Healing from Vision Loss: A True Story of Transformation
My client and friend Sara Jaswal shares her incredible story about how she reversed much of her vision loss with a condition named Gyrate Atrophy and discovered herself and a new, fulfilling career along the way.
Sara’s Journey with Gyrate Atrophy
Tell us about the diagnosis and symptoms.
I was diagnosed with a chronic eye condition called Gyrate Atrophy, a rare genetic condition that had affected my retina which had been deteriorating for many years resulting in me losing a significant amount of my peripheral and night vision.
Symptoms varied and were dependent on the day but, my eyes would strain often and cause a lot of eye fatigue, pressure and pain which then resulted in me being unable to see clearly. I still had lots of vision, but it wasn’t clear. There were constant and consistent headaches, migraines which eventually led to nausea and overall, not feeling well physically or mentally and emotionally.
What was happening in your life when the symptoms started?
I’ve had poor vision for the majority of my life, and was always reliant on glasses or contacts growing up from a very young age so in a way the symptoms were always there. It wasn’t until the end of 2011 when I was 24 years old that I was at the grocery store and there was a very big sign and from where I was at the cashier line to where the refund desk was, it wasn’t that far at all and I couldn’t read what was written. It was in very big letters. I immediately panicked as I was always super hyper vigilant about my vision and contacted my optometrist to see me as soon as possible.
What modalities or practices had the biggest impact on your healing journey?
There are a multitude of practices and modalities that I have and continue to use in my health and healing. Western medicine had no answers for me and told me there was nothing else they could do. This is when I sought out alternative treatment connecting with an amazing naturopath and Ayurvedic doctors.
I changed my diet and started to pay attention to the many toxins I was consuming, into my body but also what I was feeding my mind.
I then went on to seek therapy working through my trauma and past and present wounds. This was a game changer. Energy healing has also been a game changer - thank you Margaret <3. Somatic processing. Journalling. Meditation. Mindfulness. Mindset. Nature.
What lesson(s) do you think your body was teaching you?
My body was telling me that I needed to slow down and start to be present with myself and my life. We live in a hustle bustle world, constantly going from one thing to another and we never pay attention to the signs are bodies are providing us. Our body is our vessel, and it has the most innate healing properties that we will ever need in this lifetime to live a full thriving, healthy life.
My body (plus my education and training) also showed me that trauma and emotions get stored in the body and the more we suppress our feelings and emotions, the more suffering we are going to have. The only way out is through, and we need to be mindful with how much stress and how many toxins we are fuelling our body with.
The mind and body are our most powerful tools if we choose to use them correctly and no matter what the challenge or hardship that comes our way, our body can overcome anything. This also reflects mindset. We must believe it to see it.
How has life changed since?
I was in a very dark place throughout the first 6 years of my diagnosis—mentally, emotionally, and physically. I was deeply rooted in fear, depression, and anxiety. I am proud to share that I have reversed a lot of my vision, I regained my drivers license (which I lost due to the progression prior to alternative treatment), and I am living the most amazing abundant life. I truly believed my life was over and I allowed my diagnosis to define me.
Throughout my darkness, I found my own light. I was able to uncover who I am outside of my vision loss, and this led me into a new career path of Life Coaching & Professional Counselling. Not only is my life NOT over, my healing has brought so much joy, pride, acceptance, love, abundance and success into my life. Healing is the best gift we can give ourselves <3
Sara Jaswal is a Certified Trauma-Informed Life Transition Coach supporting women as they navigate times of change to living an aligned, expansive, and authentic life.
Sara is a lover of the human experience and brings her counselling background offering an integrative holistic approach to healing.
This is your journey to self-discovery & self-love, uncovering your truth and reclaiming your power.
She’s currently the most active on Instagram as @s_jaswal where you can follow her journey and work.
