Speechless: Finding Voice After a Medical Nightmare | Vanessa Abraham

What if you woke up one day unable to speak, move, or even swallow?

Vanessa Abraham, a thriving speech pathologist and mother, was plunged into a life-threatening health crisis that left her trapped in her own body. With no clear diagnosis and a long road ahead, she found herself on the other side of the hospital bed, experiencing everything she once treated.

In this episode, Vanessa shares how she reclaimed her voice, fought for her life, and redefined her identity in the aftermath. You’ll hear:

• What it's like to live with post-intensive care syndrome (PICS)
• How motherhood fueled her survival
• Why community and mental health advocacy are at the heart of her healing

About Vanessa Abraham

Vanessa Abraham, M.S. CCC-SLP, is a certified speech pathologist, author, and advocate for ICU survivors. With over 15 years of experience, she has worked extensively with children using communication devices, a skill she unexpectedly relied on during her own medical journey. Vanessa is now a passionate advocate for trauma-informed care and post-intensive care syndrome awareness, using her personal story to educate and inspire others. Her memoir, Speechless, captures her journey from provider to patient and back, offering hope and insight to those navigating similar challenges.

Connect with Vanessa:

• Book: Speechless on Amazon
• Instagram: @speechless_slp
• Facebook: Speechless SLP

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Topics Discussed

• The rare Guillain-Barre variant that left Vanessa paralyzed overnight
• Transitioning from a speech pathologist to an ICU patient
• The fear and confusion of not having a diagnosis for four months
• Using communication boards and eye gaze to connect with her care team
• Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) and its emotional toll
• How her daughter became her reason to live
• Reclaiming her identity after losing her independence
• Returning to work with a trauma-informed perspective
• The mental health gap in ICU aftercare
• Her book Speechless and its mission to educate clinicians and families

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

The Life Shift Podcast shares real, honest conversations about the pivotal moments that transform lives. Host Matt Gilhooly invites guests to explore the life-changing events, unexpected challenges, and personal awakenings that have shaped who they are today. 

Through candid storytelling, listeners discover powerful journeys of identity, resilience, grief, healing, and growth. If you’re drawn to personal growth stories, inspired by how people rebuild after loss, or fascinated by the quiet moments that spark profound change, The Life Shift offers heartfelt insight and inspiration. New episodes every Tuesday.

Listen in and find connection in the stories that make us who we are.

For more information, please visit: https://www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com