her case), overcoming very difficult life obstacles IS INDEED POSSIBLE!✌🏼💜 😇 KEEP UP THE STRONG WORK! 🎉🙏🏼🍀🌈
@@msguineapigsrus Urgent Care centers are really pretty awful. I'm surprised she wasn't taken to the ER immediately. I was wrong, but suspected a stroke... Horror story - my elderly sister went to an UC center over the Christmas holidays for a bad cough. They did an x-ray of her chest. THE NEXT DAY, they call her & tell her she has an Aortic Dissection & tell her to go to the hospital immediately. Well, IF she had had an AD like they said, she would have bled out & died the Previous day... Btw, you CAN'T SEE an Aortic Dissection on an x-ray. STILL SMH over that one.
Let me just say urgent cares and emergency rooms are completely different. I work at an urgent care clinic. If someone has a head injury, or anything life threatening we send them directly to the ER or call an ambulance for them. They just don’t have the tools (for example, all we have is X-RAY and she clearly needed a MRI) If this girl came in with those symptoms I would have immediately double checked with a provider but she would have been sent to ER for sure. I think they need a new name for “urgent care” clinics because so many people get it confused. The urgent care doctor sending her away is understandable, however the ER doctor sending her away should lose his license. That’s ridiculous. If someone says they can’t feel or move and they have headaches that’s clearly a neurological problem. Anyone without an M.D behind their name could figure that out.
My friend went to an UC center on a Sunday with a bad sore throat and really swollen lymph nodes...we thought. A really elderly Dr. Saw her, examined her and says that she had thyroid cancer! He urged her, made her promise that she'd see a Dr. first thing in the morning. I told her to calm down, that there is no way he can diagnose thyroid cancer by examination, no scans or blood work or biopsy. He called the next day to make sure that she was seeing a Dr. She had seen a Dr that morning and had an U/S and a biopsy. She had Stage 4 Thyroid Cancer ! She was in surgery the next day. It had already spread so it was a much more intensive surgery than a typical thyroidectomy. I'm still amazed that his diagnoses was correct AND he cared enough to call her the next day. She got scars across the front of her mech and up each side to behind each ear. She needed several rounds of radiation therapy as well. He saved her life.
Sarah, you are a “breath of fresh air!” I love your maturity and your sense of perspective. And by the way, you are one of these rare people that still looks beautiful with wet hair and no makeup!
Oh my gosh. I’m so sorry this happened to you. I’m a platelet & , plasma donor. It’s nice to have a face to put with what we do. I’ll be thinking of you during donation time. God Bless you.
I don’t know why this was suggested to me, but I just want to say you are such a beautiful, inspirational young lady. As a mother, it made my heart sink when you explained what happened and how the hospital sent you home. As someone who worked in OT, your determination to complete daily tasks makes you more capable than you know. Keep up that positive outlook. Your parents must be so proud of the young lady you have grown into.
I completely understand about the invisible disability. In fact I have a hard time with it because people think I can do things I cannot. I got AFM in 2016. I was 30 years old.
My daughter went through a traumatic medical experience right before her 10th birthday. She had a sudden brain hemorrhage caused by a ruptured AVM that caused a stroke and coma. She was in hospital for 8 months and had to relearn everything. We are thankful for her recovery but she too is disabled now and has to deal with her brain injury that has affected her emotionally, academically, socially and cognitively (ability to concentrate, learn new things etc.). I marvel at your ability to reflect so maturely on what you’ve been through given that you’re still relatively young. How long did it take for you to develop this healthy perspective on your situation? My daughter is 13 now and she’s come so far, but never wants to talk about what she’s been through even though it affects every aspect of her life and will continue to forever. Thank you for your bravery, Sarah!
This is scary. I too got turned out of one hospital with a blood clot in my leg and 1 in my lung. They didn't even think to check that at that hospital because of how young I was, but when I described my symptoms at the other hospital i went to the drs eyes got huge! I wasn't promised I was gonna walk back out of there. I wonder how I had the strength to walk in.
I'm so sorry hun. I was diagnosed with TM in 2003. I was in ICU and PT at Methodist hospital in Texas. I was 33 when I was dx. It is a very rare autoimmune disease. God bless you. You are strong, courageous and beautiful. 🙏🙏💜💜💜
The doctors failing you breaks my heart. I'm so sorry that's what you went through and that they didnt take you seriously. You are a beautiful person, thank you for sharing your story.
I can't even imagine what you went through. I also was a ballerina. I couldn't wait to go to class everyday and I loved doing. It was my passion. In 5th grade I was sitting on the ground outside and the bell rang. I couldn't move. It felt like my hips were glued to the ground. I went to 12 different doctors and they all said to my parents that I was faking it or pulled a muscle. It got to a point where my parents didn't believe me. I finally was flown to Denver and they told me I had juvenile arthritis in both of my legs and if it got any worse I could I could get it in my eyes and lose my eyes. I had to quit dancing forever. My life has been rough. I just can't imagine your pain 😪
Don't give up! If you find the right medicines and the right doses to stop the joint damage, you should have a normal, almost perfectly healthy life! I understand that being a professional dancer may not be in the cards anymore--I'm sorry about that
You are such an inspiration. I am an ER doctor myself. I fell terrible that someone in my profession did not approach you with an open mind. I wish I had been your doctor - you are an amazing person. You remind me of my daughter who has overcome great adversity and is a better person for it. Good luck and keep making videos so we can hear how you are doing.
I am a NeuroSurgery Nurse and can’t believe the inept doctors and healthcare staff that first visit. I know it doesn’t help now but they failed you. Good for your parents for trying to advocate for you. I always tell patients and family to advocate. Your strength and progress from this is inspiring.
God bless you sweetheart. My daughter also became paralyzed at the age of 14 from a C5 spinal cord injury. You guys are heroes, you know that?! Im so proud of your positivity because I know how hard life can be behind the scenes. I'm sending you lots of love. Xoxoxox
I just happen to come across your video and just click it. I watched it. I am going through almost the same thing. I have a rare autoimmune disease called guillain barre syndrome GBS for short. I was diagnosed dec.5,2017. I am paralyzed from the waist down. My body has attacked my nervous system. No cure for it. I have plasmapheresis 4 times. I got my GBS from the flu. I look at your story and I want to tell you that you are strong. And to never stop fighting. May god bless you baby girl!
