We have a preliminary diagnosis for my husband's rapid onset debilitation that has left him paralyzed at this time.
His neurologists are fairly certain he has a rare auto-immune disorder called Guillain-Barre Syndrome. It comes on quickly, over a period of a few weeks and is characterized by muscle weakness, slurred speech, tingling and numbness, vision problems, lack of fine motor coordination, bowel and urinary issues, and ultimately breathing problems.
The good news is that the condition is treatable and that many people do recover from it.
It is so ironic that his symptoms were completely overshadowed by the disc issues he was experiencing in the weeks prior to his back surgery. He got progressively worse every day for several weeks until the day before his surgery he could not walk at all. Everyone was focused on his spinal issues and never suspected that all the time he had an underlying condition that was causing most of the havoc to his body.
He will be in the hospital for some time, first having tests, then treatment, then hopefully rehabilitation as he recovers his mobility and coordination.
Your kind messages of encouragement and support have been so wonderful to read. They have meant the world to us in this very difficult time we are going through. We appreciate every single prayer and positive thought you have sent our way.
35 Responses
Just getting a firm answer must be a real relief for you both. I’m still praying you through; God is faithful.
I am sure that knowing what is happening is some comfort and that they can treat is a blessing. I am send lots of prayers for you Nicole and all your family. Be strong and stay safe,
Gail (gailss1)
Continued prayers for you and your husband during this difficult time.
Of course everyone was focused on the obvious. It makes more sense now. Now to get through this, but I know you are in good hands. Praying for healing, patience, teamwork, and determination to get through this chapter. I hope with the challenges you find daily blessings to brighten the journey. Prayers for you Nicole to navigate the back and forth, and a prayer for Archie as he misses his people. Sending hugs!
What a relief to have an answer and that it’s treatable. Please know that you and your husband and Archie will continue to be in my prayers. Take good care of yourself. He will need to rely on your inner strength to get through this. God bless you both.
Nicole, I’m sure you are both grateful for a diagnosis. May this be the beginning of your husband’s full recovery! I don’t know you personally, but you are very much in my thoughts and prayers. Sending strength and patience, as I think you might need these.❤️
So happy to hear they are getting to the bottom of this. Continued prayers coming your way.
What a relief to have a treatable diagnosis and it sounds like your husband is getting good care. I will continue to send positive thoughts your way.
So glad to hear this hopeful news. Hang in there and take care of yourself too.🤗
Wow Nicole!! I’ve had a close friend’s husband and a coworker’s wife diagnosed with this and YES – treatment and recovery. It will take a while, so patience is key. Crazy as you say that his spinal issues sort of blinded everyone to the other symptoms. My assumption had been that the hospital is a good distance from home. Will he stay there or can he be moved to a facility closer to you? Lots of prayers and positive vibes coming your way.
My former husband totally recovered from the same diagnosis. I trust your husband will recover as well. Continued prayers for complete healing.
I will continue to keep your husband and you in my thoughts and prayers and pray for a full and speedy recovery!
Watching the World Series with my son, I learned abut Freddie Freeman’s son with the same illness.
Max is 3 and I would encourage you to read all abut his journey, During the WS they did a piece all about it.
Hugs and prayers for you Nicole and your husband and family! I used to work for a large rehab unit at an academic hospital, and this diagnosis is indeed treatable. Now that we/you know what we’re dealing with, it is so much better than the unknown. Here’s to “strength and courage” for the road ahead to full recovery!
Hope and encouragement to you all as you move ahead. I hope all symptoms are treatable and can be relieved.
I know a woman that recovered fully from GBS. So scary !
Oh, Nicole, what a whirlwind you are going through, but good to have a diagnosis and treatment plan. I had a neighbor with GBS and he did fully recover, but it took many months. Sending you many wishes for strength to deal with this and I will continue to hold you in my thoughts.
What a roller coaster you guys have been on. I’m happy to read there is a diagnosis and treatment. Sending all the best to you and your husband.
It’s so much better to know what you are dealing with! Guillain-barre is no fun, but as you said, treatable. Prayers for a speedy and strong recovery, and comfort to both of you.
Yes, it’s treatable. Do hang on to patience and get yourself a nice hand embroidery or cross stitch kit. Contuing to pray for both of you as you wait patiently for full recovery.
I know people with this condition who are living very normal lives! It is so comforting to simply know! Your husband’s body must be so exhausted from all this upheaval. And you, you must feel so many, many emotions right now! You could probably sleep for a week straight if you didn’t need water and food. Please take such good care of yourself, too. Caregivers must do this because if they get sick what becomes of the ailing? I speak from experience. I go mono after caring from my mother with her cancer. Years later I got fibromyalgia after becoming a full time teacher and being a full time mother with four children. Women can try to do too much! Now I am a happy retired quilter with lots of grandchildren!
Like everyone else, so relieved it is treatable. (I was very scared it might be ALS.) Thanks for keeping us updated.
Vickie
my goodness. how terrifying this has all been. every day my heart has been heavy for all of you.
so terrifying to have something happen so quickly. if I can do anything, please let me know.
also, you must rest yourself. the last thing Dennis needs is to see you feeling unwell. he will worry and that will slow his recovery.
xo, ina (from peru)
Take care and glad your getting answers!
Having a diagnosis that explains so much has to be a relief. You both will come out on the other side of this much stronger than you ever imagined. Echoing other commenters, please take care of yourself. Ask for help when you need it & give yourself permission to rest.
It has to be a relief to know what you’re dealing with medically, and that there is hopeful treatment!
Always enjoy your Halloween party costumes each year. So clever!
Thank goodness the Dr’s discovered the underlying condition. My girlfriend had this syndrome and made a complete recovery but it did take a couple of months. I hope you and Dennis are feeling more optimistic. Thinking of you and your family everyday Nicole.
Nicole, I’m so glad they found the cause and it’s treatable! That must give you so much hope. It will be a long road, but you can travel this together. I’ll be praying for you both as you navigate it. I’m so glad they found something treatable! ❤️❤️❤️
So happy you got some answers and that it is treatable, thank God! Appreciate the updates!
Oh my heavens. What a challenge you’ve all had and what a relief it must be to have a diagnosis. I hope that Dennis responds well to all the treatments and gets back to himself very, very soon. I’m hoping you are able to take care of yourself; I can only imagine how difficult this has all been and how you must be feeling. Please take care of yourself, as well as your husband. Prayers continue.
So glad you now know what you are dealing with! Continued prayers for the both of you.
Wow! Who would have thought that you DH had 2 things going on! As a retired PT I am happy to say that all the cases I ever saw of GB went on to get pretty much a full recovery. Yes it did take time but I will keep my fingers crossed that he will have a smooth recovery. All the best to you and the family as you navigate all of this.
Always easier to deal with things when you know what is going on. Please take care of both of you or they will have to find a bed for you! Thoughts and prayers for all involved. Susie
I’m so glad that you finally have a diagnosis. My 30 year old daughter came down with this last year. It also took many trips to the ER and doctors before diagnosis . She had the IVIG treatments and gradually improved. She had months of physical therapy and after a year is almost 95% recovered- she still has some weird numbness in her feet- but it has not slowed her down- she loves the outdoors and can do all the physically challenging activities she did before. We never figured out what triggered the condition. Please take care- I’ve been reading your blog for years and love all the book recommendations-
Good luck to your husband-
Barbara Stratton
Oh Nicole, I am just catching up on your blog and seeing the news of your husband’s health issues – sending love and good thoughts for his recovery and for you as well, what a difficult time. I hope he will get to full recovery in time.