Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a disease where your immune system attacks your own nerves, resulting in a lot of pain and intermittent paralysis. Andy Griffith was 57 when he was diagnosed with GBS. His pain started at his legs and worked its way through the rest of his body. People with GBS usually are hospitalized for long-term to help manage pain and other symptoms. Andy's main occupations are acting and singing. Prior to his diagnosis he was functioning at a high level. After his diagnosis, he became very dependent on his wife to help with mobility and ADLs. GBS is believed to be caused by an allergic reaction to viral infections. Andy had a bad case of the flu prior to his symptoms appearing, and that is what is believed to have triggered GBS. Andy's main problems are severe pain, muscle weakness, and bouts of paralysis in his feet and legs. The goals that Alexa had for Andy were very good. Andy's main goal is to get back to acting. An OT would work on pain management techniques to help him participate in his occupations. An OT would also treat his secondary symptoms, such as depression and guilt from not being able to participate in his occupations.
No comments:
Post a Comment