This was a great video - my daughter is actually diagnosed with transverse myelitis and it was idiopathic, which means it kind of came out of nowhere, similar to your case. But they never have been able to find a cause or any virus that possibly set off everything. She has nerve damage from her hips down and is in a wheelchair. She did gain some feeling and strength in her legs - IVIG is amazing (she actually moved her pinky toe after her first treatment)! Anyway, thank you for sharing - you were very informative and so well spoken. This is the first video of yours I’ve watched, but it looks like you have grown a lot since making this - I’m excited to see some of your other videos, and I wish nothing but great things for you and your future :-)
Wow ... as a parent I couldn’t imagine going through that. Seeing your baby go through something like that and not being able to do anything. But you have such a beautiful outlook on life especially being so young and it being so easy to just be mad at the world, that’s absolutely amazing.
I'm so grateful to know that you gained use of your kegs and your right arm. I think that is sort of a miracle. You are a beautiful young lady, with a fantastic outlook. I know you will do something great with your life. God bless 🙏
Unbelievable how you were treated (or rather mistreated) at the hospital, after you were flown there! SMH! You are a blessing and I know you will and have inspired so many on your journey 💖
I almost cried. at the end when she said she was grateful for the life she has, it made me think about all the things i take for granted and it just made me feel so sad. You are so strong!! Thank you for sharing your story!
I'm not even a doctor and I knew what you had as soon as you talked about your first symptoms. My aunt had AFM a couple years ago. She almost died. I'm really happy both of you are doing fine today.
Sounds like my life story. I too bad similar things happen . Forty years ago I woke up with pain between my shoulders at the Drs my legs stopped working . After tests they said my spinal cord was swollen . Dr operated removed parts of the vertebrae to allow room . Woke up everything was great legs worked no pain. But he said spinal fluid was leaking thru the incision and needed to be sealed. Well I finally allowed it. To deal leak only. Operation #2 said up paralysed from neck down. Still leaking fluid after he was only to deal leak ,,, he removed more bone without my permission. Now I'm shipped to big hospital in Philadelphia all testing done again. The Dr took skin graft from my leg and sealed the leak. Then months in rehab hospital got to standing and worked for a year to walk with crutches then canes to only using a cane. . Still had problems and walked for 20 -25 yrs. Then went down hill so I'm now 64 and they said that D I wouldn't live past my fortys . Thank God and my faith in him . My motto I share its ,,,Never Give UP,,,, You keep working little lady you never know what will happen.
Sarah what a strong,composed, impressive, young lady you are! As an RN ,I am shocked to hear about how you were treated in that ER but as I said you are one amazing and exemplary person who seems to be making the absolute best out of the circumstances given!Sending hugs and love!
Hello, I hope you are healthy and well during this time. I watching this 4 months after you made this. I just later 3 wks acute rehabilitation center yesterday and I am now home. Today a visiting nurse is coming to help me with my medication. I am going to relearn my A.D.L.'s. I live with my boyfriend and our fur baby Rockyluv (German shepherd). I can identify with so much. I have a rare disease My autonomic nervous system is damaged and with that I have several auto immune diseases that just fight each other on a daily basis. A INVISIBLE ILLNESSES. Not so much lately. I am trying to remain hopeful because my poly has attacked my hands and my feet. But this time (A flare)at this rehab I had lost the ability to swallow, pee, lift my head up, sit up , lift my arms up. So, here I am trying not to get to scared about my situation. I will continue to watch your channel and others that I can identify with so I can learn be educated and network as well as everyone could use a friend who understands it's going through and that's kind of where I'm at. Thank you for your video I learned a lot so far and I look forward to learning more have a nice day and much love.
Thank you for sharing your story. I could see that some parts were difficult for you to relate. You are a very brave young lady who has obviously taken her tragedy and tried to make it into a positive thing. I can't imagine how scary this would have been for you at just eight years old. My best wishes for you in the future, and my sincere respect for the person you are.
You look so BEAUTIFUL! I am so glad you have such a positive outlook! Thank you for sharing your story! You make me smile!! My son is autistic and I'm always searching for positive stories!
I found out three weeks ago my 5 year old son is autistic. I think that autistic kids see the world differently sometimes but when I look at my beautiful son I know he is going to have an amazing life x
You dear precious young woman! That smile could launch ships! You are a brave and courageous young woman dealing with challenges none of us can even imagine. And you are carrying it with pure grace and a toasty warm personality to match. Sending multiple good wishes to you. May you continue to thrive and live in grace❤ You were a baby! The cruelty in life is more than I can deal with some days. 8 yrs old! This is another reason i have no faith let. Today, my NP told me she was moving to TX to help her family. Her 9 yr old niece has Ewing Sarcoma in the lower spine. There is nothing more heartbreaking than watching precious young people suffer. You are simply an inspiration to all! What you have come through and accomplished, how proud you must be.
It's crazy how kids can be brushed off as faking symptoms, just because they're young. Sometimes doctors and nurses would rather dismiss you when they aren't educated in a specialty area. I feel like they don't want to admit they don't know. I was brushed off initially like this as well and I ended up having bacterial meningitis. Sorry to hear this happened to you!
I’ve never heard of this before, thank you for sharing your deep details. I too am disabled, so I know how bad negative people can be...I Subscribed 06/28/20 Keep smiling no matter what!
When you describe the action of the hospital staff it just makes me so angry. How do they become so ignorant when it's their duty to help, they swear on it.
You are an absolute hero! Our country needs people like you to pull through this dark time of everyone basking in their victimhood. God bless you and your family!
You have such a beautiful soul and it shines so brightly through you, from your smile to the way you talk.Sending all my love to you for being such an amazing human being in this world ❤️
You're an amazing strong woman! When you was describing the headache I thought you was going to say meningitis. My husband had meningitis twice with a severe headaches when symptoms started both time's. Thank you for telling us your story. Do not pay attention to those who are twisting your words or adding their own theories. Take care sweetheart.
