Hospital: PAM Health Specialty and Rehabilitation Hospital of New Braunfels
Diagnosis: Guillain-Barré syndrome
Starleigh Dietert, a vibrant 22-year-old cosmetologist, was living an active and healthy life until December 2023, when she began experiencing a troubling loss of strength in her lower extremities. This progressive weakness, combined with diminishing sensation and facial weakness, led her to seek emergency care. Initially diagnosed with Bell’s palsy in the ER and treated with oral steroids, Starleigh saw no improvement. Her condition worsened, marked by episodes of tachycardia and blurry vision, driving her to seek further medical attention at University Hospital. There, after undergoing an MRI and lumbar puncture, she was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). A rigorous treatment of Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) was promptly initiated.
Starleigh was transferred to PAM Health Specialty and Rehabilitation Hospital of New Braunfels for inpatient rehabilitation on January 3, 2024, where she faced severe weakness and debility due to GBS. Upon admission, she required maximum assistance for basic movements and was unable to walk or eat without significant help. Her rehabilitation journey faced a setback on January 25 with worsening symptoms, necessitating an urgent return to the hospital for additional IVIG therapy.
Despite these challenges, Starleigh’s resilience, supported by her family’s unwavering support and her own relentless determination, began to turn the tide. Her condition improved noticeably, allowing her to walk with supervision and gradually regain strength and independence. A notable milestone in her recovery was participating in a community reintegration outing, where she enjoyed shopping at Walmart, a simple yet significant symbol of returning to normalcy.
By the time of her discharge, Starleigh had made remarkable progress. She required only supervision for transfers and daily activities, and she could walk over 150 feet with assistance. Her journey of hard work and perseverance, culminating in her walking out of our hospital independently, stands as a testament to her strength and determination.
Starleigh’s story is not just about overcoming Guillain-Barré Syndrome; it’s a narrative of human resilience, the power of support, and the triumph of relentless determination over adversity. As she continues her recovery at home and through outpatient services, her story remains an inspiring beacon for others facing their own health challenges.
