HOW I BECAME PARALYZED FROM THE NECK DOWN [CC]

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  • Опубликовано: 22 май 2024
  • The day I became paralyzed from the neck down in 2010 changed my life. Let me tell you about it.
    I often receive questions about my disability, and most of the content I post is disability related, so I thought it'd be interesting for you all if I personally shared my story with you! I really hope this video was informative! Please feel free to comment what other videos you’d like for me to do below, as well as any questions you'd like for me to answer in a future Q&A video!
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Комментарии • 1,4 тыс.

  • @SarahToddHammer
    @SarahToddHammer  4 года назад +1215

    NOTE: I did NOT say that AFM is Polio! I said it’s basically “modern polio” because they’re very SIMILAR but they are NOT the same! AFM is NOT polio! AFM is also not connected to vaccines - either from getting a vaccine or not getting a vaccine! If you comment anything about a vaccine or polio, your comment will be promptly deleted. AFM is an entirely different disorder caused by the virus that causes a COLD. There is no vaccine for a cold. I would also like to note that AFM is NOT the same disorder as TM; AFM is a subtype of TM. Additionally, whether or not a lawsuit occurred is nobody’s business and I will not be commenting on such a matter.
    Otherwise, thank you to everyone else who is leaving nice comments!
    For a deeper understanding of AFM and what happens within the body, watch my explanation of AFM here: ruclips.net/video/IWKAvs6_Y1E/видео.html

    • @suehofkamp8594
      @suehofkamp8594 4 года назад +53

      Sarah Todd Hammer you are a beautiful young lady. Your positive attitude will take you anywhere! Thank you for educating us on AFM.

    • @valariesrisingsun7937
      @valariesrisingsun7937 4 года назад +36

      Don't let their negativity get to you hun, some people are just mean and nasty and like to bring other's down always with something. You're amazing, keep smiling cus it makes them mad. 💜

    • @kaylagibson2025
      @kaylagibson2025 3 года назад +16

      Awesome girl ( I hope u don’t mind I messaged u on your instagram cause I wanted to tell u more about me & my disability ) u are definitely inspiring

    • @neelauppurple9707
      @neelauppurple9707 3 года назад +23

      Beautiful Brave girl! Keep doing what you're doing! You're awesome 💜

    • @believeinyourself8895
      @believeinyourself8895 3 года назад +16

      Your very confident Sarah thankyou for sharing your story with everyone, it's not easy and like everyone else is saying don't let the negative words bring you down, as your confidence is so much stronger than anything else, nothing will get you down. Be blessed my friend

  • @tiasky3438
    @tiasky3438 4 года назад +1806

    They air lift you and then accuse you of faking? That’s horrifying. I’m so sorry.

    • @misseselise3864
      @misseselise3864 3 года назад +74

      Right. Like did he think the doctor at urgent care and the people that dispatched the helicopter are idiots?

    • @honeythefemaleamazonparrot6636
      @honeythefemaleamazonparrot6636 3 года назад +9

      Right?????

    • @carolgeorgeson9632
      @carolgeorgeson9632 3 года назад +30

      That was unbelievable and a horrible thing to do..just sent you home..smdh

    • @YowzaBowzaWowza
      @YowzaBowzaWowza 3 года назад +49

      Airlifted just to sit in waiting room for six hours!

    • @ellioshiem7892
      @ellioshiem7892 3 года назад +19

      poor little darling. Not even getting her a wheelchair.

  • @Quataija
    @Quataija 3 года назад +2009

    The hospital told me i wouldn't be able to walk, talk, or learn again. I got shot in my eye, through brain, and out the back of my head. With a 9mm hand gun breaking every bone on the right side of my face. At age 15....4 years later i graduated high school and will attend college to become an anesthesiologist

    • @Muuip
      @Muuip 3 года назад +66

      @Quataija Shavers Amazing positive turn around! Truly a role model for everyone going through adversities! Respect and congratulations.

    • @dayna29866
      @dayna29866 3 года назад +50

      Omg! Who shot you?! 😧😥

    • @LilyOfTheTower
      @LilyOfTheTower 3 года назад +40

      Congratulations for your recovery and dedication to not giving up ❤
      You're a blessed person.

    • @mamapoch1915
      @mamapoch1915 3 года назад +33

      Quataija Shavers I’m so very sorry you had to go through this! What a true inspiration you are!

    • @ChronicallyCassidy
      @ChronicallyCassidy 3 года назад +15

      Oh my goodness 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱 amazing

  • @blakejennerisanabuser822
    @blakejennerisanabuser822 3 года назад +1195

    “i’m in a hospital, i’ll be fine!”
    and then that doctor not only failed her, but also ruined that little girls hope. damn that’s heartbreaking

    • @AutumnLoki
      @AutumnLoki 3 года назад +28

      That really is what happens. People assume once they get to the hospital they will be better but sometimes that doesn’t happen and especially when people are kids and doctors don’t believe them if the symptoms are visible.

  • @buttrflynebula
    @buttrflynebula 3 года назад +2309

    I don't really know who you are, I've never seen you before RUclips put this video in my recommended, but thank you for sharing your story!

  • @kkdoc7864
    @kkdoc7864 4 года назад +4778

    I am an ER doc. You should sue the hell out of that alleged doctor that sent you home. I knew the diagnosis as soon as you went through your symptoms. I am so very sorry that there are idiots out there who claim to be physicians and they need to be put in another job that doesn’t affect people’s’ lives. You are so sweet and deserve the best your life is definitely going to give you. What a lovely inspiration you are!! God bless 🥰

    • @sarahsue3412
      @sarahsue3412 4 года назад +350

      I'm a court reporter and I completely agree. Lawsuit!

