One Man's Experience With Guillain-Barre Syndrome

After coming down with a stomach virus, Luther Glenn became paralyzed. He was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a neurological disorder that can leave people paralyzed for weeks. According to researchers, about 80 percent of people who come down with Guillain-Barre will recover almost fully, while the rest never regain their abilities. Luther is one of those still dealing with the effects of the condition.

Video produced by Meredith Rizzo; Reporting by Rae Ellen Bichell

[mooonpaw]

Don't you give up. No matter what. There's still more for you to learn and experience. I lived in that chair. I had an oxygen tank strapped to the back of it. I felt that creeping death come over me and I was told I'd likely never walk again. I felt so much of the pain I thought I'd choke on it. You know what you do with that pain and frustration? You hold it TIGHT. You keep it right there where you can see it. Because it lets you know you're still alive, and as long as you're alive you can still fight it. Now, over a decade later, I walk. I smile. I love. I feel. You got this. The biggest mistake I ever made, was listening to them tell me what I could and couldn't do. You fight it with every ounce you got, and don't you ever forget what it looked like in the beginning in that hospital. Because that's the start of the journey. And every time you look back on that, you'll see just how far you've come. You *built* that road. You *cleared* that path. Fight for what you want. Good luck.

[anjieismyname]

Praying for you Luther for complete healing and restoration in the mighty name of Jesus. Nerve sheaths and nerves be restored, muscles be restored, sensation be restored, mobility and hand function be completely restored in Jesus mighty name.

[briannaMason]

You’re in my prayers. I’m currently in the recovery process for GB. I got sick last august diagnosed with GB in September. Keep working

[sharonw.]

My husband developed Guillian Barre Syndrome and Miller Fischer Variet a week after going to the doctor for an upper respiratory infection. He was working one day and paralyzed from the neck down the next. His lungs and esophagus also became paralyzed. He controlled his wheelchair with his head for a year. It's been over 6 years and he is a quadriplegic. GBS is a thief that robs some people of their quality of life. My husband was a workaholic but is now spending his retirement in a wheelchair. Hopefully one day doctors will discover a way to regenerate the damaged nerves caused by illnesses like GBS.

[jamesgoodwin]

Sad to see this guy still suffering. My mom had this and almost died — hooked up to respirators and feeding tubes for 6 months. Six months after she left the hospital she was pregnant with me and was fully recovered. She still has no idea what triggered her GBS.

[jenniferwesaw]

God bless you. You are an inspiration. My sister is still in hospital on ventilator with GBS. I pray she can find the strength and resilience that you have shown. Thank you for documenting your journey for others who are scared to death right now

[dpsmuttering]

You inspire the others who are recovering as well. We all fight together. <3 Thank you for posting and thank you for your fighting spirit Luther! <3

[deboraholler]

Hello, I am also suffering from GBS.
I spent 6 months in hospital trying to recover from this dreadful, excruciating painfull illness, and my ongoing progress is slow.
I am sending you so much love and well wishes.

[fredb]

I got GBS after recovering from Covid in feb 2022. I am in the recovery period. Weakness of lower body parts numbness of face, feet, trunk and hands, unable to swallow well, speak, can close my eyes and yes the burning pain. I go to bed with it and wake up with it. I am a front line worker an ER nurse to be exact. This thing almost kill me. I just want to hug all of you and send my prayers. STAY STRONG!!! Yes. I am fully vaccinated and boosted. Same goes for the flu vax for 20+ years.

[MrTechselect]

Sending my prayers to Mr. Glenn. Stay strong. I hope you get well soon. My mother had Guillain-Barre syndrome in her 20s. She had ascending and descending paralysis and would have died if not for the doctors and nurses who cared for her. After months in the hospital and years of physical therapy, she recovered though the experience left her weak and she has trouble walking.

[deman]

I had it in January 2022 and got over it pretty quick with physical therapy. Was in the hospital for 6 days. It’s April now and all I have is muscle twitch once in a while and my feet burn after being on them for a long period of time. I hope this guy will get back to normal life

[xEJCx]

Keep pushing brother i suffered from gbs in 2007 when i was 12 years old. Expected to recover 100% like everyone else but i did not but very thankful forevermore keep pushing and thug it out much love !

[kathleenquinn]

Stay strong
My mom had Guillaume Barre in her late 70, she regains use of her upper body but was paralyzed from waist down.
Your attitude is inspiring

[stevesmart]

I feel for you my friend, in 1976 I was struck down with GBS, I was very very fit and strong, I was left totally paralysed , died twice revived twice, saw things that I shouldn't of seen until I was ready, Then I was back, in so much pain that you can not explain ! After months of struggling falling hurting myself, I removed the calipers, still had dropped feet but compensated with my gait very little help from physio, though they did try! My toes still don't move my fingers are useless I can't have children, But I fought it and didn't let it win! I still suffer inward, nobody sees my struggle, but I win every day!!! And so will you !! God bless>

[muhfux]

I've had to deal with this symptom a total of three times in my life. Twice as a different form (Brickerstaff Encephalitis). It sure can be hard to deal with but hang in there. Keep up the good spirits

[lynnecrocker]

People don’t realize what you go through when you get this. And how much pain you are in

[beatricebetty]

May God heal you fully. My daughter was diagnosed with the same in July 2024 and is still in the hospital

[GIBKEL]

It’s so hard to deal with disease that you don’t have much time and energy for worrying about the why of it. I feel for you brother. It’s especially hard on our loved ones. It’s almost as if they carry what’s left and that can be a hell of a burden that is not consciously chosen. The distance between those two states of two people coping is where love becomes Herculean and a miracle for someone inflicted. Indescribable from the outside and so intimate between the two. That has been my experience with MS and a wonderful marriage.

[louisekirk]

my boyfriend is in the hospital now theyv have just diagnosed this, he is terrified...he woke up on morning with pins and needles and numbness in his limbs, today he moved his toes slightly but then the numbness came back...the doctors are optimistic wev caught it in time but it is so scary hes a scaffolder and always worked hard outside

[JAYFLOPROBEATS]

Love you Uncle....always thinking about ya and will come see you soon