Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the peripheral nervous system, causing partial or total paralysis, among other symptoms. Its cause is largely unknown.
Nine years ago I was attacked by GBS, left totally paralyzed and unable to breathe on my own. In this article, I describe the herculean efforts that I have been and still am making, together with the invaluable help of doctors, nurses, therapists and other health professionals.
A cruise gone wrong
On April 17, 2015, while I was on a Caribbean cruise with my husband, we retired to our cabin and went to bed. I had taken Avonex for my multiple sclerosis, a Tylenol and the antibotic Amoxicillin for a cold. I believe that a cross reaction to these drugs may have caused what came next.
When I woke up in the middle of the night, I discovered that I was unable to move my feet to get out of bed. I finally managed to get up, but as soon as I took one step I collapsed on the cabin floor.
The next morning, I found myself in bed, in the medical unit of the ship, with my husband standing over me, while a ship's nurse assured me everything would be fine. I then fell into a coma and when I regained consciousness about a month and a half later, I was at The Neuro. I was totally paralyzed, unable to move except for rotating my head right and left. I had been in a coma since the 18th of April.
Recovering what was lost
Following additional tests a definitive diagnosis of the GBS was made and the appropriate therapy scheme was decided. I stayed at The Neuro for ten months until I was accepted by a suitable rehab institution in January, 2016. Since then I have been living in several facilities where I get physical and occupational therapy to restore lost muscle function and autonomy in my daily routine. I can now walk independently using a walker, with a cane or even without any technical aid. My balance and ability to stand have improved considerably, although I still need to walk under supervision.
I could not have made this progress without my husband, who has been constantly on my side since the beginning of my affliction with GBS. His unwavering support during all these years of trying to overcome this devastation has been immense. I am also most grateful and obliged to all the doctors and nurses of The Neuro for saving my life and to all the therapists and kinesiologists of The Neuro and other healthcare institutes. With utmost patience and professionalism they have managed to improve my balance and ability to walk, starting from the stage when I was quadriplegic and totally paralyzed.