    • @msguineapigsrus
      @msguineapigsrus 4 года назад +195

      I’m not sure if there’s a statute of limitations issue here but that was my thought too... holy malpractice!!!!

    • @SuperMissblueeyes
      @SuperMissblueeyes 4 года назад +319

      I'm a health scientist from the UK & have an extensive medical background. It shocks & concerns me just how many incompetent doctors there are in the US who get away with negligence & malpractice. It also seems to be rare to have decent doctors acknowledging the issue. I've had to stop watching programmes like Mystery Diagnosis that make excuses for doctors claiming that some diseases are rare, when they can be picked up with routine testing! One example was an episode on haemochromotosis, which would be quickly picked up with a routine blood test here in the UK, even if you weren't looking for it! I just want to say thank you for acknowledging the issue. More decent doctors need to speak up about the doctors who harm patients by simply not caring enough to get their heads in books & not give up until they find the answer or refer them on to someone they know who can. The negligent malpracticing doctors need to be stopped. Their behaviour wouldn't be tolerated here in the UK. They would be swiftly struck of the GMC (General Medical Council) register. In any case no 8 year old child is gonna think of & be able to conistently fake that & even if they were, in country where people have to pay for their medical care, what parent would take their child to hospital if they were faking it?! And what medical professional would have the child air lifted if they were faking it?! smh

    • @ayajudaheli
      @ayajudaheli 3 года назад +100

      kk doc my father has TM and I also knew immediately. Shame on that doc.

    • @billymays8462
      @billymays8462 3 года назад +98

      I'm a rocket scientist and I agree with your statement.

  • @janellebaker2621
    @janellebaker2621 4 года назад +1497

    My husband is an Emergency Room doctor and he was shocked when I told him about your initial experience. God bless you, sweetheart, you're articulate and beautiful.

    • @SarahToddHammer
      @SarahToddHammer  4 года назад +102

      Thank you so much x

    • @Milkdudpuff
      @Milkdudpuff 3 года назад +38

      @@SarahToddHammer Do you whether or not your outcome might have been different if you'd gotten prompt medical care?

  • @stephpartin3939
    @stephpartin3939 3 года назад +581

    This video really hit home for me. I became paralyzed at 12. I had broken my leg, they put a cast on it. Six weeks later the cast came off and they told me to walk. I couldn’t. No one believed me. They thought I was lying for special treatment or wanting to get out of school. Turns out, two large tumors were compressing my spinal cord. The doctors were able to remove the tumors and I was able to relearn to walk. Thank you so much for sharing your story!

    • @UTAH100
      @UTAH100 Год назад +5

      That is scary. How did you break your leg? I got sick when I was young- lost my sense of smell and taste for 2 years- did not eat for 6 weeks. As in, nothing- not a cracker or a single blueberry- nothing.

    • @katien.6356
      @katien.6356 Год назад +2

      Have you gained your full mobility ?

  • @Peripatetic_Proletariat
    @Peripatetic_Proletariat 3 года назад +125

    If she's still paralyzed in the morning bring her back in?
    I'm incredulous.

  • @goose7574
    @goose7574 4 года назад +1062

    You don't look disgusting! You look beautiful! Your smile is so infectious!
    Thank you for sharing your story! You are one incredible Woman...

    • @kathryndale3382
      @kathryndale3382 4 года назад +22

      What a beautiful, strong young woman you are. ❤️

    • @a6703
      @a6703 3 года назад +23

      Never ‘disgusting’! Beautiful! & such an eloquent 18 year old!

  • @marianneodell7637
    @marianneodell7637 3 года назад +143

    The Dr who “diagnosed” you should have his license pulled permanently!!

  • @caroline-sw7kp
    @caroline-sw7kp 4 года назад +463

    Sarah Todd deserves her own talk show like if you agree

  • @laurhawk
    @laurhawk 3 года назад +543

    When my sister in law was 17 she had major migraines, to the point she couldn’t see or walk straight. The Dr said it was exam stress and palmed her off. She researched her own symptoms and became horrified at what she read. So she pushed and pushed for a CT scan and MRI scan. Turns out she had a brain tumour! 😭 she’s now almost 24 and still battling it

    • @servicegemsapphire4593
      @servicegemsapphire4593 3 года назад +8

      Haha... now im scared..

    • @maxbromet4365
      @maxbromet4365 3 года назад +4

      Is she getting any more healthy?

    • @jayag26
      @jayag26 3 года назад +27

      I had a brain injury from a car accident, then years later started having debilitating migraines like that (would lose vision/hearing/mobility at times). Was written off for 2 years as stress and not accepting loss of functioning from accident. Got to the point where I was fainting and sleeping 16-20 hours a day. Turned out to be a thyroid condition

    • @i-landkisbae3046
      @i-landkisbae3046 3 года назад +1

      How is she now?

    • @greego5952
      @greego5952 3 года назад +6

      Hope she gets better soon!

  • @kathyjackson3751
    @kathyjackson3751 3 года назад +47

    The saddest phrase, “I thought I could trust the doctor.”😢
    You are a gorgeous person. God bless.

  • @ashercortes9794
    @ashercortes9794 4 года назад +500

    I’m so mad that doctor for sending you home. Doctors not believing people symptoms is a huge issue I’ve had it happen to me and this case is absolutely horrible.

    • @brie3679
      @brie3679 3 года назад +39

      Marisa Circus I went to the hospital once in excruciating abdominal pain. It came in waves and I would lose consciousness with each wave of pain. The doc didn’t believe me and thought I was constipated, and rules it as gastroenteritis or some shit. The nurse was extremely worried. Long story short I ended up back in the ER, and a doctor said that if I’d waited a few hours to come in I’d likely be dead. It was a huge ovarian cyst that had ruptured and caused a massive infection. I was SICK. It was bad. And I could’ve died because of the stupidity of a doctor.

