Numb

[wFo250]

Well my friends, I have a big problem. I spent 7 days in the hospital last week, 4 of which in ICU. I have come down with something called 'Guillain Barre Syndrome'. I have a lot of difficulty typing, but it is good pt so I am encouraged to keep it up. GBS is a peripheral motor-sensory neuropathic disorder. I have to walk very slowly or I will fall. My hands are mostly numb so I am having to type slowly and lots of corrections : and guitar is hopeless.
I had to undergo 10 hours of 'plasmapheresis' blood exchange treatment through a catheter in my neck. This helps to speed up a quite painful recovery process, which I'm told can be as soon as nine months. ( I am hoping to set the grade curve though). Doc says I am already ahead of most he has seen, and I am 1 in 100,000 who will get this rare disease. I have a new compassion for the handicapped as I now seem to be one. The rigors of shoe-tying, teeth-brushing etc. have made for a very frustrating 1st week of re-hab. My elbows wrists and knees haave not been taking commands very well. I feel very lucky to have a great group of family and friends to help me through this very difficult time. The wFo crew calls me 'bambi' now, due to my unsteady legs lol. The good news is I will recover one day soon and spank them both again! I am not looking for sympathy, I just wanted to tell y'all what is going on, and to be thankful for the little things you may take for granted. I never saw this coming and I have pretty much been floored by it. I am going to have to ride vicariously through you guys for a while, so keep the vids coming jedi!

peace--------------kxjohnny

Holy cow it took me 2 hrs to type this!!

[Aus_Rider_22]

John, so sorry to hear about this sudden illness.

If anyone can help in anyway possible, please let us know

Now get back to healing Bambi!

[Keetoman393]

Dang John! I wish you a speedy recovery bro! It's going to be tough changing from wFo to "Bambi"

[crfjedi393]

John,
Thanks for the post. I was wondering where you were. It sounds like you have a great attitude about it but I would expect no less. I've never heard of that disease but I was relieved when I read that recovery is in your future. Some of those things you are stuck with for life so I'm happy this isn't one of them. Hang in there my friend!
I'll post vids of our Winter Series for sure!

[Motodad393]

Johnny,
Thanks for the post, even though it was not good news. On the POSITIVE side of things you will recover and no doubt ride blue again! As you mentioned, you now have a different perspective for handicapped people. Often times it is this type of life's adversity that makes us better people in the long haul. You have always impressed me as a tough, determined and good man - Just remember you will be fine!

When you feel up to it let me know your contact information, cell phone, address and such. Will you be in the hospital very long? If so, which one. You never know who may come by and visit. Please let me know if there is anything we can do to help - these ATMer's are "Second to None."

Hang tough and keep us posted as you feel up to it. We will be thinking of you and your family.

All the Best

Motodad393

[DPW]

John,

I just read a little bit about what you got and wow...that's crazy and very scary. Hang in there buddy sounds like you have a very positve attitude about whole thing, that takes a lot of mental strength...

-Dennis

[schwen_108]

Recover fast bambi! We dont want to have you miss the next GMB!

[autonoz]

MY buddy had this a few years ago and made a complete recovery. No defecits whatsoever. Hang in there and heres to a speedy recovery.

[yz250guy]

It would take me two hours just to type the name of the illness! Hang in there Bambi, we're pulling for you!

[Faded]

WFO, I sincerely hope that you have a speedy and full recovery. Good luck, heal fast and remember to take it one day at a time.

[Kenny400]

Man, that has to be a tough situation John, but I'm glad to hear you are getting better. Just hang in there and remember you are in our thoughts and prayers.

[char393]

Hey John,

Man, I'm really sorry to hear about this. It sounds like you've got a great attitude though and that will go a long ways towards the recovery process.

Let me know if I can do anything, anything at all. And I ain't just saying that because it sounds good either.

I'm with Motodad...shoot me your home address and what-not when you get a chance. I'll send you down some seal oil and whale blubber to much on.
-charlene

[Florida 393]

Johnny,
Wow, I am dumbstruck by this. I feel helpless being here and can't offer more that moral support and prayers for you. Know that we will have you on the prayer board until I know you are healed. Man, 2 hours to type the post. I am amazed at your dedication. ATM will be here for you, I promise you that. Please don't hesitate to call if you need someone to talk with. I am going to P.M. you my numbers. Up to you if you want to use them of just ignore the big Marine/engineer that is a pain anyway. God be with you and your family.

Bill

[crdude]

Originally Posted by Florida 393

ATM will be here for you, I promise you that.

you got that right!

it sucks to hear that your one in 100,00 to get this! i mean WOW what are the odds!? (ok ya 1/100,000 but still!)

lookin forward to hearing about how you woop your crew when you get better.

[klxrider3214]

man sorry to hear about this , i wish you the best of luck and i hope your well soon.

[Imahoot393]

Somehow I have missed this post. I hope that things are getting better every day for you. You are in my thoughts and prayers for sure. Take care buddy!

[pragmatic393]

John, so sorry to hear this! As others have said, you have a great outlook on life. Let me know if I can do anything to help!

[zoohoot393]

John...hang in there and get better quick! If you need anything, please let us know!

[wFo250]

Thanks everybody. Jedi, so much for wishing for adversity eh?:
I am having a bit of trouble with things, but I am making progress. Imagine pushing the buttons on the microwave taking 2 or 3 stabs to get the right one sheesh. It's as if my arms are reined to a novice puppeteer. I reached a milestone today when I strummed the guitar and I actually hit the strings! It sounded like I was playing with my feet though. You guys are a great help to keep up spirits, thanks agagin.
p.s. I'm loving the Euro GP's and Canadian MX during the day....Mud-0-cross

Kawasaki used to be my favorite machine, now it's this one

[boogieonmyfinger]

There's a positive side to everything. Just hang in there, and it will be behind you soon. I know that you are trying to work on your motor skillls, but they have voice recognition software if you need it.

You'll be out doing catwalks before you know it.