That's why you always, always have to insist to go through all necessary checks for a physical condition BEFORE you decide that someone is faking it/it's psychosomatic.
Sarah -- You're an intelligent, articulate and courageous young woman! I have no doubt that you'll be successful in any path in life your pursue. You have strength, grace, beauty and a positive spirit.
Thank you. I am old, grama old. 3 years ago I had a stroke which affected me somewhat like you but I cannot walk. Your attitude makes me ashamed. Of myself not you! S I want to embrace the good like you have. You are a special woman.
I am so impressed with you! You have a fabulous attitude...a classic example of being handed lemons and making lemonade. I can only begin to imagine the challenges you face every day. My older sister was left partially paralyzed from a brain tumor at the age of 26. Unfortunately, she did not have the great attitude that you have and was angry at the world, so didn’t really buckle down where rehab was concerned. Attitude is everything when we are faced with health crisis. Keep keeping your “sunny side up,” as an old song goes. And thank you for sharing your story.
Hello Sarah, It 's brave of you to tell your story. You have a very sweet and positive attitude for having serious disability. I am sure your family is very proud of you. I am sure you have helped others cope with their disabilities by watching your video and knowing they are not alone in their own condition. You are a blessing.
It’s terrifying how fast your life can change so drastically. You have such a great attitude! Maybe you’ll get more movement and strength in your arms as time goes by.
What a real lady you are. You have inspired me and it’s been so long ago since I’ve been moved by another human being. Thank you for that. You have a gift and or you are a gift ! Wow!
You are so cool for sharing this. A sixty year old woman from Virginia said a prayer for you tonight. Also, you are so pretty and look great in the vid!
Have you ever considered looking into getting a service dog to help you in your day to day life? Please please look into it you would be astonished on how much a dog could help you be a bit more independent, God Bless
Just found you and I’m so sorry you went through that awful trauma and so admire your honesty and strength. What a beautiful spirit you have and thankyou for sharing 🙏🏼🔥💜God bless you
![HOW I BECAME PARALYZED FROM THE NECK DOWN // My disability story (Updated Version) [CC]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/tP5shXQU2Mo/mqdefault.jpg)
![HOW I BECAME PARALYZED FROM THE NECK DOWN // My disability story (Updated Version) [CC]](/img/tr.png)
NOTE: I did NOT say that AFM is Polio! I said it’s basically “modern polio” because they’re very SIMILAR but they are NOT the same! AFM is NOT polio! AFM is also not connected to vaccines - either from getting a vaccine or not getting a vaccine! If you comment anything about a vaccine or polio, your comment will be promptly deleted. AFM is an entirely different disorder caused by the virus that causes a COLD. There is no vaccine for a cold. I would also like to note that AFM is NOT the same disorder as TM; AFM is a subtype of TM. Additionally, whether or not a lawsuit occurred is nobody’s business and I will not be commenting on such a matter.
Otherwise, thank you to everyone else who is leaving nice comments!
For a deeper understanding of AFM and what happens within the body, watch my explanation of AFM here: th-cam.com/video/IWKAvs6_Y1E/w-d-xo.html
Sarah Todd Hammer you are a beautiful young lady. Your positive attitude will take you anywhere! Thank you for educating us on AFM.
Don't let their negativity get to you hun, some people are just mean and nasty and like to bring other's down always with something. You're amazing, keep smiling cus it makes them mad. 💜
Awesome girl ( I hope u don’t mind I messaged u on your instagram cause I wanted to tell u more about me & my disability ) u are definitely inspiring
Beautiful Brave girl! Keep doing what you're doing! You're awesome 💜
Your very confident Sarah thankyou for sharing your story with everyone, it's not easy and like everyone else is saying don't let the negative words bring you down, as your confidence is so much stronger than anything else, nothing will get you down. Be blessed my friend
The hospital told me i wouldn't be able to walk, talk, or learn again. I got shot in my eye, through brain, and out the back of my head. With a 9mm hand gun breaking every bone on the right side of my face. At age 15....4 years later i graduated high school and will attend college to become an anesthesiologist
@Quataija Shavers Amazing positive turn around! Truly a role model for everyone going through adversities! Respect and congratulations.
Omg! Who shot you?! 😧😥
Congratulations for your recovery and dedication to not giving up ❤
You're a blessed person.
Quataija Shavers I’m so very sorry you had to go through this! What a true inspiration you are!
Oh my goodness 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱 amazing
I can’t believe how the hospital treated you. I took my daughter to the hospital because she couldn’t move one knee. I thought she was ‘faking’. The dr we saw recognized that it was psychologically based. He recommended treatment and spent a long time explaining how the psychology worked and why it was important to address. So even for psychologically based pain we weren’t sent home, taken very seriously and provided a treatment plan.
They air lift you and then accuse you of faking? That’s horrifying. I’m so sorry.
Right. Like did he think the doctor at urgent care and the people that dispatched the helicopter are idiots?
Right?????
That was unbelievable and a horrible thing to do..just sent you home..smdh
Airlifted just to sit in waiting room for six hours!
poor little darling. Not even getting her a wheelchair.
“i’m in a hospital, i’ll be fine!”
and then that doctor not only failed her, but also ruined that little girls hope. damn that’s heartbreaking
That really is what happens. People assume once they get to the hospital they will be better but sometimes that doesn’t happen and especially when people are kids and doctors don’t believe them if the symptoms are visible.
I am an ER doc. You should sue the hell out of that alleged doctor that sent you home. I knew the diagnosis as soon as you went through your symptoms. I am so very sorry that there are idiots out there who claim to be physicians and they need to be put in another job that doesn’t affect people’s’ lives. You are so sweet and deserve the best your life is definitely going to give you. What a lovely inspiration you are!! God bless 🥰
I'm a court reporter and I completely agree. Lawsuit!
I’m not sure if there’s a statute of limitations issue here but that was my thought too... holy malpractice!!!!