    • @kkeppel
      @kkeppel 3 года назад +8

      I went to the er for severe back pain. So bad I couldnt move much. I called 911 and they came and got me. The er dr simply said that they dont give intravenous pain meds for back pain. They gave me a lidocaine patch and made me sit in the waiting room. I was alone. I had no ride home. And the patch did nothing. The er dr didnt even try to find out why i was in such pain. They did a pregnancy test. Not pregnant.
      My parents came and took me to their house. I spent a week in bed unable to move without extreme pain m i finally got into a chiropractor and he took xrays. Turns out i have a degenerative disc in my lower back and it was inflamed. Im better now but angry at the er dr for assuming i was just there for the pain killers.

    • @dunnotck1
      @dunnotck1 3 года назад +11

      I was constantly sick for like four years. I got urinary tract infections, throat infections and stomach infections ALL the time.
      I had to insist again and again to be seen by a specialist, finally I got sent to the endocrinologist, he ran specialized tests and it turns out I'm diabetic. They never took me seriously and they could have helped me not become diabetic at 26 has they ran tests years before.
      I have never liked doctors or hospitals and I never will. They just practice medicine for the money, they don't care about patients.

    • @shystudyspy
      @shystudyspy 3 года назад +5

      I’ve had the same thing happen to me when I broke my toe and it hurt like hell, but the doctor didn’t believe me and put a lot of pressure on that toe to test me. Of course, I was screaming out in pain, and he just wrote in my file that I was an overreacting patient. Only the next doctor realized that my toe was broken. Of course, this is not as bad of a story because a broken toe isn’t that bad at all, like it heals and you’re fine, but I just think it’s terrible that doctors sometimes don’t believe patients.

  • @badindiegamer
    @badindiegamer 2 года назад +68

    I'm not paralyzed, but I am disabled, and your bubbly cheerfulness is everything I need in my life

  • @carlap9859
    @carlap9859 3 года назад +445

    As a nurse, I must say how very sorry for the lack of care, understanding and treatment you received the first time you went to the ER. It's appalling the way the ER doctor and staff treated you. You are such an inspiration and beautiful young lady. You're in my prayers. Stay strong! 💖💖

  • @bridgetgamble3224
    @bridgetgamble3224 4 года назад +273

    I can’t believe the hospital sent you home. I hope you sued that hospital.

  • @carolyneverett762
    @carolyneverett762 4 года назад +328

    You are an articulate, intelligent, beautiful young lady.

  • @Celestia992
    @Celestia992 2 года назад +188

    Hits home for me as well! I was 12 and my left leg was numb and I was screaming for my mom to help. She rushed me to the ER and they took an X-ray and told my mom that I was faking the numbness and was craving attention, nothing was wrong! The next morning they called to tell my parents not to let me move it could be fatal or paralyze me. I went in for emergency surgery. I had a disease in my hip called Slip Capitol Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE) pronounced skiffy. Usually happens to 12 year old overweight males, I was an underweight female. If it wasn't for the specialist passing by that seen my X-ray and said what room number is this patient in, my life could of been changed drastically. Thank you for sharing your story. Keep being amazing and the positive vibes going.

    • @mangosteen4230
      @mangosteen4230 Год назад +3

      SCFE would not paralyze you or kill you. All it'd do is make you walk wobbly for the rest of your life due to limb length discrepancy. It IS a surgical emergency and needs to be fixed asap (through surgical fixation), but that's due to mobility issues if it isn't fixed. It definitely isn't a life threatening emergency though. Regardless, those ER docs were clowns for what they said to you
      Demographics wise, it's very common these days with the rise of adolescent obesity, and rates seem to be higher among those who are overweight (think growth plate sliding from being put under too much strain). However, it's definitely not only caused by this, and often can happen in those of normal weight. I wonder if the numbness was due to femoral or obturator nerve compression? It is kinda like a hip dislocation.

    • @Celisar1
      @Celisar1 Год назад +4

      You cannot die from that nor get fully paralysed. The hip is not essential for living and nerve damage in the hip could only affect the one leg.

    • @josiedickson6959
      @josiedickson6959 8 месяцев назад

      Lovely girl with awesome attitude...great girl

  • @RavenStar16
    @RavenStar16 3 года назад +87

    I walked into an ER once coughing up blood, was accused of faking to get pain meds, and sent home. 3 visits over 2 months I nearly died from DVT, PE, and pneumonia.
    I recovered though.
    I'm sorry that doctor was such a dingleberry!!
    Thank you for sharing your story!! You are an amazing, lovely, gentle soul.
    Subbed!!💖🤗

  • @bettybennett1828
    @bettybennett1828 4 года назад +225

    I'm so sorry to hear ur story. It's awful how that first Dr acted.
    My daughter had a seizure. I took her to the hospital and she started the jerking again. The Dr said she was faking. I said, there is no way to fake jerking for over 30 minutes,never stopping. I demanded tests. They kept saying she was faking. So I yelled out, if she's faking then we need to admit her in the psychiatric ward and get evaluated. They then knew I was serious that she wasn't faking. He agreed to a shot that eased the jerking. Plus he did an eeg that proved she had a seizure.
    We mother's can get loud when we have to and who cares if we r rude.
    I'm so very glad u r doing better.
    U r just inspirational and so beautiful.

    • @MR-zq5gt
      @MR-zq5gt 3 года назад +9

      Yikes .. sounds like status epilepticus .. how terrifying.. you totally did the right thing.. sometimes you have to fight to get your voice heard ...

