In this episode, Sandi speaks with Holly Frances, Author & Rare Illness Advocate based in Canada. She raises awareness about Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS), an autoimmune disease that affects approximately 2 out of every 100,000 people.
Holly shares her powerful and inspiring story about how she was suddenly stricken with GBS not long after giving birth to her daughter.
She lost the ability to lose her legs and arms quickly – within 72 hours she was unable to walk and even lost the ability to breath on her own. Holly was in the ICU for several months. She describes the emotional pain of being separated from her newborn daughter 3 weeks after giving birth.
After two months her condition started to slowly improve. Holly describes how meeting a GBS survivor was a turning point in helping her pull through during her healing journey.
GBS commonly is triggered by something that causes an autoimmune response, e.g., food poisoning, surgery, flu, after child birth, or other stress.
Holly shares that post-recovery flare ups can include fatigue, nerve pain and a little bit of weakness when she’s really tired. Stress, not getting enough sleep, or taking on too much work can lead to flare ups. Recognizing her body’s signals has been the key to managing and often preventing additional flare ups.
We talk about the book writing process. Holly recommends the book, Seven Drafts. She says it helps when writing an emotional memoir to ring a bell when you start writing and when done, ring the bell again to release those emotions. Some people may take a shower instead after writing to clear their energy.
Holly will be re-releasing her memoir later this year. The upcoming book will be titled Life Support. Once it’s been released, we’ll update the Show Notes!
Holly Frances
Website
Instagram
YouTube
GBS CIDP Foundation International
All Things Relax Studios
Instagram
Website
LinkedIn
Rock Star Media Training
Production Credits
Produced By: G at All Things Relax Studios
Voice Overs & Promotional Spots: Sandi D & G
Music Licensed: Soundstripe: Fantoms (ASCAP) & Hunter Parks (BUMA/STEMRA),
All Things Relax Studios