I am not sure when you were D’x’d with GBS but from what I know prior to my diagnosis the used the MRI to rule out MS,Brain Tumors ect. It was process of elimination on their part which is a valid approach. When the MRI came back totally normal thats when they told me to come back in 2 weeks. In the meantime GBS was doing it’s work on me. Once I got the all is “normal” I went straight to the ER.

You are right… MRI’s are very expensive, especially if they are coming straight out of your pocket. Make sure you understand what they are looking for. If there is valid reason for an MRI then you may have to do it. But make sure to ask questions.

kevin

I was dx’d with GBS in 10/2010 mostly better now but I had some skin reactions to the IVIG. It started with bumps or blisteres on my hands about 10 days after treatment, and then the skin started to peel off. I used cortosteroids, and after about 4 weeks it completely went away. I am not sure if the cortoseroids helped or not. Needless to say it was very concerning at the time. From what I have read it is one of the possible side effects to IVIG but nothing to be super concerned about. I wish I had known about it prior to the treatment.

Take care

I am very sad to see NGG banned.

As many of you have said it’s OK to have opinions I have mine….I’ve not read enough to undersand fully what happened with him. All of us have differing opinions and unique cases but each month in the US alone we have probably 300 new people ” joining the family” each month. Thats where I was a year ago, and those new members are the people we need to support.

Whether we agree or disagree with one another there is value in everyones opinion. If we disagree PM each or exchange phone numbers and work it out. Keep this place positive and fact or personal experience based.

Take care

Don’t worry about the stigma about the medications. If there is a short or long term need be it pain or depression and it helps you do it. Nothing to be ashamed of or worry about. Mentally and physically this is a long journey and many barriers along the way and if there are things available that will help you get from where you are to where you need to be there is no need for appologies. I am 1yr post GBS never had severe pain outside the initial onset but the mental aspect of this can shake you to the core. Depression and anxiety i think are very common and there are med’s that can help both. Think of where you will be one year from now and realize there will be brighter days.

I don’t like to give the “think of the positive” speach but GBS has put all of us in a shi$#$ place for a time. It will get better.

Take care

Hedley I understand your point at the same time it’s important we offer both sides to the GBS story. I am 12 months into this and have questions as too how far I will progress. Still i am in a different world than i was 8 months ago and try to be very optimistic about what the next 12 months will hold. It’s imortant for the members to hear the positives. This is a great story that should inspire people to try and do more..WHATEVER more may be. New people to this site need to see hope and the realization that in many cases things do get better. Yes we may still have issues even when we have “recovered”. But to share those wins is important for those on this site as well.

Keep paddlin

I would also challenge the 3-6 month recovery. I am almost 1 year post GBS at 3 months I could not..

-turn the ignition key on a car
-put away dishes with 1 hand
-effectively use a knife to cut food
-walk more than 1200 ft unassisted
-get up from the floor w/out grabbing something
-go up and down stairs at the house
-fill the car with gas
-Bench press 50 lbs
-Mow the lawn
-button shirts, or wear jeans
-+ much more

Now I am back to work full time all of things above have moved from the can’t to the can list. The wheel chair has been returned, and the walker is going on Craigs list for someone who needs it. I am very fortunate but 6 months from now I expect to move more items to the can list. The 3-6 month comment used to depress me when I hit 6 months but now I realize it’s just a number and like many other things with GBS they just don’t know. With hard work almost all things do get better. All I know is that I am well beyond the 6 month mark and continue to see improvement. It’s slow and sometimes I catch myself saying S#$* 30 days ago I tried this and could not do it..now I can. One must work and be patient. but in my opinion 6 months is BS.

[QUOTE=WV-Lindsay]I was diagnosed with GBS 3 weeks ago today. I feel very fortunate because it was diagnosed just 2 days after waking up with pins and needles in my feet. Spent a week in ICU/hospital getting ivig treatment for 5 days. Unfortunately on day 5 my face paralysis began to set in. I did get to go home and have been attempting to recover at home since then. I just recently decided to reach out to others online who understand what I am going through. I have always been a very positive person which has drawn me to this forum. I am thankful that everyday I am gaining more movement in my face. I am grateful for my new temperpedic pillow that cost me an arm and a leg but is actually comfortable for “most” of the night:) I am thankful that I have been able to be at home the past couple of weeks to see my beautiful, darling 15 month old daughter grow up even if I can’t hold her (although she just learned how to blow me kisses and it melts my heart!) I am so thankful to have an appetite and a wonderful hubby who loves to cook. I am thankful to have found you, whoever you are that is reading this to share this with. I had never even heard of GBS a month ago and now my life will never be the same because of it. I think about the things I used to take for granted and it is almost comical. I found out yesterday that I am probably going to be admitted to inpatient rehab but I have decided that if that is what I need, I am ready to go even knowing how hard it will be to be away from my baby but I am a fighter and I will beat this.[/QUOTE]
You WILL beat this. It takes time but they are many people here that will support you on your road to recovery. Take care

[IMG]http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1143309842503.18293.1820208547&type=1[/IMG]