    • @a.w.thompson4001
      @a.w.thompson4001 3 года назад +2

      Good job!!

  • @leonieazelie6343
    @leonieazelie6343 4 года назад +77

    I can’t believe the first doctor thought you were faking. Usually, kids are scared of the hospital and don’t want to go even when they are sick... most children wouldn’t fake something like that, so any doctor should have listened to your parents, especially since they were pleading and clearly stating that something was abnormal! Sorry you went through that.

  • @hconf
    @hconf 3 года назад +34

    Doctors didn't believe my mom was having back pain after a car accident when she was little and now 55 years later she suffers from severe chronic back pain.

  • @kennahall4849
    @kennahall4849 3 года назад +89

    I’m so sorry that happened to you! Sadly, this happens all the time and nothing is done about it. My mom’s co-worker sat in the emergency room lobby having a heart attack and they wouldn’t see him, even with her begging. My newborn niece was turning blue with labored breathing in the ER and they weren’t doing anything to help her. We had to call a different ER to send an ambulance to save her (which they did. And saved her life). I also sat in the ER bleeding for over two hours after a tonsillectomy. Literally choking on my own blood. And they refused to tell my surgeon. He found out in passing that I was there and immediately took me to surgery. They also had to pump my stomach because I swallowed so much blood. The surgeon apologized for the ER’s incompetence. He was livid. Anyway. I don’t understand why these horrible things happen. I wish someone would fix it!

  • @jenng3649
    @jenng3649 4 года назад +291

    My friend’s 5 year old niece has AFM and is 100% dependent on the vent and others for help. She can’t move anything other than being able to speak and blink. It breaks my heart hearing her cry because of the horrific pain she feels. She feels everything, but can’t move anything. Thank you for sharing your story. It gives us hope for Ava!

    • @SarahToddHammer
      @SarahToddHammer  4 года назад +46

      Best wishes to Ava!!!!! 💙💙💙

    • @jenng3649
      @jenng3649 4 года назад +7

      Thank you!!! 💗💗💗

    • @jenng3649
      @jenng3649 4 года назад +23

      You are an inspiration to me as well. I have Ehler’s Danlos Syndrome and understand what it is like to have an invisible illness. Thank you for being you!!

    • @blackqweenmars
      @blackqweenmars 3 года назад +3

      So, she can move her head?

    • @blackqweenmars
      @blackqweenmars 3 года назад +5

      It's sad that she got it so young and will miss most of her life😢😢. Prayers.

  • @brera2434
    @brera2434 Год назад +3

    That's why you always, always have to insist to go through all necessary checks for a physical condition BEFORE you decide that someone is faking it/it's psychosomatic.

  • @lily_hazel3358
    @lily_hazel3358 3 года назад +141

    I can't even imagine what you went through. I also was a ballerina. I couldn't wait to go to class everyday and I loved doing. It was my passion. In 5th grade I was sitting on the ground outside and the bell rang. I couldn't move. It felt like my hips were glued to the ground. I went to 12 different doctors and they all said to my parents that I was faking it or pulled a muscle. It got to a point where my parents didn't believe me. I finally was flown to Denver and they told me I had juvenile arthritis in both of my legs and if it got any worse I could I could get it in my eyes and lose my eyes. I had to quit dancing forever. My life has been rough. I just can't imagine your pain 😪

    • @BrookeKatherine.
      @BrookeKatherine. 3 года назад

      Is that you in your picture?

    • @stephaniec.5851
      @stephaniec.5851 3 года назад +2

      Don't give up! If you find the right medicines and the right doses to stop the joint damage, you should have a normal, almost perfectly healthy life! I understand that being a professional dancer may not be in the cards anymore--I'm sorry about that

  • @jackyc1402
    @jackyc1402 3 года назад +226

    Sarah, I know that you have probably heard this a million times but I just watched your video and I think that you are an absolutely amazing young woman, sending you much love

    • @kaymiles8844
      @kaymiles8844 3 года назад +1

      Did your parents contact initial dr at all?

  • @bryanb0016
    @bryanb0016 3 года назад +48

    I'm a 45 year old male I'm not a quadriplegic but I'm a hemiplegic due to a hemorrhagic stroke I suffered2 yearsago, I'm going through he'll but my experience cannot compare with what you experienced or experiencing , but you give me tons of hope and mountains of inspiration...thank you good luck with the channel! And God Bless You!

  • @updownstate
    @updownstate 3 года назад +35

    A sudden onset disability yanks the rug out from under you, doesn't it? You have my heart, girl.

    • @tws3184392233
      @tws3184392233 3 года назад +1

      This is scary. I too got turned out of one hospital with a blood clot in my leg and 1 in my lung. They didn't even think to check that at that hospital because of how young I was, but when I described my symptoms at the other hospital i went to the drs eyes got huge! I wasn't promised I was gonna walk back out of there. I wonder how I had the strength to walk in.

  • @maxlebow7373
    @maxlebow7373 3 года назад +36

    You are such an inspiration. I am an ER doctor myself. I fell terrible that someone in my profession did not approach you with an open mind. I wish I had been your doctor - you are an amazing person. You remind me of my daughter who has overcome great adversity and is a better person for it. Good luck and keep making videos so we can hear how you are doing.

