Patient Stories

From Wheelchair to the Peaks of the Caucasus: A Journey of Resilience

Felix Wachter, a 28-year-old doctor from Lauf, Germany, has always been passionate about running, skiing, and mountaineering. From a young age, skiing was a source of joy for him, and he eventually became a ski instructor after finishing high school. Along with his childhood friend Lucas, Felix had planned an ambitious ski-mountaineering trip to the remote mountains of Turkey and Georgia. However, an unexpected diagnosis of Guillain-Barré Syndrome shattered his plans and tested his resilience in ways he could never have anticipated. 2.5 years later he can finally have the trip of his lifetime and shares his story on the Instagram channel: “uproshors”.

The Unexpected Onset

In September 2022, Felix was returning home after completing an internship in the emergency and surgical departments in Tanzania. While traveling by train, he noticed a sudden loss of strength in his arm. Initially attributing it to exhaustion, he quickly realized something was seriously wrong when, the following day, he could no longer lift either arm. Recognizing the urgency, he sought medical attention at the Neurology Department in Nuremberg. Within three days, Felix had lost the ability to move his arms and legs entirely.

A Rare and Debilitating Diagnosis

Felix was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare neurological disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the nerves, leading to muscle weakness and, in severe cases, paralysis. GBS affects approximately one to two people per 100,000 annually in Germany. The condition is often triggered by an infection, and Felix suspects a case of food poisoning was the cause in his case. Timely medical intervention played a crucial role in halting the autoimmune response before any permanent damage could occur. Felix underwent plasmapheresis, a blood filtration treatment designed to remove harmful antibodies, at the Nuremberg North Clinic. Despite the treatment, he remained completely immobile for more than two weeks. After three weeks, he managed to stand for two seconds. Recovery was slow and required immense patience and perseverance. “In my case, not only the insulation of the nerve (myelin) but also the nerve itself (the axon) was highly damaged. I believe this is why my recovery has taken longer compared to some other patients. Even now, two and a half years later, I still feel improvements every month!” Felix shared. Nerve regeneration occurs at a rate of about three centimeters per month, and Felix was determined to regain mobility. After a four-month rehabilitation program, he progressed from being wheelchair-bound to walking 50 meters with a walker. Further outpatient rehabilitation helped him regain more independence. Small milestones, such as showering unaided or driving a car again, were monumental victories. By 2023, Felix had made enough progress to complete his medical studies in Erlangen. “The main challenge for me was not the initial shock of losing control over my body. Back then, I was very optimistic and determined to push through. The hard part is the patience and the long horizon. I never expected this would follow me for years or even forever. What’s also hard is that you can’t speed up nerve healing with motivation or training. Patience and accepting the disease is key. Don’t give up after a couple of months – this is a marathon, not a sprint!” he said. Though still not at 100%, Felix continues to deal with challenges such as limited finger strength and occasional tremors.

Returning to the Slopes

Skiing, Felix’s greatest passion, remained uncertain. Would he ever return to the mountains? In the winter of 2023/24, he decided to try. To his delight, his body responded better than expected. With his confidence restored, the long-awaited skiing expedition with Lucas was back on track. Their goal was a 100-day journey through Turkey and Georgia, conquering peaks over 3,000 meters. The decision was practical—North America was too complicated, but Eastern Europe offered vast, untouched landscapes ideal for exploration.

An Unforgettable Expedition

The duo purchased a converted Mercedes Sprinter for overnight stays and meticulously planned their route. On January 17, they set off, ready to embrace the unknown. Their journey took them through North Macedonia and Greece, where they summited Mount Olympus.  One of their most remarkable achievements so far was climbing Mount Erciyes, the fourth-highest mountain in Turkey (3,617 meters). Felix successfully skied a steep east-facing couloir, marking yet another milestone in his journey of recovery. In Erzincan, they encountered incredibly friendly Turkish people, many of whom were passionate ski mountaineers. The locals welcomed them with warmth, inviting them for food and tea, and showing exceptional hospitality. Their kindness and generosity left a lasting impression on Felix and Lucas, reaffirming the joy of connecting with people through their shared love of the mountains. In Turkey, their main destination was the Kaçkar Mountains, an area renowned for its significant snowfall, providing the perfect terrain for ski touring. The grand finale of their trip will be the Caucasus Mountains in Georgia, where peaks exceed 5,000 meters. Felix is particularly excited about Gudauri, the country’s largest ski resort, known for its powder slopes and deep snow runs.

A Message of Hope

Felix and Lucas’ journey is far more than just an adventure—it is a testament to resilience, patience, and determination. Felix hopes to inspire others facing adversity, showing that even after significant setbacks, extraordinary achievements are still possible. “The most important things are optimism and patience,” Felix reflects. Their journey can be followed on Instagram at @uproshors, a Georgian word meaning “a long way.” It serves as a fitting metaphor for Felix’s journey—from paralysis to the peaks of the Caucasus. By April, their expedition will conclude, with Felix returning to work in the pediatric department in Erlangen. Felix’s story is a powerful reminder that even the hardest battles can lead to incredible new heights.