Finding a new path from a crippling health condition

A young Nenagh man, Dáithí O’Ceallaigh (34), who was forced to quit his career in the Irish Navy after being hit with a serious life-limiting illness, says homeopathic health therapies have helped to significantly improve his crippling condition – so much so that the writer, who now works in the Revenue Commissioners offices in the town, has embarked on a course of study to become a homeopath.

In 2019, I was diagnosed with cervical dystonia, a neurological condition whereby cranial nerves continuously and rapidly misfire, resulting in painful muscle contractions and abnormal posturing.

I lost complete neck mobility and bodily autonomy. My head was drawn toward my left shoulder and backward, coupled with mild thoracic scoliosis-curvature of the spine, involuntary jerking and spasm.

I was bedridden for months, unable to walk, and in severe pain. In essence, my life was spiralling out of control, and there wasn’t a thing I could do about it.

Awaiting a referral to see a neurologist, and growing increasingly disillusioned with available treatment options, waiting lists, general ignorance, and a lack of awareness of the disease, I returned to my core journalism skill - research. I joined several online support groups, studied, and asked questions. You name it, I did it, becoming my own advocate and ‘expert’.

Sceptical, afraid, and fearful of some of the more drastic conventional medial options being mooted, and hoping to avoid the need for Botulinum toxin injections and Deep Brain Stimulation surgery altogether, I came across an alternative therapy approach that looks at remapping the brain through exercise.

It incorporates various components such as neck and shoulder mobilisation, dance, walking, nutrition, music therapy, sensory stimulation, meditation, yoga, and breathing techniques. Also covered in this approach are issues such as emotional wellness to the role of hormones, myofascial release and vitamin and dietary supplementation.

Still in a dire and pitiful state, finding this alternative approach to conventional medicine gave me hope, a reason to get up in the morning, even if it meant taking regular breaks and living on my bedroom floor. Seeing I wasn’t alone, that motivated and moved me.

NOT PRETTY

The beginning wasn’t pretty. I started like a March hare, quickly overtraining, and my body and aching muscles fought back. Using the Naval Service adage of ‘Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome’, which had been the bedrock of my formative service years, I gradually picked myself up from the floor.

It was a case of sink or swim. Apart from the support of immediate family and friends, nobody else was going to respond to my distress signal - mayday, mayday.

But gradually, I saw encouraging signs, glimmers, and flickers of light. I continued to make some progress, reaching a point where my neck and head are no longer glued to my shoulder. The programme is not for the faint hearted, requiring dedication and hard work, belief that you can and will get to an ongoing state of recovery and remission.

I became captivated reading up on the power of neuroplasticity, visualisation, and the subconscious mind, and took it up a notch and decided to follow a course that involved daily stretches and exercises, gym work, resistance training, massage, and so on.

I spent upwards of three hours training every day, renewing my hope, confidence, and belief that I can and will drive the symptoms into dormancy, and recover a better range of movement and an improved quality of life. Baby steps, and a ripple will soon turn into a leap and a puddle. Although, I have a mild brain injury as a result, I thought my life was over, that I'd never walk or work again. Being confined to my home before Covid made it fashionable, but I couldn’t accept or live like that.

BACK TO WORK

Since last April, I’ve returned to employment as a clerical officer here in Nenagh, and part-time study with the Irish School of Homeopathy at Griffith College, Dublin. There may be no “known” cure for dystonia - that just means we haven't found it yet. And with continuous breakthroughs and developments in diagnostics, medicine and science, I believe it is only a matter of when, not if.

Despite everything I’ve lost on the way, a promising career, sense and value of independence, the ability to drive and play sport, I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for all that came before. I feel I’ve been redirected for a reason, a calling and purpose to serve, to help others find and tap into their innate healing power, to tread the other road. Hence, why I am currently retraining as a homeopath. If I can change the life of one person, then all that came before will have been worth it. From being involved in Operation Pontus, a rescue mission with LÉ Eithne in the central Mediterranean, my humanitarian journey continues. Can there be any greater gift and honour?

NEW MISSION

I hope to use this space to raise funds to establish what I believe will be Ireland’s first homeopathic trauma clinic, a specialised patient centre to give back to my local community and allow me to purchase a remedy making machine and the necessary equipment.

Upon qualification as a licensed homeopath, it is my goal to set up a homeopathic clinic, ideally working with those who have also suffered immense trauma, striving to find a cure for dystonia and help others who find themselves in dire straits and nowhere else to turn.

Additionally, I’d like to educate and inform you, the readers, on the historical origin of this healing modality, dating back to ancient Greece, and some of the principles underpinning it.

I also aim to introduce some key remedies for the home and impart some knowledge about the art and profession itself, as people fear that which they do not understand. This isn’t about taking a swipe at the medical profession, each has its place. Indeed, in India, both occupy the frontline and heart of healthcare, homeopaths are themselves qualified doctors and work alongside general practitioners in hospitals. Likewise, in Germany, many professional football clubs employ skilled homeopaths to treat injuries and keep players in peak condition – coincidentally the topic of my end of term assignment.

But above all else, the message I wish to instil and embody is one of courage and hope. I believe the mission I have embarked on has the power to transform and achieve what seems impossible. I’m not, by any means, saying homeopathy has all the answers and can cure every disease. But for those seeking a different path, or who have exhausted many avenues already, I advise you to consider employing the services of a qualified and professional practitioner. It may just change your life, and open up a world of endless learning and possibilities.

CONTACT

If you want to find out more, you can contact Dáithí on email: 0843105@gmail.com or phone 087-4303493.