Hello, my name is Kathy. I am Mark's older sister and Heather's SIL. Three weeks ago Heather became ill and quickly knew these weren't everyday illness symptoms that she was dealing with. After numerous trips to different ERs, Urgent Care and her family physician she was seen by a rheumatologist who immediately sent her to the ER for admittance to the hospital for a suspected autoimmune disorder. A week and a half after her symptoms first started Heather was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré /gi'jan ba're/ Syndrome. GBS is a condition in which the immune system attacks the nerves. It is very rare with fewer than 20,000 cases per year. In a matter of a few weeks, Heather has gone from working as a nurse to being a patient in the hospital. Heather has extreme muscle weakness that has rendered her temporarily paralyzed. She is unable to feed herself and the doctors have asked that she refrain from speaking to keep her diaphragm strong for breathing. Heather's lung capacity is down 35% and they are monitoring her closely and have moved her to a larger room for potential ventilator assistance. To date (July 3rd) Heather has had high-dose immunoglobulin therapy and will be undergoing a plasma exchange, both of which are standard care for treating GBS. Mark and their four boys could really use your support. Heather had just changed jobs 5 weeks prior to becoming ill and is without Short-term disability. They are down to one income and Mark is working as much as he can while also tending to Heather in the hospital. He is going in before work, during his lunch break and after work, until visiting hours are over so that he can feed her, do physical therapy with her and move her in the bed to keep her as comfortable as possible. While GBS can be treated the recovery can be lengthy and residual muscle weakness or paralysis can occur. Most people with GBS will recover from most of their symptoms within six to 12 months. However, it can take several months to several years to fully recover from the nerve damage caused by Guillain-Barrè Syndrome. In addition to the LFEBridge page, Heather and Mark's friends have generously organized a benefit to take place at the end of July. All donations raised through the Go Fund Me page and the benefit will be used to help Heather & Mark with monthly and medical expenses.
Artículos relacionados