I'm a health scientist from the UK & have an extensive medical background. It shocks & concerns me just how many incompetent doctors there are in the US who get away with negligence & malpractice. It also seems to be rare to have decent doctors acknowledging the issue. I've had to stop watching programmes like Mystery Diagnosis that make excuses for doctors claiming that some diseases are rare, when they can be picked up with routine testing! One example was an episode on haemochromotosis, which would be quickly picked up with a routine blood test here in the UK, even if you weren't looking for it! I just want to say thank you for acknowledging the issue. More decent doctors need to speak up about the doctors who harm patients by simply not caring enough to get their heads in books & not give up until they find the answer or refer them on to someone they know who can. The negligent malpracticing doctors need to be stopped. Their behaviour wouldn't be tolerated here in the UK. They would be swiftly struck of the GMC (General Medical Council) register. In any case no 8 year old child is gonna think of & be able to conistently fake that & even if they were, in country where people have to pay for their medical care, what parent would take their child to hospital if they were faking it?! And what medical professional would have the child air lifted if they were faking it?! smh
kk doc my father has TM and I also knew immediately. Shame on that doc.
I'm a rocket scientist and I agree with your statement.
I don't really know who you are, I've never seen you before TH-cam put this video in my recommended, but thank you for sharing your story!
Same
Same
Same lol
Same here 😂
Same
My husband is an Emergency Room doctor and he was shocked when I told him about your initial experience. God bless you, sweetheart, you're articulate and beautiful.
Thank you so much x
@@SarahToddHammer Do you whether or not your outcome might have been different if you'd gotten prompt medical care?
@@Milkdudpuff yup, looking from all the er docs in the comments
This video really hit home for me. I became paralyzed at 12. I had broken my leg, they put a cast on it. Six weeks later the cast came off and they told me to walk. I couldn’t. No one believed me. They thought I was lying for special treatment or wanting to get out of school. Turns out, two large tumors were compressing my spinal cord. The doctors were able to remove the tumors and I was able to relearn to walk. Thank you so much for sharing your story!
That is scary. How did you break your leg? I got sick when I was young- lost my sense of smell and taste for 2 years- did not eat for 6 weeks. As in, nothing- not a cracker or a single blueberry- nothing.
Have you gained your full mobility ?
I am so glad you are alive. I hope you are and continue to be healthy and happy. ❤️
You don't look disgusting! You look beautiful! Your smile is so infectious!
Thank you for sharing your story! You are one incredible Woman...
What a beautiful, strong young woman you are. ❤️
Never ‘disgusting’! Beautiful! & such an eloquent 18 year old!
When my sister in law was 17 she had major migraines, to the point she couldn’t see or walk straight. The Dr said it was exam stress and palmed her off. She researched her own symptoms and became horrified at what she read. So she pushed and pushed for a CT scan and MRI scan. Turns out she had a brain tumour! 😭 she’s now almost 24 and still battling it
Haha... now im scared..
Is she getting any more healthy?
I had a brain injury from a car accident, then years later started having debilitating migraines like that (would lose vision/hearing/mobility at times). Was written off for 2 years as stress and not accepting loss of functioning from accident. Got to the point where I was fainting and sleeping 16-20 hours a day. Turned out to be a thyroid condition
How is she now?
Hope she gets better soon!
I'm so sorry to hear ur story. It's awful how that first Dr acted.
My daughter had a seizure. I took her to the hospital and she started the jerking again. The Dr said she was faking. I said, there is no way to fake jerking for over 30 minutes,never stopping. I demanded tests. They kept saying she was faking. So I yelled out, if she's faking then we need to admit her in the psychiatric ward and get evaluated. They then knew I was serious that she wasn't faking. He agreed to a shot that eased the jerking. Plus he did an eeg that proved she had a seizure.
We mother's can get loud when we have to and who cares if we r rude.
I'm so very glad u r doing better.
U r just inspirational and so beautiful.
Yikes .. sounds like status epilepticus .. how terrifying.. you totally did the right thing.. sometimes you have to fight to get your voice heard ...
Good job!!
The saddest phrase, “I thought I could trust the doctor.”😢
You are a gorgeous person. God bless.
If she's still paralyzed in the morning bring her back in?
I'm incredulous.
As a nurse, I must say how very sorry for the lack of care, understanding and treatment you received the first time you went to the ER. It's appalling the way the ER doctor and staff treated you. You are such an inspiration and beautiful young lady. You're in my prayers. Stay strong! 💖💖
I’m so sorry that happened to you! Sadly, this happens all the time and nothing is done about it. My mom’s co-worker sat in the emergency room lobby having a heart attack and they wouldn’t see him, even with her begging. My newborn niece was turning blue with labored breathing in the ER and they weren’t doing anything to help her. We had to call a different ER to send an ambulance to save her (which they did. And saved her life). I also sat in the ER bleeding for over two hours after a tonsillectomy. Literally choking on my own blood. And they refused to tell my surgeon. He found out in passing that I was there and immediately took me to surgery. They also had to pump my stomach because I swallowed so much blood. The surgeon apologized for the ER’s incompetence. He was livid. Anyway. I don’t understand why these horrible things happen. I wish someone would fix it!
Hits home for me as well! I was 12 and my left leg was numb and I was screaming for my mom to help. She rushed me to the ER and they took an X-ray and told my mom that I was faking the numbness and was craving attention, nothing was wrong! The next morning they called to tell my parents not to let me move it could be fatal or paralyze me. I went in for emergency surgery. I had a disease in my hip called Slip Capitol Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE) pronounced skiffy. Usually happens to 12 year old overweight males, I was an underweight female. If it wasn't for the specialist passing by that seen my X-ray and said what room number is this patient in, my life could of been changed drastically. Thank you for sharing your story. Keep being amazing and the positive vibes going.
SCFE would not paralyze you or kill you. All it'd do is make you walk wobbly for the rest of your life due to limb length discrepancy. It IS a surgical emergency and needs to be fixed asap (through surgical fixation), but that's due to mobility issues if it isn't fixed. It definitely isn't a life threatening emergency though. Regardless, those ER docs were clowns for what they said to you
Demographics wise, it's very common these days with the rise of adolescent obesity, and rates seem to be higher among those who are overweight (think growth plate sliding from being put under too much strain). However, it's definitely not only caused by this, and often can happen in those of normal weight. I wonder if the numbness was due to femoral or obturator nerve compression? It is kinda like a hip dislocation.