  • @emilyann8086
    @emilyann8086 4 года назад +144

    From one disabled woman to another: Always keep a hold of the positive times and try to let the negative slip past, as you have been doing. The positives far outweigh the negatives!!
    I fully believe that everything that happens in life is either a blessin’ or a lesson, and any lesson can be turned into a blessin’.
    You have had a life changing experience happen to you and at such a young age. Many people would crumble and fall into the depths of depression. NOT YOU!! You have decided to grab life by the balls and keep going on whilst also telling others about your story, teaching others all over the world about disability and helping to bring awareness to those of us who suffer with an invisible disability.
    I wish you nothing but love and happiness!! 💜💜

    • @ky.000
      @ky.000 3 года назад +11

      I too suffer from a disability and some days are so painful it hurts to exist and others I'm almost normal again. I cant predict one day to the next if I will be fuctional or not. I try to pursue my dream in writing and even though the battle is insane some days I still try my best. Thank you for your encouraging comment even though it wasnt meant for me.

  • @robynw6307
    @robynw6307 3 года назад +23

    My daughter (now 26) was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia at age 10. She had been experiencing unexplained pain since age 8. This, too, is an invisible disability. Life is not what she was expecting either. You are not alone. Stay strong and brave. You've got this.

  • @bertiesark
    @bertiesark 4 года назад +80

    Have you ever considered looking into getting a service dog to help you in your day to day life? Please please look into it you would be astonished on how much a dog could help you be a bit more independent, God Bless

  • @Rjmaaske
    @Rjmaaske 3 года назад +38

    I don’t know why this was suggested to me, but I just want to say you are such a beautiful, inspirational young lady. As a mother, it made my heart sink when you explained what happened and how the hospital sent you home. As someone who worked in OT, your determination to complete daily tasks makes you more capable than you know. Keep up that positive outlook. Your parents must be so proud of the young lady you have grown into.

    • @SarahToddHammer
      @SarahToddHammer  3 года назад +2

      Thank you so very much! That is so sweet of you! I love OTs! Y’all are awesome!

  • @britneynielson6250
    @britneynielson6250 3 года назад +43

    I had a similar situation where the doctor repeatedly told my parents I was fine and I was sent home. I had Anti-NMDA receptor encefalitis so my body was attacking my brain. They said I was making up the fact that I was having seizures, couldn’t talk or understand what people were saying and having delusions. I also spent two months at a hospital receiving treatment but had to go to a San Francisco to receive treatment instead because the hospital near my house said we don’t know what’s wrong and we can’t help you. My parents had to push for me to be referred to a better hospital because the staff thought I was just pretending.

  • @jclowersitc4866
    @jclowersitc4866 4 года назад +181

    That’s one heck of a story! Scary even. I’m so glad you are doing well and THANK YOU for sharing this with us!

  • @Sarah.Riedel
    @Sarah.Riedel 4 года назад +350

    How on EARTH could they respond to an emergency pediatric Medivac with ADVIL...??

    • @Melissa_in_CT
      @Melissa_in_CT 4 года назад +36

      Sarah Riedel
      I am wondering the same...I was a Pedi ICU RN (a long time ago...2002-2006🙀) & as soon as she mentioned the helicopter transfer (actually back when she first mentioned her flaccid/immobile hands/arms at her dance studio), I was quickly thinking over in my head...”ok, so when she gets to the children’s hospital, they will need to do this, and then this, and then this, etc.” and my mental list was getting longer (QUICKLY...at least 25+ things that I envisioned to be done immediately upon arrival).....and those were just what I assumed would be “done immediately/AT FIRST...with other things to be done at subsequent intervals after that initial slew of the MOST URGENT tests”!
      I would have thought...immediate c-spine assessment and imaging to clear her neck, and likely get a steroid infusion up ASAP... and I could truly keep typing about my “plan”😉 FOR HOURS...
      However...the focus here/now should NOT be on WHAT WAS NOT DONE by the medical staff upon her ER arrival 10 years ago, but instead be on WHAT this very courageous, strong-willed, beautiful, determined, fighter of a young woman, @Sarah Todd Hammer IS DOING NOW, by so bravely sharing her story, so that we can all “see” how (in her case), overcoming very difficult life obstacles IS INDEED POSSIBLE!✌🏼💜 😇
      KEEP UP THE STRONG WORK! 🎉🙏🏼🍀🌈

    • @msguineapigsrus
      @msguineapigsrus 4 года назад +18

      From an urgent care center too!!! Ugh, that doc needs to lose their license

    • @ddelv583
      @ddelv583 3 года назад +6

      @@msguineapigsrus Urgent Care centers are really pretty awful. I'm surprised she wasn't taken to the ER immediately. I was wrong, but suspected a stroke... Horror story - my elderly sister went to an UC center over the Christmas holidays for a bad cough. They did an x-ray of her chest. THE NEXT DAY, they call her & tell her she has an Aortic Dissection & tell her to go to the hospital immediately. Well, IF she had had an AD like they said, she would have bled out & died the Previous day... Btw, you CAN'T SEE an Aortic Dissection on an x-ray. STILL SMH over that one.

    • @Mandapanda5642
      @Mandapanda5642 3 года назад +11

      Let me just say urgent cares and emergency rooms are completely different. I work at an urgent care clinic. If someone has a head injury, or anything life threatening we send them directly to the ER or call an ambulance for them. They just don’t have the tools (for example, all we have is X-RAY and she clearly needed a MRI) If this girl came in with those symptoms I would have immediately double checked with a provider but she would have been sent to ER for sure. I think they need a new name for “urgent care” clinics because so many people get it confused. The urgent care doctor sending her away is understandable, however the ER doctor sending her away should lose his license. That’s ridiculous. If someone says they can’t feel or move and they have headaches that’s clearly a neurological problem. Anyone without an M.D behind their name could figure that out.

