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Guillain-Barre syndrome - Coping and Complications
By peace | May 16, 2006
Living with a physical disability presents daily challenges. Some of these suggestions may make it easier for you to cope:
- Set priorities. Decide which tasks you need to do on a given day and which can wait until another time. Stay active, but don’t overdo it.
- Get out of the house. When your mobility is restricted, it’s natural to want to be alone. But this only makes it easier to focus on your disability. Instead, ask a friend to visit or take you on short errands.
- Seek and accept support. It isn’t a sign of weakness to ask for or accept help when you need it. In addition to support from family and friends, consider joining a support group. Although support groups aren’t for everyone, they can be good places to hear about coping techniques or treatments that have worked for others. You’ll also meet people who understand what you’re going through. To find a support group in your community, check with your doctor, a nurse or the county health department.
- Talk to a counselor or therapist. You may find it helpful to talk to a counselor or therapist in addition to your primary care doctor. Counseling can help relieve the emotional difficulties you’re feeling because of your sudden paralysis and dependence on others.
Complications
The long-term outlook for most people with GBS is good. About 75 percent to 85 percent of those affected recover completely or have only minor, residual weakness or abnormal sensations such as numbness or tingling.
Up to 15 percent of people with GBS experience more serious, permanent problems with sensation and coordination, including some cases of severe disability. About one in ten of those affected is at risk of experiencing a relapse.
GBS may cause severe damage to your muscles and nervous system, weakening your heart and lungs. About one-third of people with GBS require assisted ventilation while they are ill. Up to one in 12 people with GBS die of related complications such as respiratory failure, pulmonary embolism and cardiac arrest. Older adults with other medical problems are at greatest risk of death from GBS.
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