Clarissa Gennari
I’m Clarissa, 24 years old. At the time of my GBS diagnosis, I was 23 and had been working as an educator in a nursery for two years. I’m also a lifeguard and a swimming instructor, and I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in the design and coordination of educational services. I’ve always been a very active person. I used to swim regularly, and aside from work and study, I loved and still love going out, having fun, traveling, and so on.
My experience with this syndrome began at the end of March 2024. The initial signs of GBS were weak legs and knees that couldn’t support me. Within a few days, my condition worsened; it completely destabilized my legs and caused facial nerve issues, making it hard for me to speak. I experienced a general lack of energy, which further affected my body.
After undergoing 6 plasmapheresis sessions, a cycle of immunoglobulins, and extensive physiotherapy, I was finally discharged. Altogether, I was hospitalized for almost 2 months. I still struggle a lot to walk and can’t yet trust myself to walk without support.
My recovery journey is ongoing, and I know it will take a long time. However, I’ve come to appreciate the beauty of everything around me even more, and I’ve changed a lot… hopefully for the better.
