tmerrill
Your Replies
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July 11, 2010 at 2:44 pm
Hi!
I am a university professor – and missed six weeks of classes when I first had GBS (now two years ago). The remainder of that semester was VERY tiring! Could only do half days at first – and was in a walker till the end of that semester.
Now – I just finished a half-marathon this past May and am preparing for a full marathon in November. I know I am fortunate to have recovered so quickly, but find that every moment in the classroom is now even more precious to me.
Good luck and hang in there !
June 19, 2008 at 11:34 pmThanks, Jan,
It helps to know that A LOT! I will try to be patient with my body – and not push…
June 5, 2008 at 11:07 pmHi David,
I, too, had a mild case of GBS DXed 1/9/08. I am really fortunate that while I was out of town, my primary care doc essentially diagnosed over the phone (he had had a GBS patient before). My responses to your questions below are in [COLOR=”Blue”]blue[/COLOR].
1. I still have intermittent tingling/numbness in feet. [COLOR=”Blue”]I am still tingling/numb every day. I understand from lots of good people on this list that this can last up to at least two years, and some tingling may never completely go away.[/COLOR]
2. I have problems with my fingers being able to do simple tasks..ie, open Ziploc bags, hold onto something tightly, etc. Yup – join the club:) [COLOR=”Blue”]I am now able to (most days) button my own shirt cuffs. Very fine manipulations still defy me.[/COLOR]
3. any known effects of ivig. I have already been told i cannot recieve flu shots. I had [COLOR=”Blue”]horrible headaches afterwards for a week. But that may also have been a result of the spinal tap. My doc is 50/50 on the flu shots. He says no for at least three or four years, but then, is the risk of getting the flu and a possible reinfection worth the risk of a flu shot? I am also a teacher and see lots of students every day. I remain uncertain about the flu shot question.[/COLOR]
4. ever since gbs my blood pressure has been high, high enough that i need meds to keep it down. I never had blood pressures issues before gbs, has anyone else experienced that? [COLOR=”Blue”]I was borderline hypertensive before my GBS. Then, it got really high while I was in the hospital. Now that I am working out again, it appears to be a bit low (average 105/50). I see my doc on Monday and we will discuss this.[/COLOR]
5. Is gbs heridetary(sp)..Is my daughter at risk since I got it?[COLOR=”Blue”] From all I have read here and elsewhere, no. However, my daughter’s pediatrician did make a note of my GBS on my daughter’s chart during her last exam.[/COLOR]
6. Is there a chance for it to reoccur? [COLOR=”Blue”]From what I have read, if you do not have CIDP, there is a 3% chance of a recurrence.[/COLOR]
I have found the people on this list to be a remarkable source of help, inspiration and information!
Good Healing!
Tom
May 27, 2008 at 9:22 pmThanks All,
Some days I pretend not to notice, other days I can’t help but notice. One day at a time – that is what I am learning! I did run 10 miles yesterday – I think I can put a check in the improvement column 🙂
Peace,
Tom:)
April 18, 2008 at 10:56 pmHi All,
I AM doing a bit better each day. I know my strength is returning, and I can now spend an entire day at work without needing a three hour nap 😉
It is so comforting/secure to know that there are so may others (who knew???) going through this (and many who have had it worse!).
The tingling is still persistent in my hands, feet and torso. I know this will continue to improve, but it sure takes a LONG TIME to get better.
It has been warm and sunny in Cincinnati (finally!) and tomorrow I hope to spend a few hours clearing out my vegetable garden, rain permitting.
I wish all of you a renewal of spring – physically AND seasonally!
Tom
March 24, 2008 at 5:49 pmThank JayDee – all went well. At home and patched up – I’ll be a pirate king for a week till the eye patch is removed 😉
NO exercise for two weeks, though – that is a bummer. I was just getting use to going to the gym everyday. I am allowed to take “brisk” walks. Hah! I am frequently passed by 70+ year-olds on the track at thy gym. Maybe a sedate walk will be possible…
Cheers!
March 22, 2008 at 9:59 pmThanks, Dawn,
Please know that you and Kevie are in my prayers! It seems I have a LOT more people to pray for since joining this list 🙂 BUT, this is a true comfort and source of support. I live for my small victories- being able to button the cuffs of my sleeves, going downstairs without holding on to the railing, cooking Easter dinner for friends that we haven’t had over for three months!
I have surgery on Monday to remove a basal cell sarcoma near my eye that I was supposed to have removed before I contacted GBS. Time flies… Be well, ALL!!!!
March 20, 2008 at 10:15 pmThanks Greg and Pam!
I saw my doc today and he said that I am the strongest he has seen since my encounter with GBS. I am STILL tingly in hands and feet (especially hands). He is not too concerned as he says the nerve regeneration is the last thing to happen (because it takes so long).
I do feel stronger every day, and I think the gym is helping. When I got home today from work, I took an 90 minute nap – that helped 🙂
My prayer is that CIDP will not become a regular part of my life, as it seems to have with so many other GBS patients. Time will tell, I suppose. I will just keep on working day-to-day and see how it goes.
March 19, 2008 at 10:49 pmThanks, Greg,
The most telling symptom of my syndrome at this point, I think, is my fatigue. I always sleep in, and usually take at least one nap per day. That seems to helop (the nap…). I am hoping that the tingling in hands and feet will diminish. On a day-top-day basis, it is very difficult to tell if it is getting any better.
I would be interested to know from others who have recovered from GBS how soon, and in what manner the tingling sensations went away.
Thanks!
Tom
March 16, 2008 at 10:51 pmThanks, Jerimy, Gabrielle, Carolyn, and Sandie,
I am happy to say that I was just granted tenure and a promotion by my university. What a relief 🙂
Many thanks for your kind thoughts and well-wishes. I am still trying to figure out what is “recovery” and what is “fatigue.”
This group is such a great resource/comfort/help!
Thanks,
Tom
😀
March 13, 2008 at 9:52 amThanks, Colleen and Alison,
I take a nap every day after work, and try not to get into the office till 11 or so. I used to have a very full schedule, and it is hard for me to “slow down.” I have been goingm to the gym this week – just for 15 minutes on an eliptical machine and some stretching. My wife and daughter are especially vigilant that I get enough rest!
