Living with Guillain-Barre Syndrome

I am a 41 year old mother of a 17 month old.

I started with numbness in my left ring finger and a strange taste in my mouth on a Monday.

The next day my hands and feet were numb. Fearing that I was having heart trouble(circulation) I went to the ER. After blood work I was sent home with a diagnosis of a virus and it needed to “work it’s way out”.

The next day(wednesday) I went to the ER once again with continuing numbness in my arms and face. After a CAT scan for possible stroke I was sent home again with a diagnosis of a virus.

Thursday I could barely walk and had a significant weakness in my upper body and could not swallow. I went to my family doctor who also said I had a virus but ordered more blood test.

Friday night back at the ER. My husband had to assist me into our car. I was having difficulty breathing, and was told I was having a panic attack. They gave my Ativan and said I might possibly have MS Then sent me home with a prescription for Ativan and phone numbers for a neurologist.

Saturday I had continued weakness now affecting not only arms, legs, swallowing but also my head and neck.

Sunday we called my doctor told him I was going back to the ER and needed to be admitted. I was taken immediately into and exam room, blood taken and Spinal Tap. I was admitted 2 hours later. On IV fluids for dehydration and scheduled for MRI head and neck, EMG, and a Swallow Test.

My symptoms continued but only in weakness. My heart and lung function never reached the point of needing a respirator.

I was in the hospital for a week on the 6th day after developing Bells Palsy on the right side of my face I was given the Diagnosis of Guillain Barre Syndrome

I was sent home with orders of Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy 3X a week.

I am very LUCKY. My symptoms started to reverse after 3 weeks. I am returning to work full time after 9 weeks. I only have numbness left in my hands that comes and goes and a little difficulty swallowing.

I can keep up with my now 19 month old active son. I get fatigued quickly bu I can live with that.

Without the support of family, friends and VNS I feel I would not have recovered quite so quickly. Also having a Doctor with a possitive and patient attitude also helped. I was not the best patient.