    • @selina9091
      @selina9091 3 года назад +11

      My friend went to an UC center on a Sunday with a bad sore throat and really swollen lymph nodes...we thought. A really elderly Dr. Saw her, examined her and says that she had thyroid cancer! He urged her, made her promise that she'd see a Dr. first thing in the morning. I told her to calm down, that there is no way he can diagnose thyroid cancer by examination, no scans or blood work or biopsy. He called the next day to make sure that she was seeing a Dr. She had seen a Dr that morning and had an U/S and a biopsy. She had Stage 4 Thyroid Cancer ! She was in surgery the next day. It had already spread so it was a much more intensive surgery than a typical thyroidectomy. I'm still amazed that his diagnoses was correct AND he cared enough to call her the next day. She got scars across the front of her mech and up each side to behind each ear. She needed several rounds of radiation therapy as well. He saved her life.

  • @Susanarylander
    @Susanarylander 3 года назад +103

    Sarah, you are a “breath of fresh air!” I love your maturity and your sense of perspective. And by the way, you are one of these rare people that still looks beautiful with wet hair and no makeup!

  • @aegrant100
    @aegrant100 3 года назад +12

    My daughter went through a traumatic medical experience right before her 10th birthday. She had a sudden brain hemorrhage caused by a ruptured AVM that caused a stroke and coma. She was in hospital for 8 months and had to relearn everything. We are thankful for her recovery but she too is disabled now and has to deal with her brain injury that has affected her emotionally, academically, socially and cognitively (ability to concentrate, learn new things etc.).
    I marvel at your ability to reflect so maturely on what you’ve been through given that you’re still relatively young. How long did it take for you to develop this healthy perspective on your situation? My daughter is 13 now and she’s come so far, but never wants to talk about what she’s been through even though it affects every aspect of her life and will continue to forever. Thank you for your bravery, Sarah!

  • @milobar100
    @milobar100 4 года назад +56

    When you describe the action of the hospital staff it just makes me so angry. How do they become so ignorant when it's their duty to help, they swear on it.

  • @nicholasadams3279
    @nicholasadams3279 4 года назад +55

    I completely understand about the invisible disability. In fact I have a hard time with it because people think I can do things I cannot. I got AFM in 2016. I was 30 years old.

  • @coppertop1029
    @coppertop1029 4 года назад +54

    Oh my gosh. I’m so sorry this happened to you. I’m a platelet & , plasma donor. It’s nice to have a face to put with what we do. I’ll be thinking of you during donation time. God Bless you.

  • @Littlekidlover22
    @Littlekidlover22 3 года назад +12

    I don’t understand a doctor sending a paralyzed child home without figuring out what was wrong 😔

  • @Mindy849
    @Mindy849 4 года назад +46

    I'm so sorry hun. I was diagnosed with TM in 2003. I was in ICU and PT at Methodist hospital in Texas. I was 33 when I was dx. It is a very rare autoimmune disease. God bless you. You are strong, courageous and beautiful. 🙏🙏💜💜💜

  • @silverbullet7434
    @silverbullet7434 4 года назад +63

    Sounds like my life story. I too bad similar things happen . Forty years ago I woke up with pain between my shoulders at the Drs my legs stopped working . After tests they said my spinal cord was swollen . Dr operated removed parts of the vertebrae to allow room . Woke up everything was great legs worked no pain. But he said spinal fluid was leaking thru the incision and needed to be sealed. Well I finally allowed it. To deal leak only. Operation #2 said up paralysed from neck down. Still leaking fluid after he was only to deal leak ,,, he removed more bone without my permission. Now I'm shipped to big hospital in Philadelphia all testing done again. The Dr took skin graft from my leg and sealed the leak. Then months in rehab hospital got to standing and worked for a year to walk with crutches then canes to only using a cane. . Still had problems and walked for 20 -25 yrs. Then went down hill so I'm now 64 and they said that
    D I wouldn't live past my fortys . Thank God and my faith in him . My motto I share its ,,,Never Give UP,,,, You keep working little lady you never know what will happen.

  • @memye288
    @memye288 2 года назад +7

    It's crazy how kids can be brushed off as faking symptoms, just because they're young. Sometimes doctors and nurses would rather dismiss you when they aren't educated in a specialty area. I feel like they don't want to admit they don't know. I was brushed off initially like this as well and I ended up having bacterial meningitis. Sorry to hear this happened to you!

  • @dveron122
    @dveron122 2 года назад +6

    I just got hired as a new nurse and the first thing we spoke about at orientation is when we need to call the rapid response team. It stated that when someone cannot feel their limbs we must call code. I’m completely flabbergasted that they had the audacity to think she was lying and didn’t even bother to investigate. Also, as a nurse we are the main advocates for our patients. If she was my patient I have followed the chain of command and completely override the doctor. Also, they did this to a child. How dare they.

  • @sophiemccormick6796
    @sophiemccormick6796 3 года назад +6

    I'm diagnosed dyslexic and I think I have dyspraxia, dysgraphia, autism ADHD, ADD and sensory processing disorder, insomnia and schizophrenia ( and possibly anxiety and OCD) and I'm called Sophie

  • @lindseyelizabeth2281
    @lindseyelizabeth2281 4 года назад +15

    Please sue that Dr!! You're so strong and courageous

  • @toosense
    @toosense 3 года назад +4

    God bless you sweetheart. My daughter also became paralyzed at the age of 14 from a C5 spinal cord injury. You guys are heroes, you know that?! Im so proud of your positivity because I know how hard life can be behind the scenes. I'm sending you lots of love. Xoxoxox

  • @shelld776
    @shelld776 3 года назад +11

    The doctors failing you breaks my heart. I'm so sorry that's what you went through and that they didnt take you seriously. You are a beautiful person, thank you for sharing your story.

