Help Steph Recover from GBS

Hello friends and family! Please take a brief moment and read this campaign description on my fight with Guillain-Barré Syndrome.

GBS (to give people background info, even doctors don’t fully know everything about the syndrome yet) is a rapid-onset muscle weakness caused by the immune system attacking its own nerves. The disorder is extremely rare (1-100,000) and is usually followed after an illness. GBS usually begins with tingling and weakness in the hands and feet and rapidly works its way upwards. This rapid response from the immune system often leaves individuals paralyzed; many individuals need assistance breathing in a medical setting. Not much is known about the disorder and it can develop at any age.

January 25th I was coming off a few days of being sick. Everyone in the state of Colorado seemed to catch this bug so it wasn't of concern. The next couple of days a feeling of tingling and weakness started in my feet and hands. Being a typical symptom coming off a few days of being sick, we decided it would go away shortly. Then I suddenly woke up with extreme pain in my legs, hardly able to stand putting clothes over them. I went to the ER, but multiple blood tests, UA samples, CT Scans showed nothing and I was sent home with the recommendation of Tylenol, and a referral to a neurologist.

Soon my legs could no longer support me walking without holding onto something. I began falling at work. A checkup with my primary care doctor found nothing, and my neurologist was making me wait a month to be seen. Jessie (my boyfriend) had plans to visit home back in WI for a few days. I decided to go with him, at the point where I couldn’t even hold myself up in the shower and couldn’t stay alone.

I spent most of my time not moving from my couch while in WI, but special shout out goes to my sister Sam, who never left my water glass empty or without ice cream in the fridge (among the million other things she stepped up to do).

Feb 10, instead of celebrating his birthday, Jessie was concerned my symptoms were getting worse and drove me to the ER. An MRI and lumbar puncture finally confirmed GBS. Ambulance took me from Beaver Dam Community Hospital to St. Marys Hospital in Madison, WI to begin a 5 day treatment of IVIG. I broke free Feb 15! I finally returned to CO on the 19th.

GBS is a rather strange sickness, however, where recovery is much harder than anyone can predict. The treatment seems to have stopped the progression of the disorder but has lowered my WBC count (White Blood Cell) leaving me susceptible to simple infections. I’ve been battling a simple virus, putting my recovery on hold, probably a bit behind. Even with medicine, I have trouble with eating, body aches, working on my muscles, and extreme fatigue. My boyfriend, Jessie, has been a blessing. He's been assisting with meals, bathing me, dressing me, walking, and much more, but we I need a little more help.

Some of the things your campaign donations will go to: a wheelchair, in-home physical therapy, a CNA, additional medical expenses that are adding up, bills, and much more.

Any help would mean the world. The first couple of weeks of my recovery have been very difficult. I could really use the additional assistance of in-home care. Please know I am extremely thankful for everyone's thoughts, prayers, and support while I am recovering!