You cannot die from that nor get fully paralysed. The hip is not essential for living and nerve damage in the hip could only affect the one leg.
Lovely girl with awesome attitude...great girl
I can’t believe the hospital sent you home. I hope you sued that hospital.
I’m so mad that doctor for sending you home. Doctors not believing people symptoms is a huge issue I’ve had it happen to me and this case is absolutely horrible.
Marisa Circus I went to the hospital once in excruciating abdominal pain. It came in waves and I would lose consciousness with each wave of pain. The doc didn’t believe me and thought I was constipated, and rules it as gastroenteritis or some shit. The nurse was extremely worried. Long story short I ended up back in the ER, and a doctor said that if I’d waited a few hours to come in I’d likely be dead. It was a huge ovarian cyst that had ruptured and caused a massive infection. I was SICK. It was bad. And I could’ve died because of the stupidity of a doctor.
I went to the er for severe back pain. So bad I couldnt move much. I called 911 and they came and got me. The er dr simply said that they dont give intravenous pain meds for back pain. They gave me a lidocaine patch and made me sit in the waiting room. I was alone. I had no ride home. And the patch did nothing. The er dr didnt even try to find out why i was in such pain. They did a pregnancy test. Not pregnant.
My parents came and took me to their house. I spent a week in bed unable to move without extreme pain m i finally got into a chiropractor and he took xrays. Turns out i have a degenerative disc in my lower back and it was inflamed. Im better now but angry at the er dr for assuming i was just there for the pain killers.
I was constantly sick for like four years. I got urinary tract infections, throat infections and stomach infections ALL the time.
I had to insist again and again to be seen by a specialist, finally I got sent to the endocrinologist, he ran specialized tests and it turns out I'm diabetic. They never took me seriously and they could have helped me not become diabetic at 26 has they ran tests years before.
I have never liked doctors or hospitals and I never will. They just practice medicine for the money, they don't care about patients.
I’ve had the same thing happen to me when I broke my toe and it hurt like hell, but the doctor didn’t believe me and put a lot of pressure on that toe to test me. Of course, I was screaming out in pain, and he just wrote in my file that I was an overreacting patient. Only the next doctor realized that my toe was broken. Of course, this is not as bad of a story because a broken toe isn’t that bad at all, like it heals and you’re fine, but I just think it’s terrible that doctors sometimes don’t believe patients.
I'm a 45 year old male I'm not a quadriplegic but I'm a hemiplegic due to a hemorrhagic stroke I suffered2 yearsago, I'm going through he'll but my experience cannot compare with what you experienced or experiencing , but you give me tons of hope and mountains of inspiration...thank you good luck with the channel! And God Bless You!
Sarah Todd deserves her own talk show like if you agree
I strongly agree!!
I agreeeeeeee
You are an articulate, intelligent, beautiful young lady.
Agree
I walked into an ER once coughing up blood, was accused of faking to get pain meds, and sent home. 3 visits over 2 months I nearly died from DVT, PE, and pneumonia.
I recovered though.
I'm sorry that doctor was such a dingleberry!!
Thank you for sharing your story!! You are an amazing, lovely, gentle soul.
Subbed!!💖🤗
My friend’s 5 year old niece has AFM and is 100% dependent on the vent and others for help. She can’t move anything other than being able to speak and blink. It breaks my heart hearing her cry because of the horrific pain she feels. She feels everything, but can’t move anything. Thank you for sharing your story. It gives us hope for Ava!
Best wishes to Ava!!!!! 💙💙💙
Thank you!!! 💗💗💗
You are an inspiration to me as well. I have Ehler’s Danlos Syndrome and understand what it is like to have an invisible illness. Thank you for being you!!
So, she can move her head?
It's sad that she got it so young and will miss most of her life😢😢. Prayers.
Cannot believe that someone can be faced with a life changing medical condition, and the people who are supposed to help you think you are faking it. UNREAL!
Sarah, I know that you have probably heard this a million times but I just watched your video and I think that you are an absolutely amazing young woman, sending you much love
Did your parents contact initial dr at all?
I can’t believe the first doctor thought you were faking. Usually, kids are scared of the hospital and don’t want to go even when they are sick... most children wouldn’t fake something like that, so any doctor should have listened to your parents, especially since they were pleading and clearly stating that something was abnormal! Sorry you went through that.
Doctors didn't believe my mom was having back pain after a car accident when she was little and now 55 years later she suffers from severe chronic back pain.
I woke up after an afternoon nap and was paralysed from the waist down , then over the next few days the paralysis crept up my body. I was in hospital for nearly 5 months and a wheel chair just under 2 years. Lost my arms and legs but it didn’t reach my lungs.
Today I’m sort of disabled but I get around. No wheelchair and I cope in different ways with things. Guillan Barre Syndrome. One minute everything is normal, the next you’re paralysed. Keep your attitude happy like you have and just keep on going. Xxoo from Australia ❤
I'm not paralyzed, but I am disabled, and your bubbly cheerfulness is everything I need in my life
The Dr who “diagnosed” you should have his license pulled permanently!!
From one disabled woman to another: Always keep a hold of the positive times and try to let the negative slip past, as you have been doing. The positives far outweigh the negatives!!
I fully believe that everything that happens in life is either a blessin’ or a lesson, and any lesson can be turned into a blessin’.
You have had a life changing experience happen to you and at such a young age. Many people would crumble and fall into the depths of depression. NOT YOU!! You have decided to grab life by the balls and keep going on whilst also telling others about your story, teaching others all over the world about disability and helping to bring awareness to those of us who suffer with an invisible disability.
I wish you nothing but love and happiness!! 💜💜
I too suffer from a disability and some days are so painful it hurts to exist and others I'm almost normal again. I cant predict one day to the next if I will be fuctional or not. I try to pursue my dream in writing and even though the battle is insane some days I still try my best. Thank you for your encouraging comment even though it wasnt meant for me.
That’s one heck of a story! Scary even. I’m so glad you are doing well and THANK YOU for sharing this with us!
Thank you so much!!
