Living with Guillain-Barre Syndrome

I am a 37-year-old female who came down with Guillain-Barre Syndrome April 18, 2007. One week prior, I had 5 vaccinations in preparation for a trip to Africa. I had no preceeding virus or illness, although in January, I had mild pneumonia

I was extremely fortunate because my doctors diagnosed my case of GBS very early. Even then, it took one doctor’s appointment and two visits to the ER before I was hospitalized. My initial symptoms included tingling in my hands and feet and the overall sensation that anything cold I touched felt wet. These symptoms gave way to severe head and mid-back pain.

After being admitted to the Clinical Decision Unit in the hospital, my face began to be paralyzed and my thighs and legs became weak. I later lost the reflexes in my ankles. Within a couple of days, I was given two nights of Immunoglobulin, which I tolerated well. My entire face was paralyzed at this point. I spent 10 days in critical care at which time I was released to stay with my parents and receive home health-speech and physical therapies.

After three weeks of that, I transitioned to outpatient, which I continue at this time. The right side of my face has regained movement however the left side is slower to come around. I’m much stronger and can walk without assistance. I am working on regaining stamina and flexibility.

I hope to encourage others that while it takes time, healing does happen. When I first arrived home, I had a lot of fears that I would have a relapse or that I would become paralyzed. It has taken time to relax and realized that this is irrational. The pain subsided slowly as I recovered. I still have insomnia and blood pressure problems but they too, are slowly resolving. It takes time.