A woman’s life took a sudden and unexpected turn as she found herself confined to a wheelchair overnight due to a mysterious ailment. Deborah Maguire, a 58-year-old from the Cotswolds, went from running her own successful hair salon to being unable to even move her arms without assistance. The ordeal began with what seemed like innocuous aches and pains in her feet, which she initially attributed to the long hours spent on her feet at work.
Deborah’s health decline escalated when she noticed swollen lips, which she initially thought was an allergic reaction to using oestrogen gel instead of patches. However, a pharmacist dismissed this theory as Deborah had not ingested anything that would trigger such a reaction. The severity of her symptoms became apparent during a flight to Dubrovnik to meet her stepdaughter. The pain intensified, spreading from her feet to her neck and hands, culminating in extreme stiffness and difficulty moving her limbs.
Upon arrival, Deborah found herself incapacitated, unable to even get out of bed without assistance due to the excruciating pain and stiffness she experienced. Her joints seemed to lock up, restricting her movement to only a few hours each day. Seeking medical attention, she was initially told her condition was not related to her heart, and she was referred to a rheumatologist who considered various conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, or reactive arthritis as possible causes.
Deborah’s life-changing diagnosis came with the recommendation to give up work and avoid stress, a challenging prospect for someone in the midst of a difficult divorce. Determined not to let the condition define her future, Deborah delved into research on nutrition and health. She discovered underlying issues such as histamine intolerance, low B12, and vitamin D deficiencies, prompting her to make significant dietary changes and explore holistic approaches to wellness, including CBD oil, yoga, and plant-based nutrition.
Despite the immense challenges she faced, including reliance on steroids to alleviate joint stiffness and pain, Deborah’s perseverance and commitment to her health eventually paid off. She returned to her salon, albeit still in discomfort, and embarked on a journey to educate herself further on the intricate connection between nutrition, hormones, and overall well-being. Her newfound knowledge and personal experience led her to qualify as a trichologist and create a hair nutrition brand, Seed & Soul, to help others support their health and address the root causes of issues like hair loss.
Deborah’s transformation from a wheelchair-bound patient to a thriving entrepreneur and wellness advocate serves as a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the profound impact of lifestyle changes on health. Her story is a reminder of the importance of listening to our bodies, understanding the interconnectedness of our biological systems, and the profound effect of nutrition on overall well-being. Deborah’s journey is not only one of physical healing but also of empowerment and inspiration for others facing similar health challenges.