A Guillain-Barre Syndrome story

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I was diagnosed in September of 1988. My neurologist immedietly started my on elctrapheresis treatments, even before he had a definitve diagnosis. This definently shortened the duration.

the tingling and weakness started in my right shoulder. Within an hour i could barely lift my arm up at all and could hold nothing heavier than a set of car keys. I drove home from work this way, and by the time I arrived I had difficulty exiting the car. I went to the walkin clinic and was diagnosed with bursitis.

By that night my felt were tingly like they were asleep. I didn't sleep very deeply that night. by morning I was paralyzed to the waist. I was taken to the ER where they performed a spinal tap and a nerve conduction test among other things. 

By evening I was unable to move at all from upper body down. I could not use my arms or hands by morning. 

I was not put on a respirator but I was in the NICU with the vent sitting by my bed just in case.

It progressed until all I could move was to weakly wiggly my fingers, blink, and speak if I forced air. It was a very weak voice.

Miraculously I was only in the hospital a very short time, but recovery at home took awhile. 

All these years later, i still have residual weakness, lack endurance and when tired have a weak grip and cannot life my arms. I also have pain and tenderness in my feet.

And I was told I would recover completely, even by the GBS CDIP foundaton. Glad the research is showing we aren't crazy Maybe new research will help us eventually and make it easier on those with new cases.