  • @marinahernandez4299
    @marinahernandez4299 4 года назад +10

    I just happen to come across your video and just click it. I watched it. I am going through almost the same thing. I have a rare autoimmune disease called guillain barre syndrome GBS for short. I was diagnosed dec.5,2017. I am paralyzed from the waist down. My body has attacked my nervous system. No cure for it. I have plasmapheresis 4 times. I got my GBS from the flu. I look at your story and I want to tell you that you are strong. And to never stop fighting. May god bless you baby girl!

  • @reginadee1834
    @reginadee1834 4 года назад +45

    You’re unbelievably brave and strong. I love the way you talk .
    God is always with you❤️

  • @rocioguillen751
    @rocioguillen751 3 года назад +2

    Unfortunately some doctors are just horrible and we have to be our own advocates or advocate for our loved ones. My mother became really sick out of the blue, she could barely walk or move her arms. We took her to multiple doctors, 2 acupuncturist, and a therapist in a matter of weeks. We were told it was arthritis, sciatica, spasms. We are in CA and it got so bad we rushed her to Mexico. Within 24 hours she was doagnosed with stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma. We brought her back home and rushed her to the ER in Orange County, CA, St. Joseph's hospital where she was treated horribly. They seemed to not care because she had what they called "end stage cancer."
    I was even called rude by one doctor because I questioned things he said and asked for updates on medical procedures. She passed less than 3 months later.
    Thank you for sharing. You are amazing.
    I do the same regarding my experience with my mother.. People need to be aware that just because someone is a doctor or nurse, it does not necessarily mean they know what they are doing. Some are just horrible people who should never have entered the medical profession.

  • @humanbeing2420
    @humanbeing2420 3 года назад +2

    Never take anything any doctor says at face value and trust that it is correct. Always ask questions and challenge them if you have any doubt at all.

  • @lknapp081
    @lknapp081 4 года назад +87

    You’re such a strong beautiful young woman! You inspire me to be a better person. ❤️

  • @SarahSmiles4u
    @SarahSmiles4u 4 года назад +18

    Hello,
    I hope you are healthy and well during this time. I watching this 4 months after you made this. I just later 3 wks acute rehabilitation center yesterday and I am now home. Today a visiting nurse is coming to help me with my medication. I am going to relearn my A.D.L.'s. I live with my boyfriend and our fur baby Rockyluv (German shepherd).
    I can identify with so much. I have a rare disease My autonomic nervous system is damaged and with that I have several auto immune diseases that just fight each other on a daily basis. A INVISIBLE ILLNESSES. Not so much lately. I am trying to remain hopeful because my poly has attacked my hands and my feet. But this time (A flare)at this rehab I had lost the ability to swallow, pee, lift my head up, sit up , lift my arms up. So, here I am trying not to get to scared about my situation. I will continue to watch your channel and others that I can identify with so I can learn be educated and network as well as everyone could use a friend who understands it's going through and that's kind of where I'm at. Thank you for your video I learned a lot so far and I look forward to learning more have a nice day and much love.

  • @TheGaredbug
    @TheGaredbug 11 месяцев назад

    Love your positive attitude!

  • @Anonymous-pt6sv
    @Anonymous-pt6sv 2 года назад

    Good on ya keep those spirits high!

  • @deborc2705
    @deborc2705 4 года назад +42

    You are a very articulate speaker! Being a motivational speaker may be in your future?

  • @powbangcrash8852
    @powbangcrash8852 4 года назад +61

    I don't know how your video popped up in my feed but I subscribed. Good luck with your channel. You have such a great personality.

  • @Leah57320
    @Leah57320 Год назад

    You are so humbly inspiring :)

  • @elisejolie8414
    @elisejolie8414 9 дней назад

    I am so glad you are alive. I hope you are and continue to be healthy and happy. ❤️

  • @amandabridgman8675
    @amandabridgman8675 4 года назад +54

    What a life changing event at such a young age! Your positive attitude & outlook are amazing. Thanks for sharing...

  • @megankerr297
    @megankerr297 4 года назад +4

    I am a NeuroSurgery Nurse and can’t believe the inept doctors and healthcare staff that first visit. I know it doesn’t help now but they failed you. Good for your parents for trying to advocate for you. I always tell patients and family to advocate. Your strength and progress from this is inspiring.

  • @hollykibbins996
    @hollykibbins996 3 года назад

    Thank you for sharing your story 💕

  • @hiimadrienne
    @hiimadrienne 3 года назад

    Thank you so much for sharing your story!!

  • @goose7574
    @goose7574 4 года назад +6

    Wow! You are so inspiring!!!
    💞

  • @kelleysigler9759
    @kelleysigler9759 4 года назад +24

    I'm so grateful to know that you gained use of your kegs and your right arm. I think that is sort of a miracle. You are a beautiful young lady, with a fantastic outlook. I know you will do something great with your life. God bless 🙏

  • @lenam2114
    @lenam2114 2 года назад

    Thank you for sharing your story!

  • @Shannonluvsuful
    @Shannonluvsuful 2 года назад

    Super insightful video, thank you!

  • @leoniestorbakken4577
    @leoniestorbakken4577 3 года назад +4

    I'm a nursing student going into our pediatric unit. Thank you for your harrowing story! This is why I want to be a nurse! We need to advocate for our patients and believe them. You are an inspiration and such a smart articulate young lady. Keep educating people, it makes a difference.

  • @denisebenedict6102
    @denisebenedict6102 Год назад +3

    I have so much respect for you, Sarah!! Your courage is amazing.