I had a similar situation where the doctor repeatedly told my parents I was fine and I was sent home. I had Anti-NMDA receptor encefalitis so my body was attacking my brain. They said I was making up the fact that I was having seizures, couldn’t talk or understand what people were saying and having delusions. I also spent two months at a hospital receiving treatment but had to go to a San Francisco to receive treatment instead because the hospital near my house said we don’t know what’s wrong and we can’t help you. My parents had to push for me to be referred to a better hospital because the staff thought I was just pretending.
How on EARTH could they respond to an emergency pediatric Medivac with ADVIL...??
Sarah Riedel
I am wondering the same...I was a Pedi ICU RN (a long time ago...2002-2006🙀) & as soon as she mentioned the helicopter transfer (actually back when she first mentioned her flaccid/immobile hands/arms at her dance studio), I was quickly thinking over in my head...”ok, so when she gets to the children’s hospital, they will need to do this, and then this, and then this, etc.” and my mental list was getting longer (QUICKLY...at least 25+ things that I envisioned to be done immediately upon arrival).....and those were just what I assumed would be “done immediately/AT FIRST...with other things to be done at subsequent intervals after that initial slew of the MOST URGENT tests”!
I would have thought...immediate c-spine assessment and imaging to clear her neck, and likely get a steroid infusion up ASAP... and I could truly keep typing about my “plan”😉 FOR HOURS...
However...the focus here/now should NOT be on WHAT WAS NOT DONE by the medical staff upon her ER arrival 10 years ago, but instead be on WHAT this very courageous, strong-willed, beautiful, determined, fighter of a young woman, @Sarah Todd Hammer IS DOING NOW, by so bravely sharing her story, so that we can all “see” how (in her case), overcoming very difficult life obstacles IS INDEED POSSIBLE!✌🏼💜 😇
KEEP UP THE STRONG WORK! 🎉🙏🏼🍀🌈
From an urgent care center too!!! Ugh, that doc needs to lose their license
@@msguineapigsrus Urgent Care centers are really pretty awful. I'm surprised she wasn't taken to the ER immediately. I was wrong, but suspected a stroke... Horror story - my elderly sister went to an UC center over the Christmas holidays for a bad cough. They did an x-ray of her chest. THE NEXT DAY, they call her & tell her she has an Aortic Dissection & tell her to go to the hospital immediately. Well, IF she had had an AD like they said, she would have bled out & died the Previous day... Btw, you CAN'T SEE an Aortic Dissection on an x-ray. STILL SMH over that one.
Let me just say urgent cares and emergency rooms are completely different. I work at an urgent care clinic. If someone has a head injury, or anything life threatening we send them directly to the ER or call an ambulance for them. They just don’t have the tools (for example, all we have is X-RAY and she clearly needed a MRI) If this girl came in with those symptoms I would have immediately double checked with a provider but she would have been sent to ER for sure. I think they need a new name for “urgent care” clinics because so many people get it confused. The urgent care doctor sending her away is understandable, however the ER doctor sending her away should lose his license. That’s ridiculous. If someone says they can’t feel or move and they have headaches that’s clearly a neurological problem. Anyone without an M.D behind their name could figure that out.
My friend went to an UC center on a Sunday with a bad sore throat and really swollen lymph nodes...we thought. A really elderly Dr. Saw her, examined her and says that she had thyroid cancer! He urged her, made her promise that she'd see a Dr. first thing in the morning. I told her to calm down, that there is no way he can diagnose thyroid cancer by examination, no scans or blood work or biopsy. He called the next day to make sure that she was seeing a Dr. She had seen a Dr that morning and had an U/S and a biopsy. She had Stage 4 Thyroid Cancer ! She was in surgery the next day. It had already spread so it was a much more intensive surgery than a typical thyroidectomy. I'm still amazed that his diagnoses was correct AND he cared enough to call her the next day. She got scars across the front of her mech and up each side to behind each ear. She needed several rounds of radiation therapy as well. He saved her life.
Sarah, you are a “breath of fresh air!” I love your maturity and your sense of perspective. And by the way, you are one of these rare people that still looks beautiful with wet hair and no makeup!
Aww thank you!!
Oh my gosh. I’m so sorry this happened to you. I’m a platelet & , plasma donor. It’s nice to have a face to put with what we do. I’ll be thinking of you during donation time. God Bless you.
I don’t know why this was suggested to me, but I just want to say you are such a beautiful, inspirational young lady. As a mother, it made my heart sink when you explained what happened and how the hospital sent you home. As someone who worked in OT, your determination to complete daily tasks makes you more capable than you know. Keep up that positive outlook. Your parents must be so proud of the young lady you have grown into.
Thank you so very much! That is so sweet of you! I love OTs! Y’all are awesome!
I completely understand about the invisible disability. In fact I have a hard time with it because people think I can do things I cannot. I got AFM in 2016. I was 30 years old.
My daughter went through a traumatic medical experience right before her 10th birthday. She had a sudden brain hemorrhage caused by a ruptured AVM that caused a stroke and coma. She was in hospital for 8 months and had to relearn everything. We are thankful for her recovery but she too is disabled now and has to deal with her brain injury that has affected her emotionally, academically, socially and cognitively (ability to concentrate, learn new things etc.).
I marvel at your ability to reflect so maturely on what you’ve been through given that you’re still relatively young. How long did it take for you to develop this healthy perspective on your situation? My daughter is 13 now and she’s come so far, but never wants to talk about what she’s been through even though it affects every aspect of her life and will continue to forever. Thank you for your bravery, Sarah!
You’re unbelievably brave and strong. I love the way you talk .
God is always with you❤️
A sudden onset disability yanks the rug out from under you, doesn't it? You have my heart, girl.
This is scary. I too got turned out of one hospital with a blood clot in my leg and 1 in my lung. They didn't even think to check that at that hospital because of how young I was, but when I described my symptoms at the other hospital i went to the drs eyes got huge! I wasn't promised I was gonna walk back out of there. I wonder how I had the strength to walk in.
I'm so sorry hun. I was diagnosed with TM in 2003. I was in ICU and PT at Methodist hospital in Texas. I was 33 when I was dx. It is a very rare autoimmune disease. God bless you. You are strong, courageous and beautiful. 🙏🙏💜💜💜
I have TM, too!! 🤍
The doctors failing you breaks my heart. I'm so sorry that's what you went through and that they didnt take you seriously. You are a beautiful person, thank you for sharing your story.
