Paul's Recovery from Guillain-Barré

Hi. My name is Casey. Here’s the story behind our GoFund.Me:

It started off as a simple cough/cold. We made several visits to the UPMC Magee's ER after that cold gave him side effects that were just not “normal”. Each visit/complaint was brushed under the rug. After being told to go home & "walk it off" THREE TIMES, we finally found a doctor that believed his symptoms were far more serious.

Let's go back to the beginning.

February 14, first trip to the ER. Pink eye treated and IV fluids given for dehydration.

That Friday, his feet start swelling and he goes numb to his knees.

February 17, back to the ER. The doctor told him... , "go home and walk it off."

Swelling and numbness continue. He was walking like he was intoxicated, out of breath, couldn't stand without me holding him, I bathe him, brush his hair, I'll stop there.

February 23, back to the ER. SENT BACK HOME.

I am 110 lbs and I was supporting the weight of a 200 lb man, and again- told to GO HOME.

He just kept getting worse. I called his PCP, He said get to the ER. He didn't want to go because of how he was dismissed the other 3 times. He didn't want to be told to go home and walk it off when we KNEW SOMETHING MAJOR WAS WRONG.

So I get him dressed, shoes on, lift him, his legs buckle and he's down. I had to call 911. 2 huge fireman were needed to lift him, carry him down the hall and steps into the car to head to a new hospital in hopes of them listening to Paul. When someone goes to the ER even once, they need help!

The doctor at UPMC Mercy didn't know what was going on but he said he wasn't letting him go home until they figured it out.

He was immediately sent to the ICU and hours later, was intubated because he was going into respiratory failure.

He was intubated for 8 days. Every test possible was done.

After a nerve test, he was confidently diagnosed with Guillain-Barré. He was released from the ICU, moved to a cardiac floor & finally to a spinal rehab unit where he’s learning to walk, shower, bend down, get dressed, go up and down the steps, absolutely everything you and I take for granted. He has no feeling in his hands or feet yet and his face is still tingly.

We didn't plan for this. Nobody does! We had no idea there was a chance of this happening.

I made this GoFund.Me for help with all of the medical bills racked up. The stay for a month in the ICU, cardiac unit and spinal rehab floor is at the cost of an SUV.

We need help with medical bills, medication and day to day life now which includes rent and bills.

I have Multiple Sclerosis and it is a day to day battle of my own. I can’t work and the fight for disability when you are too sick to work but not sick enough (according to disability) for disability is so frustrating, sad and really makes you feel helpless.

Rent is $800 a month. Electricity is around $50 a month. With Paul’s pay checks split almost in half, this is hard.

Paul and I don’t like asking for help but we wouldn’t be asking if we didn’t need it. Like, really need it.

I know everyone in the world needs help and money doesn’t grow on trees.

His hands are numb. His feet are numb. He’ll be on daily insulin and specialized meal plans that I’ll be cooking for him to keep his diabetes in check. He can’t drive, so I’ll be in charge of getting him to out patient physical therapy, doctors appointments and let’s be honest – all the driving!

I’ve had my own life’s battles and struggles but this is by fart he most eye opening experience and you are not promised a minute in this life.

ALL funds donated WILL BE SPEND ON SURVIVING.

We honestly NEED the help.

I keep the GoFund.Me updated almost daily. This has taken a massive mental toll on me with Multiple Sclerosis. Being in the roll of “caregiver”, I do experience burn-out. Stress with Multiple Sclerosis makes my Multiple Sclerosis symptoms go crazy. I have to take a day off here and there just to heal mentally before I wake up and continue on.

We can’t thank you enough for reading this. Please consider a donation. Every amount is appreciated and we are so thankful. We are so thankful for the donations already and didn’t expect it to get this far. Paul and I love you all and couldn’t have done this without you.

Thank you!

Casey & Paul