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September 2007
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Approaching the 28th Anniversary of the founding of the GBS/CIDP
organization we take this time to reminisce. As a young fellow of
51, Bob Benson’s future was bleak when diagnosed with GBS.
There was no treatment available; the only suggestion for sleeping
and pain was a glass of wine.
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What is he doing now? He is working full time,
driving, riding a bike, horseback riding, traveling, playing tennis
and sleeping without the aid of a glass of wine (unless he wants
to for pleasure) all at the age of 79.
He has spent the past 28 years making sure that no other patient
experiences GBS (and now CIDP) alone.
This is Bob’s success story.
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October 2007
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I was diagnosed in Dec. 1987 with Guillain-Barre and was 6
months pregnant!!! But in Feb. of 1988 I gave birth to a healthy
baby girl. They kept an eye on me and the only complaint was
that I could not feel her kicking, but she was as they assured
me. I started physical therapy to get my muscle tone back after
the feeling in my arms and legs came back. So basically we both
learned how to walk together.
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Now here we are in 2007 and I work full time, love swimming,
and crafts and my daughter is in a private college on a full
paid scholarship (because of her grades in high school) going
into the medical field. We both came out of it ok and I was
determined not to let either one of us suffer because of it.
My life could not be any better!
This is Debbi’s success story.
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November 2007
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I was diagnosed with GBS (Guillain-Barre Syndrome) in Feburary.
I went to the ER five times until they found out what was wrong.
I spent four weeks in the hospital, and then 30 days in a nursing
home. At the same time I was also a student at the local college,
and June 13th I received my college degree. I had to use the
walker for the processional, then a wheelchair to get on the
stage. After that I walked (not to well); however I got my college
degree with dignity and honor.
This is Kathy's success story.
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December 2007
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I was diagnosed with GBS (Guillain-Barre Syndrome)
in 1981. At the age of 9 years. I have dropfeet and still some other weakness in both my legs.
But the good news is I am a cyclist. I make use of braces when I walk or cycle. I was in Athens
in 2004 and I was in France this year for the world champs.Hopefully I will see you in Beijing
next year. So, the bottom line is, you can overcome GBS!! Good luck with your recovery.
This is Susan van Staden Pox's success story.
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January 2008
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After 4 ER visits I was diagnosed with GBS. I was about to
celebrate my 40th Birthday with a new baby at home. I was an
Airline Pilot with the best airline and my life was so on track.
Once diagnosed, I was admitted into ICU very close to life-support
for about 2 weeks. I spent 3 additional months in the hospital
and walked around 5 months. Almost a year later, I returned
to work as an airline pilot as good as new. If you ever see
me piloting your BIRD so to speak, let me know, we have something
in common. Terry, Southwest Airlines
This is Terry's success story.
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February 2008
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I've never had more than the sniffles until November 2007. Within
weeks, I went from walking, jogging, and living a healthy
life to helpless in ICU as a result of GBS. Initially, I
experienced tingling in my toes and fingers that spread
upwards within a week. Then I began wobbling uncontrollably,
and lost the ability to climb the stairs to my bedroom.
By the end of the first week, I became weak, unable to write,
or walk without difficulty.I had tingling and numbness in
both hands and feet.
After describing my symptoms, I was diagnosed with GBS.
I spent 1 week in ICU for administration of IVIG. I was
devastated not being able to walk, barely talk, and my independence
quickly vanished. I am a fighter, so I was determined to
regain control and be self sufficent again. It's been six
weeks, and I am walking again with a cane! I am still weak
on one side, and experience pain and tingling, but I am
self sufficient, and am able to use a computer which is
very important being an IT professional. After receiving
GBS/CIDP information I have gained a better understanding
of GBS. Thank you, for the wealth of information! It made
a big difference in my life, and it helps me to know there
is a branch in Chicago. I haven't recovered 100%, but I
do have hope, and that's all that matters!
This is Ernestine's success story.
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March 2008
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Two and a half months after giving birth to her first child,
our daughter Brie, prepared to return to work as a first grade
teacher. Brie went to school for two days before being rushed
to the hospital ER, and placed in the ICU unit after being diagnosed
with GBS and essentially totally paralyzed from head to toe.
All of this took place in October 2007, where she "celebrated"
her 28th birthday without her little daughter, Kiera. While
our whole extended family was a quivering, freaked-out, distraught
mess, Brie remained a tower of strength and power that was amazing
to all of us.
After leaving the ICU unit and spending a month in the
rehabilitation hospital, Brie showed determination and grit
while undergoing the hard work to learn to walk and hold
Kiera again. The exceptional care at the hospital, including
correctly diagnosing and administering treatment within
the first couple of hours after entering the emergency room
was truly a huge factor in her speedy recovery (after an
equally speedy decline).
Now as Brie tells it: "It
was the knowledge that was obtained through the many people
involved with the GBS/CIDP Foundation that convinced her
that her condition will be temporary, and better days were
ahead and the extreme desire to be back at home with her
"new" family (husband Brad and Kiera)." Brie
intends to go back to her first grade class on a part-time
basis shortly, and we cannot express our appreciation to
the Foundation for all the support that has been and continues
to be provided.
This is Brie's success story.
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April 2008
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My story starts 34 years ago when I was 4 years old. My parents
went to bed for the evening and I awoke to the blazing sound
of Johnny Carson. Unable to move I some how mustered the strength
to call out to my parents. When they reached me I was completely
paralyzed, and they rushed me to the hospital. While there
I went through the worst time in my life, I went into cardiac
arrest 3 times, my eyes crossed, and I had a feeding tube.
After 3 months in intensive care I went home unable to walk
or crawl. After many months of therapy I regained my mobility.
At the age of 10 I had surgery on my feet to put in bone blocks
in to keep them from rolling inward. Now that I am about to
embark on my 40th birthday I am a living testimony that there
is life after GBS. As a result of GBS I was left with drop-foot
which does cause lots of pain and discomfort but my life has
been as normal as expected.
This is Shelly's success story.
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