I can't even imagine what you went through. I also was a ballerina. I couldn't wait to go to class everyday and I loved doing. It was my passion. In 5th grade I was sitting on the ground outside and the bell rang. I couldn't move. It felt like my hips were glued to the ground. I went to 12 different doctors and they all said to my parents that I was faking it or pulled a muscle. It got to a point where my parents didn't believe me. I finally was flown to Denver and they told me I had juvenile arthritis in both of my legs and if it got any worse I could I could get it in my eyes and lose my eyes. I had to quit dancing forever. My life has been rough. I just can't imagine your pain 😪
Is that you in your picture?
Don't give up! If you find the right medicines and the right doses to stop the joint damage, you should have a normal, almost perfectly healthy life! I understand that being a professional dancer may not be in the cards anymore--I'm sorry about that
You are such an inspiration. I am an ER doctor myself. I fell terrible that someone in my profession did not approach you with an open mind. I wish I had been your doctor - you are an amazing person. You remind me of my daughter who has overcome great adversity and is a better person for it. Good luck and keep making videos so we can hear how you are doing.
I am a NeuroSurgery Nurse and can’t believe the inept doctors and healthcare staff that first visit. I know it doesn’t help now but they failed you. Good for your parents for trying to advocate for you. I always tell patients and family to advocate. Your strength and progress from this is inspiring.
God bless you sweetheart. My daughter also became paralyzed at the age of 14 from a C5 spinal cord injury. You guys are heroes, you know that?! Im so proud of your positivity because I know how hard life can be behind the scenes. I'm sending you lots of love. Xoxoxox
I just happen to come across your video and just click it. I watched it. I am going through almost the same thing. I have a rare autoimmune disease called guillain barre syndrome GBS for short. I was diagnosed dec.5,2017. I am paralyzed from the waist down. My body has attacked my nervous system. No cure for it. I have plasmapheresis 4 times. I got my GBS from the flu. I look at your story and I want to tell you that you are strong. And to never stop fighting. May god bless you baby girl!
This was a great video - my daughter is actually diagnosed with transverse myelitis and it was idiopathic, which means it kind of came out of nowhere, similar to your case. But they never have been able to find a cause or any virus that possibly set off everything. She has nerve damage from her hips down and is in a wheelchair. She did gain some feeling and strength in her legs - IVIG is amazing (she actually moved her pinky toe after her first treatment)! Anyway, thank you for sharing - you were very informative and so well spoken. This is the first video of yours I’ve watched, but it looks like you have grown a lot since making this - I’m excited to see some of your other videos, and I wish nothing but great things for you and your future :-)
I don't know how your video popped up in my feed but I subscribed. Good luck with your channel. You have such a great personality.
Wow ... as a parent I couldn’t imagine going through that. Seeing your baby go through something like that and not being able to do anything. But you have such a beautiful outlook on life especially being so young and it being so easy to just be mad at the world, that’s absolutely amazing.
I'm so grateful to know that you gained use of your kegs and your right arm. I think that is sort of a miracle. You are a beautiful young lady, with a fantastic outlook. I know you will do something great with your life. God bless 🙏
Unbelievable how you were treated (or rather mistreated) at the hospital, after you were flown there! SMH!
You are a blessing and I know you will and have inspired so many on your journey 💖
Please sue that Dr!! You're so strong and courageous
I almost cried. at the end when she said she was grateful for the life she has, it made me think about all the things i take for granted and it just made me feel so sad.
You are so strong!! Thank you for sharing your story!
I'm not even a doctor and I knew what you had as soon as you talked about your first symptoms. My aunt had AFM a couple years ago. She almost died. I'm really happy both of you are doing fine today.
I am amazed at your strength. You are so courageous and strong. No words will adequately describe your courage. I send blessings and prayers
Sounds like my life story. I too bad similar things happen . Forty years ago I woke up with pain between my shoulders at the Drs my legs stopped working . After tests they said my spinal cord was swollen . Dr operated removed parts of the vertebrae to allow room . Woke up everything was great legs worked no pain. But he said spinal fluid was leaking thru the incision and needed to be sealed. Well I finally allowed it. To deal leak only. Operation #2 said up paralysed from neck down. Still leaking fluid after he was only to deal leak ,,, he removed more bone without my permission. Now I'm shipped to big hospital in Philadelphia all testing done again. The Dr took skin graft from my leg and sealed the leak. Then months in rehab hospital got to standing and worked for a year to walk with crutches then canes to only using a cane. . Still had problems and walked for 20 -25 yrs. Then went down hill so I'm now 64 and they said that
D I wouldn't live past my fortys . Thank God and my faith in him . My motto I share its ,,,Never Give UP,,,, You keep working little lady you never know what will happen.
Sarah what a strong,composed, impressive, young lady you are! As an RN ,I am shocked to hear about how you were treated in that ER but as I said you are one amazing and exemplary person who seems to be making the absolute best out of the circumstances given!Sending hugs and love!
Hello,
I hope you are healthy and well during this time. I watching this 4 months after you made this. I just later 3 wks acute rehabilitation center yesterday and I am now home. Today a visiting nurse is coming to help me with my medication. I am going to relearn my A.D.L.'s. I live with my boyfriend and our fur baby Rockyluv (German shepherd).
I can identify with so much. I have a rare disease My autonomic nervous system is damaged and with that I have several auto immune diseases that just fight each other on a daily basis. A INVISIBLE ILLNESSES. Not so much lately. I am trying to remain hopeful because my poly has attacked my hands and my feet. But this time (A flare)at this rehab I had lost the ability to swallow, pee, lift my head up, sit up , lift my arms up. So, here I am trying not to get to scared about my situation. I will continue to watch your channel and others that I can identify with so I can learn be educated and network as well as everyone could use a friend who understands it's going through and that's kind of where I'm at. Thank you for your video I learned a lot so far and I look forward to learning more have a nice day and much love.
