Rare Disease Day on February 29, 2024 is meant to spotlight rare diseases in the hopes that more people can get involved in organizations geared toward making the lives of those suffering more bearable.

My friend Bob Cummings, who works at the Casino Regina Show Lounge went through and is still battling his fight with Guillain-Barre syndrome. Bob and talked about his infliction told me about this rare disorder in which your body’s immune system attacks your nerves.

Check out my chat with Bob. Very informative and enlightening.

Weakness and tingling in your hands and feet are usually the first symptoms.

These sensations can quickly spread, eventually paralyzing your whole body. In its most severe form Guillain-Barre syndrome is a medical emergency. Most people with the condition must be hospitalized to receive treatment.

The exact cause of Guillain-Barre syndrome is unknown. But two-thirds of patients report symptoms of an infection in the six weeks preceding. These include a COVID-19, respiratory or a gastrointestinal infection or Zika virus.

There’s no known cure for Guillain-Barre syndrome, but several treatments can ease symptoms and reduce the duration of the illness. Although most people recover completely from Guillain-Barre syndrome, some severe cases can be fatal. While recovery may take up to several years, most people are able to walk again six months after symptoms first started. Some people may have lasting effects from it, such as weakness, numbness or fatigue.

If this sounds like something you or somebody you know is going through please check in with your doctor. The sooner you catch it the easier it is to treat.