September 2007

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.

October 2007

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.

November 2007

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.

December 2007

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.

January 2008

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

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

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

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.