At just 37, Australian Army veteran, Brett, was wheeled into Mater Hospital Bundaberg, facing the fight of his life.
He was effectively paralysed from the ribcage down.
Brett was one of the first beneficiaries of Mater Bundaberg’s private rehabilitation service.
Diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS)—a rare and aggressive neurological condition in which the immune system attacks the nerves and causes weakness, numbness or paralysis—Brett had been urged by doctors to urgently settle his affairs.
Determined to fight back, Brett began his rehabilitation journey… and 107 days later he left—walking with only the assistance of crutches.
“I just thought I’d done something to my back,” Brett shares. “It just emerged out of the blue. I went from numbness under my feet and saddle area, inside of both legs, to all of a sudden not being able to walk or move.”
“The nerve pain that came from it was crippling. It was really scary. But (the doctors) gave me an 80 per cent chance of regaining full function, so I stuck with that,” Brett said.
Brett started his rehab journey with Julie, Mater Allied Health Manager, and the rest of the nursing team at Mater Bundaberg, determined to restore his physical strength, cognivity and mobility as best he could.
Julie reflects, “Brett’s determination really stood out, even from the very beginning when he wasn’t very able. His determination and willingness to do the hard work was really impressive. It’s very rewarding work and this is the reason I love rehab.”
This Mater Giving Day, Brett is saying a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to Mater Bundaberg’s Allied Health team who worked tirelessly to support him through his rehabilitation, and especially to Julie, who helped him regain his life.
“To be able to walk back into the hospital and say ‘hey, look what I’m doing, I wouldn’t be able to do this without you’ has just been phenomenal. Without Julie and the nursing staff who went the extra mile for me, I don’t think I would be where I am today.” Brett reflects.
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