Thank you for sharing your story. I could see that some parts were difficult for you to relate. You are a very brave young lady who has obviously taken her tragedy and tried to make it into a positive thing. I can't imagine how scary this would have been for you at just eight years old. My best wishes for you in the future, and my sincere respect for the person you are.
You look so BEAUTIFUL! I am so glad you have such a positive outlook! Thank you for sharing your story! You make me smile!! My son is autistic and I'm always searching for positive stories!
I found out three weeks ago my 5 year old son is autistic. I think that autistic kids see the world differently sometimes but when I look at my beautiful son I know he is going to have an amazing life x
You dear precious young woman! That smile could launch ships! You are a brave and courageous young woman dealing with challenges none of us can even imagine. And you are carrying it with pure grace and a toasty warm personality to match. Sending multiple good wishes to you. May you continue to thrive and live in grace❤
You were a baby! The cruelty in life is more than I can deal with some days. 8 yrs old!
This is another reason i have no faith let.
Today, my NP told me she was moving to TX to help her family. Her 9 yr old niece has Ewing Sarcoma in the lower spine. There is nothing more heartbreaking than watching precious young people suffer.
You are simply an inspiration to all! What you have come through and accomplished, how proud you must be.
Thanks for sharing your story. Thanks reminding us all to focus on the positive things. I wish you all the best always.
It's crazy how kids can be brushed off as faking symptoms, just because they're young. Sometimes doctors and nurses would rather dismiss you when they aren't educated in a specialty area. I feel like they don't want to admit they don't know. I was brushed off initially like this as well and I ended up having bacterial meningitis. Sorry to hear this happened to you!
You’re such a strong beautiful young woman! You inspire me to be a better person. ❤️
SARAH YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO ALL HUMANITY- WELL DONE GIRL THANKS FOR SHARING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a life changing event at such a young age! Your positive attitude & outlook are amazing. Thanks for sharing...
I’ve never heard of this before, thank you for sharing your deep details. I too am disabled, so I know how bad negative people can be...I Subscribed 06/28/20 Keep smiling no matter what!
When you describe the action of the hospital staff it just makes me so angry. How do they become so ignorant when it's their duty to help, they swear on it.
You are an absolute hero! Our country needs people like you to pull through this dark time of everyone basking in their victimhood. God bless you and your family!
What an awesome job you did on this video. Straight to the point and very informative.
I'm sorry the doctors didn't treat you well. You and so many others deserve better. God bless you and your family.
Wow. Its crazy how life can change in a split second. You're a very strong and beautiful young woman.
You have such a beautiful soul and it shines so brightly through you, from your smile to the way you talk.Sending all my love to you for being such an amazing human being in this world ❤️
You're an amazing strong woman! When you was describing the headache I thought you was going to say meningitis. My husband had meningitis twice with a severe headaches when symptoms started both time's. Thank you for telling us your story. Do not pay attention to those who are twisting your words or adding their own theories. Take care sweetheart.
That's why you always, always have to insist to go through all necessary checks for a physical condition BEFORE you decide that someone is faking it/it's psychosomatic.
Sarah -- You're an intelligent, articulate and courageous young woman! I have no doubt that you'll be successful in any path in life your pursue. You have strength, grace, beauty and a positive spirit.
Thank you. I am old, grama old. 3 years
ago I had a stroke which affected me somewhat like you but I cannot walk. Your attitude makes me ashamed. Of myself not you! S I want to embrace the good like you have. You are a special woman.
Bless your heart for sharing your story, you are a sweet and courageous young lady
I am so impressed with you! You have a fabulous attitude...a classic example of being handed lemons and making lemonade. I can only begin to imagine the challenges you face every day. My older sister was left partially paralyzed from a brain tumor at the age of 26. Unfortunately, she did not have the great attitude that you have and was angry at the world, so didn’t really buckle down where rehab was concerned. Attitude is everything when we are faced with health crisis. Keep keeping your “sunny side up,” as an old song goes. And thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you Sarah for sharing your story. You are amazing!!Stay Strong!!!
Hello Sarah, It 's brave of you to tell your story. You have a very sweet and positive attitude for having serious disability. I am sure your family is very proud of you. I am sure you have helped
others cope with their disabilities by watching your video and knowing they are not alone in their own condition. You are a blessing.
You are a very articulate speaker! Being a motivational speaker may be in your future?
Unbelievable, our healthcare system. You are amazing, as well as an articulate speaker. You deserve all the best in this world❤.
So regarding the first physician that saw you was there any legal malpractice or negligence pursued?
It’s terrifying how fast your life can change so drastically. You have such a great attitude! Maybe you’ll get more movement and strength in your arms as time goes by.
I’m a nurse and I have found out your personal experience a lot of doctors are lazy a holes.
50% graduate in the bottom 1/2 of their class. But nonetheless they still get to be a doctor
What a real lady you are. You have inspired me and it’s been so long ago since I’ve been moved by another human being. Thank you for that. You have a gift and or you are a gift ! Wow!
That damn doctor should loose his job
It made me so mad that he blew her off.
sarah falkner lose not loose
@@joyceanthony9526 thank you.
You are so cool for sharing this. A sixty year old woman from Virginia said a prayer for you tonight. Also, you are so pretty and look great in the vid!
Have you ever considered looking into getting a service dog to help you in your day to day life? Please please look into it you would be astonished on how much a dog could help you be a bit more independent, God Bless
Thank you for sharing your amazing story. You’re a beautiful person! It’s wonderful that you’re helping others.
You are a well spoken, articulate young lady. Thank you for sharing your story. All the best and God bless♡.
I wonder if the other doctors had caught it the first day, would your disability be as severe as it is now?
I was wondering that too
Probably not, because they could have given powerful anti-inflammatory meds.
Thank you Sarah for sharing your story. You have inspired so many people, you've inspired me 💕 All the best to you.
You are brave and a great example for those of us that tend to wine over nothing important. Thank you for your efforts and strength.
You are an amazing young woman and you are inspiring so many people! Thank you so much for sharing your story and for your positivity. God bless you.
Just found you and I’m so sorry you went through that awful trauma and so admire your honesty and strength. What a beautiful spirit you have and thankyou for sharing 🙏🏼🔥💜God bless you