General Chat

thank you Paula - he's a great guy - there's only him and his brother, but he lives in Edinburgh - he does have an excellent circle of friends in Weston Super Mare though and they are very caring

Ann what a dreadful time your cousin has had to endure over the last five years. Thank God he has the strength of character to stay positive. I hope he continues to enjoy life in whatever way he can. <3

<3 <3 <3

thank you Vera - what a wonderful thing to do - to raise all that money - I'd never heard of it until Mark got it

he's managed to go on three holidays this year - twice on a cruise, so he's trying not to let it hold him back

Ann

This is the first time I've seen this thread. I am so sorry your cousin has this dreadful disease and is taking so long to recover but great to hear he is managing to remain positive.

My father got it at the age of 74. He spent 8 months in hospital and a further 8 months living with me before he was able to go back to his own bungalow. His hands never fully recovered, staying very bent and crooked. Sheer determination got him on his feet again though he could only walk, or rather shuffle, short distances. He needed help around the home but he went on to live a comfortable happy and independent life for many years.

When Dad died at the age of 93 we asked that, instead of flowers, people should donate to the Guillain Barre Syndrome Support group and were amazed to raise £1200.

My very best wishes to your cousin.

been talking to my cousin this evening - it's been five years now and he still can't walk and is now of the opinion he never will walk again - seems to have come to terms with it though and is making the most of his life - absolutely tragic - what a dreadful disease this is

I think some people are luckier than others and get better quicker but I am pleased your relative is being so positive and making progress still, and managing to live fairly independently too.

A woman I worked with some years ago developed this illness while on holiday in France with her family, she was poorly for some months but did get back to pretty much normal after about a year. She had young children at the time too.

Hope things continue to go well for your relative

Lizx

a few famous people have had it too - Barbara Windsor had a form of it and recovered so there is plenty of reason to hope for a complete recovery - the fact that he is so positive and uncomplaining after over four years is a miracle - don't think I'd be that stoic

My then to be D-I-L had a rarer form of GB, she had CIDP, she was in hospital for a couple of months,and made a complete recovery, she married and has had two children. She was in her early 20's when she got it, awful condition, but she is proof, you can recover :-D

it's taking time but I have no doubt he'll get there eventually

Such a horrible disease AnnC, very pleased to read he is making a recoveryal though very slow!!

jude x

It does take some time doesn't it? I am pleased he is back home and seemingly doing well. I hope that he will gradually improve but well done him for being so upbeat. Thanks for updating us.

we're hopeful he will make full reovery but it sure is taking a long long time

That's a remarkable adaptation to such a chronic disease, well done him :-D

Sue x

well all these years later and my cousin is back home in Weston-super-Mare but is still unable to walk unaided - has a busy schedule going to the gym and hydrotherapy sessions - still wheelchair bound but can get around his bungalow and make his own meals - he has carers in as well - he is still so upbeat and uncomplaining

am nudging this for another person who has a rellie suffering from this dreadful condition - I know Mark is still in Weston-Super-Mare where he was transferred from Carlisle - I have to ring this evening to get an update, but when I last rang WSM he was still only able to move his hands and able to sit in a wheelchair

have just written a letter to Mark and printed off Page 6 of this thread for him to see all the good wishes he has been sent - think he'll be very surprised and very touched as well - thank you all

many thanks for that message Jackie - I shall be relaying them all to Mark when I write to him this week!! Everyone has been so very kind

Ann XX

Hi Ann
I am so happy that Mark is improving.
Going outside in the fresh air will help with his recovery I am sure. There is nothing worse than looking at 4 walls all day.
I wish him all the best. He has a long road to travel but I'm sure he will get there.

Kind Regards
Jackie

Glad to hear that he is progressing. It must have been a great morale booster for him to go to the canteen.

I read that story in the D Mail. I had not realised that it varied so much in severity and, like you was shocked to read that a tummy upset or a cold could spark it off.

I do hope that Mark will continue to progress and that he is soon transferred to W S Mare.

Ann
Glos