  • @veraleme503
    @veraleme503 2 года назад

    Thank you for sharing your story!!! ❤️❤️❤️

  • @thelittlebeandog3791
    @thelittlebeandog3791 3 года назад

    I love your story! Keep moving on.

  • @christinabogue9114
    @christinabogue9114 4 года назад +5

    You are one tough young lady! You go girl! ❤

  • @Juzman
    @Juzman 3 года назад +3

    Inspirational Sarah, amazing attitude and strength! :)

  • @vel527
    @vel527 3 года назад

    Thank you for sharing your story

  • @user-mh3gk1ng2s
    @user-mh3gk1ng2s 7 месяцев назад

    I am so impressed with your attitude.

  • @zuziazimakowska6708
    @zuziazimakowska6708 3 года назад +17

    When i heard that a doctor sent you home without doing anything to diagnose you my step uncle came to my mind. He passed away a month ago of undiagnosed pulmonary embolism (diagnosed as heart attack). The symptoms are the same, but The doctors at the ER didn't think about doing any blood tests which would've shown that it's not a heart attack and he would've gotten proper medication. After EKG he was sent home with a false diagnosis of a small heart attack and some medication for that and passed away 3 days later.
    Sadly in Poland where i come from this mistake is not uncommon. If you compare statistics from Poland with any other country of western Europe you'd see that it seems like almost no one in Poland dies of pulmonary embolism but many more people die of heart attack because more less half of the "heart attacks" are actually undiagnosed pulmonary embolisms.
    If you or anyone you see has heart attack symptoms always ask for blood tests. This gives the opportunity of getting proper medication and maybe saving a life.

  • @hollyjoy3343
    @hollyjoy3343 4 года назад +5

    You’re such a beautiful human! prayers for your continued healing and fantastic life❤️

  •  3 года назад

    Never seem your channel but I'm glad I did. Your awesome!

  • @elizabethhauck2495
    @elizabethhauck2495 Год назад

    You are an amazing person! Thank you for sharing❤

  • @Andresfin
    @Andresfin 4 года назад +160

    As someone who has EDS the amount of times I would leave doctors offices or ERs in extreme pain and crying because they thought it was all in my head. 🙃 That ER doctor is an a##.

    • @hannacarter9782
      @hannacarter9782 4 года назад +6

      Andrés Fincher I’ve EDS too and the amount of medical professionals who don’t know what it is or how much it affects your body is incredible.

    • @ashercortes9794
      @ashercortes9794 4 года назад +4

      Andrés Fincher literally same. I have EDS and the amount of time people have not believe me and that I was thinking just because I look normal is unbelievable it happens more often than not.

    • @ajc4182
      @ajc4182 3 года назад +4

      Andrés Fincher i also have EDS and im lucky my consultant is lovely and she seemed to be familiar with it. I think doctors should believe everyone as the people ho actually fake symptoms are in a small minority compared to people who are telling the truth and accused of faking

    • @shawnaann1974
      @shawnaann1974 3 года назад +2

      Same, the number of times I’ve been told it’s growing pains is ridiculous.

    • @michie37
      @michie37 3 года назад +2

      Same here. I have EDS and it happens to me all the time. Sometimes it frustrated me because i can't bear the pain and they say that i'm okay and should go home.

  • @kristinlynn429
    @kristinlynn429 3 года назад +11

    Wow ... as a parent I couldn’t imagine going through that. Seeing your baby go through something like that and not being able to do anything. But you have such a beautiful outlook on life especially being so young and it being so easy to just be mad at the world, that’s absolutely amazing.

  • @barnstar2077
    @barnstar2077 3 года назад

    Thank you for sharing your story.

  • @loukreutziger7656
    @loukreutziger7656 3 года назад

    Bless you! Your great attitude is inspiring.

  • @sachinraisachinrai2153
    @sachinraisachinrai2153 4 года назад +23

    I don't have or know those experiences but yeah it must be feeling or makes​ you feel not good or better about it and that's okay.You are growing.See the people on internet who are even in worst situation but still they are living that is believed.I always adore and have respect to people like you all cause these is how you all are inspiring and motivating people.Thank you.You all are something meaningful for all of us and that is beautiful.🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘✌️✌️✌️✌️✌️👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👌👌👌👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🌹🌹🌷🌷🌷💖💖💖💖💖💖🙂🙂🙂🙂✊✊✊

  • @abbyrose1314
    @abbyrose1314 3 года назад +5

    I almost cried. at the end when she said she was grateful for the life she has, it made me think about all the things i take for granted and it just made me feel so sad.
    You are so strong!! Thank you for sharing your story!

  • @Jane5720
    @Jane5720 3 года назад

    Love your personality, it just overflows

  • @ShimxP23
    @ShimxP23 3 года назад +1

    you’re such a positive person! 💗

  • @TylerM007
    @TylerM007 4 года назад +9

    Thank you Sarah for sharing your story. You are amazing!!Stay Strong!!!

  • @Bal91974
    @Bal91974 2 года назад +3

    You are a true inspiration. A gift to this world. You go girl 💜

  • @powwowtrip5748
    @powwowtrip5748 3 месяца назад

    Thank you for your story. You are a wonderful person

  • @trigeek
    @trigeek 3 года назад

    Thank you for sharing your story 💕💕💕

  • @gaynorberry5759
    @gaynorberry5759 4 года назад +4

    Wow you’ve been through so much in your life. Glad you were able to recover to a point you’re not wheelchair bound or not able to do anything 🤗❤️ best wishes for a bright & happy future! 🙏🏻

  • @84953
    @84953 4 года назад +17

    What an awesome job you did on this video. Straight to the point and very informative.

  • @melmckenna4599
    @melmckenna4599 2 года назад

    You are so brave. Keep positive!