[JenHGx]

I knew nothing about GBS until my Dad came down with it 6 weeks ago. As you can imagine, we are all finding it very difficult to except that Dad has this condition. I've had so much information on it, but I just want to know the facts. I know how and what the condition is, but I really want to know about recovery. Realistically, how long is this recovery going to take? I'm frustrated because I'm 15, this is a stressful year as I'm sitting my GCSE's soon and I just want my Dad home. 6 weeks ago, 2 days before Dad woke up and couldn't move, he did his weekly run. He's 48, but until he came down with the condition he was the most active 48 year old I knew! He runs for longer distances than I can, and used to play football sometimes twice a week. He was admitted to hospital within 2 days. Day 1 : Numb fingers and Hands. Day 2: Woke up and could not move. It's very hard to accept that such an active person is now so dipendant on other people. He has had plasma treatment, and two cases of immunoglobulin which has had some effect. His legs and arms are gaining strength, but cannot move sufficiently without assistance. The progress is small, but I just want to know whether anyone in this situation can give me a rough estimate of when he will be atleast walking?

Please feel free to submit any information - it will help!
This is so new to me, and it something I am struggiling to accept. I just want as much information as possible.

Thank you,

Jen x

[ldestini947]

I contracted GBS in December of 08 and I was not able to walk by myself untill April. When he starts his physical therapy, ask them if they have a swimming pool as part of his therapy. It seems like I started recovering quicker when I started the pool therapy. Every one is differant though.

[TomKay]

My wife was admitted to the hospital 10/1/09 her out date is expected to be 11/24/09 with out-patient therapy...Do not let him push his recovery to hard. This can cause a relapse..99% of the people with GBS recover. This is one disease that has it's own time frame for recovery..But I'm sure it will happen (although slowly) Take care of yourself. (thats important) he will need your help later on in his recovery...

[mariono]

Your Dad should recover fully. Every case of GBS is different and no-one can tell you exactly how long it will take. I took three months to walk again and still battle with strength and balance problems, but at least I can do almost everything I used to. I know this is distressing for you, but think how bad it is for your Dad. I know I wanted to die the first few days, what with the pain and the helplessness, but we all bounce back. He needs all the support you can give him.

[nancy holmes]

Hi,
I had the flu shot 8 October and started losing my leg function 19 Oct. Lost my Lung funtion 20 Nov. The information I have gleaned from my Neurologist is that 90% of us will recover our full function within 3 months to 3 years, depending on the serverity. IE. was your Dad intubated and paralyzed completely? That is the 'Acute' part of GB. Unfortunately there is also a 'chronic' form of GB called CIPD that the other 10% suffer from. This is a progessive, degernative form of nerve damage. My Neurologist tells me that only time will tell if the nerves have been stripped of both Myelin and Axion sheahing. My last and hopefully final test was an MRI/with contrast to see how much damage to the spinal nerves had been done. I am having extreme pain since 3 December in my hip/leg and the Doctors are uncertain even with the MRI if my body will heal.
I'm just turned 55, active, like your Dad. I am finding that I can't overdo it as my body just won't let me and am frustrated at times but look back to 3 weeks ago and realize while small baby steps are beiing taken, at least I'm headed in the right direction.
I am now at the place where I can think clearly and realize that this has happened to me. That's the first step. I am now DETERMINED as I'm sure you Dad will be to stay Positive and regain my Independance.
Many Good wishes,
Nancy H.