Len, When I was in Critical Care the docs told me almost everyone recovers fully. When I was in rehab hospital a volunteer who had gbs told me she still had tingling and numbness after 6 years. That did not sound like full recovery to me. I am now almost 5 years down the road and I still have numbness and tingling in feet and hands and some facial numbness.
Feet feel like I am walking on bunched up socks.
But, it doesn’t affect what I do….walking, working, golfing, gardening, scouting, canoeing, driving……..living. She can do it.
My case was similar to your wife- 2 weeks critical care, 2 weeks specialty hospital to wean off vent, 5 weeks rehab hospital and 6 weeks out patient therapy.

We’ll send it your way when we are done with it.
Merry Christmas.

Dan, If you had physical therapy continue doing the exercises as much as possible.You will get stronger and be able to do most everything. My feet and hands still tingle – feet feel like bunched up socks – and there is some facial weakness. But I can walk and play golf and work. I am not taking any medication for GBS residuals. Good Luck.

This week marks the two year anniversary of release after 9 weeks of hospitalization. GBS started about the same for me and as quickly. I was 64 at the time and my daughters found this forum as well. What they found out helped them a lot and provided encouragment for me. The good news is diagnosis! The sooner treatment gets started to slow progression the better and faster will be recovery. I got into a really good acute rehab (5 weeks) hospital and was able to walk out – with a walker. AND after a few more weeks of out patient, I could walk on my own; using a cane on bad weather days. Encourage your dad, most every one recovers. Do not lie to him though – it will not happen over night and will take time and work. As Gene says, rest will be important. Don’t let him do too much at a time and rest between sessions.
God Bless Dad!
Al
GBS Aug ’05

Your dad cannot be taken off the respirator untill he can breath on his own. For me they would cut off the oxygn for periods of time and if I did ok, the period would be longer and more frequent. With the breathing help he cannot eat solid food, so he will probably have to work up to liquids, soft food and solid. After getting off the vent and being able to talk again, I moved to an acute rehab hospital and spent 5 weeks of 3 times a day therapy, not on Sunday, learning to walk, dress, climb stairs and get stronger; and 6 more weeks of out patient therapy 3 days a week with home work.
I am lucky – 9 weeks of hospital; but I was able to go back to work full time at the end of 5 months.
I took a driver evaluation course offered by the rehab hospital, mostly for the pease of mind that I had a paper saying I was Ok to drive.
GBS – Aug, ’05
AL

I just walked home from a concert in the park in downtown Arlington Heights.
The moon is almost full and it’s a beautiful evening.
As I walked I thought about the canoe trip I took with friends and family, 2 years ago tommorow. By the following Saturday, I was in CCU and on life support. As I walked I could only thank God for recovery and a bit more time to spend with wife, friends, children and grand children. I was 64 then and now as I approach 67(January), I am able to walk and do most everything.
So I doubt it is an age thing. It could be easy to why me…..my feet feel like I’m walking on bunched up socks, my left eye waters a bit, my upper lip feels “numb” and my hands tingle….but hey I can enjoy the neighborhhod, an almost full moon, a walk home and concert with Cathie.
Granted my recovery is better than many, but maybe some of the folks need professional help.
I will pray for them.

Gramps…It’s hell. I was 64 in Aug ’05 when gbs came along. Not retired but I hear what you say about enjoying and not having to worry so much about supporting a family. I spent 2 weeks in CCU, 2 weeks in specialty hospital to wean off the vent, 5 weeks in acute rehab hospital, and 6 weeks out patient therapy.
I can tell you that progress is slow and somtimes it seems like you will never get back. When I came home and had to get up a few steps with the walker, I was scared to death; but for me recovery has been good. I was able to get back playing golf last spring….walking on grass the first few times was perilous. I sure appreciate the effort that goes into physical rehab, and the feeling that I can’t do it. BUT you can, because we believe in you!
Keep the faith.
Papa AL

Hey Geezer,
I’m 66 now and was 64 when gbs hit. Keep at that walking, soon you will be able to go further. Good idea to use a cane if it’s dark or bad weather. We don’t need you falling and back in the hospital with broken bones.
I spent 2 weeks in CCU; 2 weeks in specialty hospital to wean off vent, 5 weeks in acute rehab hospital and 6 more weeks in out patient therapy….but I was able to play golf last spring and summer. Now I walk at least a half hour daily and ride exercise bike.
Keep on keepin on.
Al