On November 8 2011 I contracted Guillain-Barre (GBS), a virus that causes the immune system to attack the sheath surrounding the body's nerves. Strangely enough I had a flu shot 3 weeks prior!!!

Was air-lifted from my local hospital to Yale Medical. After 7 weeks in ICU on a ventilator, then several with a trach, I was finally healthy enough to be transferred to a physical rehab center. At first I could not move my legs and barely able to move my arms.

After months of rehab I can now walk about 15 feet with a walker and I am scheduled to go home on Friday to continue my rehab with a visiting therapist and then with out-patient rehab. From all indications I should make a "near-ful"l recovery, although will miss all or most of the 2013 riding season.

Just wanted to share.

Sammi

 

My brother contracted it many years ago and it took many months to recuperate.

You and my brother were both lucky to survive it.

Congrats, and good luck on the rehab.

 

Keep fighting man glad to hear of your progress so far

 

My sympathy goes out to you. My son came down with it after a flu shot while in the USAF. Recovery was long, drawn out and frustrating for him but within 5 years he was playing semi-pro baseball and learned to play guitar as a physical therapy for his hands. Luckily, you both had doctors who recognized what was going on, most don't until it's too late.

 

Get well soon!

 

UPDATE

I've been home a little over a month and getting therapy 5 days a week.

Feel stronger than a month ago.

I was tested a month ago to see how long it took to get out of the chair, use the walker to go 10 feet, turn around and go back to the chair. Time was 1 minute 6 seconds.

Re-test today and time was 36 seconds.

Still a long way to go, but great to see some progress.

Hope to lose the wheelchair soon!!!

Sammi

 

Good to hear of your progress. I'm glad your case wasn't as severe as my dad. My dad got the disease in '80. A couple of weeks after a flu shot. It hit him very hard. He was in ICU for 8 months and in a regular room for 4 more. He got a bit better for a while but the damage done plus normal aging pretty much kept him in a wheelchair. These days he's pretty much an invalid. Hope you make a quick and full recovery.

 

It hit me in March of 2010. Went from riding my bike on a Friday to couldn't walk on Sunday. 8 days in hospital, 4 days in rehab and 6 months before I could get back to work. Feet are still numb. Equilibration still a little off. Riding daily. No problems with my Harleys, but can’t push my Busa as before. Always think it could have been worse. Hang in there. It’s a long trip back, but you’ll get there.

 

The wife's grandmother also contacted it after a flu shot. She never recovered. That's why we both pass on those flu shots, not going to risk that, would rather take our chances with the flu.

 

I'm glad your rehab is going well. It is a brutal illness. My sister contracted it and nearly died. With a lot of hard work she has made a full recovery.

A co-worker of mine contracted it about ten years ago and he didn't make it. I am so happy it didn't get you.

My sister actually contracted the disease from a bout with the flu. No shot was involved.