Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) Support Group

Hi mcombs, I'm new to the site, but saw no one had replied and wanted to send a word of encouragement. The experience is so different for everyone that I don't feel qualified to make any recommendations, but for me, being lifted by nursing staff to sit in a cardiac chair was one of the first steps toward physical therapy after I'd regained movements that sound similar to your mom's. I don't know how they decided it was time, though, etc., so I'd guess add'l research from professionals is probably your best bet... someone else had recommended a site GBSFI.com in a posting, but maybe a university pt dept could be helpful to you, too (Northwestern's in Chicago is very reputable for Neurological stuff)... and maybe books would be a good resource, as well? (a google search brought up one called Guillain-Barre Syndrome by Gareth J. Parry w/ a chapter called 'Supportive Treatments in the Acute Care Hospital'). I'm sorry I don't have a simpler way, but am sending every wish that you'll find all you need to help your mom come through. And, honestly, while the pt component is obviously a priority, I'd bet your presence is as motivating as anything to your mom and will help her wellness along tremendously. My parent's presence was for me. :) Best of luck to you, your mom and all of your family... and continued strength and healing.

Just me again. I feel silly for the second note, but wanted to clarify... It sounds like you are maybe not in the physical presence of your mom right now -- and if that's the case, it's totally okay. I'm sure she knows you're doing all you can from where you are. My little sister couldn't get to me because of responsibilities to work and children, but she contributed as much to my wellness as anyone who visited by calling, sending notes and helping to tend to the things my parents couldn't (because they were with me). So... just in case you're apart -- I'm sure she's being helped by your love and concern and everything you're attempting to do to aid her recovery. Sorry if the first note didn't express that.

Hi there I read some of your questions my experience was while on the ventilator they did minimal P.T. with me because of the strain on the body, however they did have me sit up in a chair and they worked with my hands and arms so they wouldn't stiffen up. They also did range of motion on my legs to keep the blood flowing. It wasn't much in the beginning, but over time there was a little more progress at a time. Try to be patient I know how frustrated you must feel I'm still fighting this and it's been almost a year.