Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) Support Group
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), is an acquired immune-mediated inflammatory disorder of the peripheral nervous system (i.e. not the brain or spinal cord). It is suggested that it is an autoimmune disease, in which the sufferer's immune system is triggered into damaging the nerve covering. Many cases developed in people who received the 1976 swine flu vaccine.
One week after getting a flu vax, I was at the neuros with a totally numb arm. I just happen to mention right before he finished with me, about the vax. That changed everything. Within hours he had me in MRI and tons of labs to rule out other stuff first. Next day he called me and said its GBS and to please observe carefully any more numbness and go to hospital as mine came on so quickly (I literally was fine night before and then woke up with no use of right arm!). Hes sending me to the university of iowa as he said they are better equipped to help me with such a disorder. I like this neuro as hes very matter of fact and straight forward and doesnt waste time obviously. He skipped the spinal and siad the Uni would order if need be. Hey I was all for that! Ive had facet injections in my spine as I had cervical spine surgery 5yrs ago.. he thought originally it may have been that, but MRI is good.
I am optamist, yet I am terrified. I read about it and its potential progression. I do not know if its worse knowing what potentially in store for me.
I would love to hear from anyone who might know if its possible that the symptoms WONT spread any further and it will just be my arm affected. Did anyone else get a flu vaccine just before onset of symptoms?
Thanks for listening-
tee
I am optamist, yet I am terrified. I read about it and its potential progression. I do not know if its worse knowing what potentially in store for me.
I would love to hear from anyone who might know if its possible that the symptoms WONT spread any further and it will just be my arm affected. Did anyone else get a flu vaccine just before onset of symptoms?
Thanks for listening-
tee
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What are your favorite Italian foods? if i had to pick 2 it would be fried calamari & lasagna. & so much more! go wild, there's so many.
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What's your favorite Mexican food? i love a bean & cheese burrito. with a side of guacamole.
Just to bring this up again because the flu shot is such a controversy, I'll tell you about my experiences. I have CIDP (chronic long lasting form of GBS). Got the flu shot November 1997, by March started experiencing numbness in fingers, weakness, etc, but still able to function normally. October/November 1998, got flu shot again. Diagnosed with CIDP December 1998. Really having difficulty walking, within a weeks time after last flu shot lost my ability to walk unaided, which led to wheelchair.