A journey toward recovery from Guillain Barre
On March 2nd, my life changed forever. I was admitted to UVA Hospital in Charlottesville, VA and was quickly diagnosed with Guillain Barre Syndrome, admitted, and by the next day was in a bed unable to move anything but my head along with a couple fingers and toes. Almost 7 months later, although only about 75% recovered, most people think that I am back to my old self. My hope is this blog will provide Hope and Encouragement to those who face adversity or who are supporting someone in the midst of trials. I am going to start here with where I am now and then take you back through the ordeal that came from GBS.
Here is what I shared at my church on 8/12 which explains the title of this blog.
I was asked to share a little bit about what I have experienced over the last 5 months. If you are interested in a blow by blow report you can visit
Www.Caringbridge.com/michaelguthrie
the long story made short is I was diagnosed on March 2nd with Guillain Barre syndrome. A virus caused my auto immune system to go haywire which destroyed the myelin sheathing around my nerves which caused no interaction with my muscles. This left leaving me essentially unable to move anything but my head for almost three weeks. I spent 12 days in the hospital and 43 days in a rehab facility. By God’s mercy and with His strength I walked out of rehab two months earlier than expected with the assistance of a cane on 4/25. Since then, I have been getting stronger and although not there yet, I am counting on a full recovery for which I am very thankful.
I am also very grateful for my wife who was and is my rock throughout this ordeal. She was fierce in advocating for me but did so with such a gracious spirit. Folks have asked me how this impacted our marriage. I can honestly say I didn’t think I could love her more or be more thankful. I was wrong.
I am also thankful for many dear friends, my family and this church family
Philemon 4-7 4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I have experienced your love for me and Dottie and your faith in the Lord Jesus. 6 I trust that your partnership with us in our recovery has somehow deepened your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. 7 Your love has given us great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed our hearts.
The song do it again says,
Your promise still stands
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I’m still in Your hands
This is my confidence, You never failed me yet
Hebrews 11:1 says Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” I can testify that by standing firm and being encouraged by many of you, the invisible became clearly visible.
I will finish with James 1 and a quote from Tim Keller. James 1:2 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,”… Tim Keller-“Recount a time in which adversity pushed you toward Jesus, and spend some time today thanking him for working in your life. Thank you Guillain Barre for allowing God to teach me things I may never have learned.
Here is the video from that morning. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PG_Xx7t_miY I look forward to sharing the rest of the story from the beginning and throughout the rest of my recovery. May God bless it and use it for His glory!