Shania White was just 16 years old when she was rushed to PA Hospital and diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare autoimmune condition that weakened her muscles and brought her life to a standstill.
While her friends prepared to sit their Year 12 exams, Shania spent six months between PAH’s ICU, Neurology Ward 2C, and Bunya ward in the Rehabilitation Unit, fighting to regain her strength and make up for lost time at school.
“I really struggled because I had everything planned out. Then the school told me I’d been in hospital too long and I’d have to graduate next year. I wanted to graduate with my friends, so I started my certificate to make up the extra credits. The nurses and physios here helped me through that,” Shania explained.
Exceeding the expectations of both medical and allied health staff, Shania relearned how to breathe, walk and exercise independently – and soon launched her Cert. III in Allied Health with the support of the PAH Physiotherapy team.
“The doctor thought they would have to intubate me. Thankfully my physio did exercises with me twice a day, and I got stronger with their help,” Shania said.
Senior Physiotherapist Janet Crowley approached Shania’s rehabilitation with the basics and tried to make it fun and engaging. “When she came here, she wasn’t able to stand without support or walk. We introduced sports Shania played, like netball and basketball, as well as hydrotherapy,” explained Janet.
As she went from strength to strength, Shania says the total support of the physio team left its impression on her – and set the course for a new career goal.
“Before coming here, I had no real idea what physios did, and I didn't realise how much of an impact they have on people. Originally, I wanted to be in medicine, but being here made me realise I could make such a big difference as a physio, because I’ve seen it – not just with me but with the other patients here,” Shania said.
Janet worked closely with Shania throughout her stay at PAH and says the whole team was inspired by Shania’s total determination at every step of her health journey.
“The best moment was when Shania came back to do her placement here. There were lots of special moments and milestones, from the first time Shania was able to walk independently, to doing higher-level exercises, and going home for the first weekend, which was quite exciting for everyone,” said Janet.
Now a thriving 18-year-old, Shania is an example to her peers after successfully completing her placement at PAH’s Bunya Ward on 19 July, where her own health journey came full circle.
“GBS has changed my perspective on health, and the importance of taking care of your body and not taking simple things like function for granted,” Shania said.
“I feel 100 per cent. I know how important movement is now. Not just the aesthetic appeal, but to be strong and healthy. Prioritising that has allowed me to function normally again.”
This World Physiotherapy Day (8 September), we celebrate the invaluable work done by physiotherapists across Metro South Health.