Hi Elissa & Johnny, I jotted a note to you under the other posting where you originally wrote first, and hope you spotted it. Sorry I didn't see this one sooner; I'm really still not always able to get to checking in at the site, but will definitely follow this thread and do my best to write whenever it seems I might be able to help with encouragement, etc. Hopefully it won't all seem like old news. :)

I think it's great that they got Johnny's diagnosis figured out. My situation was similar to his in that I was initially sent home from the hospital ER, too (diagnosed with the flu, given a prescription for aspirin). The good news is that at least once they know what they're dealing with they can take steps to treat. And, really, things can start to look up in a good number of ways once they stop the progression of the paralysis and you can get to a place where you see abilities starting to return. So, just keep holding on.

I'm guessing you've seen how different a thing it can be for everyone, but the great thing is that it sounds like some people really do manage to make it through quite promptly, and I'll be hoping it ends up being easier for Johnny to come out the other side than you'd ever guess could be possible. And if it otherwise ends up being a slower process, just know that even the littlest steps can and do definitely add up. And no matter what, and throughout all as needed, there are definitely lots of really great and caring people willing to do what they can to lend support.

Everyone who has gone through it knows how many challenges can accompany the situation. For me, there's been a ton of work, but I continue seeing progress and in a good number of ways, and at times things can feel pretty normal or better (it's just I don't have the stamina yet, it seems, to get to feel 'pretty normal or better' all the time). :) But I keep thinking that if I (a self-proclaimed lightweight) can find my way this far along... well, I can't have anything but huge confidence that it's possible for others, too, and I'll be keeping my fingers very much crossed that Johnny will be sharing his success story with all of us at some point down the line, too (and hopefully sooner than later).

Meantime, you'll definitely all have my heartfelt wishes for everything you need to get Johnny back to well. Hoping, too, you'll start seeing improvements with the situation very promptly (or perhaps already by now). :) And if somehow they seem small in the scheme of things, just know that lots of us were there, too, and are now back to managing stuff in a way that would never give a hint about we'd been through with GBS to anyone who didn't know or hadn't seen us. Some I've read about have even become marathoners, walked major scenic passes of hundreds of miles, etc. -- but I'm still definitely a work in progress with that. :) Won't be giving up, of course, and now will also be hoping that Johnny gets the chance with everything there at least as quickly (or, ideally, before)...

In between, just do the best you can do, and know it is a step in the right direction. All best for Johnny's health and healing, and for everyone's courage and strength. Take care...

Thank you so much for your posts. I am truly grateful for your kindness. I just realized anyone had responded... and several had responded to my first posting as I'm sure you're aware but I just found out... I am not new to Daily Strength but its been awhile since I've been here much and I've forgotten how to follow the thread although I'm picking it back up.... Anyway please read my other post... I wrote a it about what's going on with Johnny... Right now things seem really bad to me but I'm working hard on keeping a positive mind set... for myself and encouraging Johnny... Right now Johnny is not responding too well... but I am gong to keep working with this however he is so that I can be helpful when he gets through the pain... I think the pain is just bumming him out so bad... I had asked in my other post.. the one that has so many responss... Guillain Barre Syndrome... something like that... about the pain... this intense pain he's suffering... does that last at this level for long time... He's been suffering now for about 10 days... and to me constant pain is hard to stand... You wrote some about having a lot of pain feeling almost like you were walking on broken bones... I think that was you... Did that go on for a long time... do you still endure a lot of pain? I'm going to copy out yall's posts and print them and bring them to Johnny and read them for him... most of the time he's hurting too much to feel like reading... Well as you know... Its a long old grind and it tires your mind... Take care and thank you for being so helpful and kind. Hugs Elissa

I really hope your brother is on the road to recovery and the time of severe pain varies with each case. Hopefully it won't be too long before his pain is manageable and subsides :)
My pain was like having done 10 days of aerobics straight and having every muscle screaming. It does ease and all the best to your brother and is great you are there supporting him and trying to understand.
That would mean a lot to him at this trying time. HUGS xoxox

Thank you tweeky... Johnny told me yesterday his doctor said the really bad pain usually goes away after about 4 weeks... I sure will be glad for him when that eases... hard to think about much of anything else then the pain sometimes... I've talked to him about deep muscle relaxation techniques because I thought they would help if he focused one at a time on each little part of his body and imagined warmth and ease flowing to that part... but I don't think he's very receptive... I honestly don't know why people would be resistant to these techniques as I find them very helpful... I use them for muscle spasms that I've been having for years... they help relax the area... its really hard when you're in the middle of like a charley horse but if you can just hold on... Anyway I am trying to get some counseling set up for Johnny... someone to talk to him to help him recognize his own abilities to help himself... I find family members... maybe because we know each other's humanness and frailities too well... often don't listen to each other like we will someone outside the mix... Ahhhhhhhhh well I digress and chatter... take care. Hugs Elissa

Hi there Elissa :) I hope tour brother keeps progressing and I know that at my worst I didn't want to be touched at all or know what would help, so this may explain your brothers reaction to the deep tissue relaxation as at the time you feel that nothing helps and eventually he will be able to think about different forms of therapy. Mental as well as physical therapy are important and eventually hydro (water) therapy may help him but at this stage his positive mental attitude is just as important.
I hope this helps and keep supporting him as that is so important.
Hugs, Tweeky xo