In the wake of rising cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), a video featuring fitness influencer Aditya Vashisht has gone viral, offering insight into his personal battle with the rare condition and his recovery journey.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome Cases Surge in Maharashtra
The Maharashtra health department has reported 173 cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, with three new suspected cases recorded on Thursday. GBS is a rare immunological disorder where the body’s immune system attacks its peripheral nerves, causing sudden muscle weakness, numbness, and in severe cases, paralysis.
Aditya Vashisht’s Battle with GBS
In the video circulating on social media, Vashisht, who was diagnosed with GBS in 2018 at the age of 26, reflects on his challenging experience. He recalls the uncertainty surrounding his diagnosis:
“I was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome in 2018. It was a very tough time for all of us as we had no clue what was happening,” Vashisht shares.
After experiencing nearly complete paralysis, Vashisht underwent five days of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy. His health gradually improved, and after 15 days in the hospital, he was discharged in a wheelchair.
Fitness and Diet Played a Crucial Role in Recovery
Vashisht attributes his quicker recovery to his long-standing commitment to fitness. In his video, he credits his physical health and diet for helping him push through the difficult period:
“Being into fitness already for a long time, it was easier for me to recover compared to others with the same condition. The doctor told me that fitness and diet helped me push back. Otherwise, I would have been on a ventilator,” he explains.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome: Symptoms and Complications
GBS typically begins with weakness and tingling in the feet and legs, which can then spread to the upper body and arms. As the condition progresses, it may lead to difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or experiencing double vision. Other symptoms include a rapid heart rate, severe cramping, and the sensation of pins and needles in the fingers, toes, ankles, and wrists.
The complications of GBS are serious. Muscle weakness can lead to paralysis, and some individuals may experience trouble breathing, heart issues, pain, blood clots, and bowel or bladder dysfunction. In some cases, a relapse of the condition may occur.
Returning to Work and Fitness
Vashisht’s recovery process included a return to the gym within six months, eventually leading him to work as a personal trainer. He emphasizes the importance of exercise in maintaining long-term health:
“I have not stopped ever since. This video is just to tell you how important it is to exercise—be it in any form—but keep your body moving!”
Vashisht’s story serves as a testament to the resilience that fitness and a healthy lifestyle can support during the most trying times, offering hope to those battling Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
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