Timing is Everything

I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. A year ago I felt a strong need to create a blog about my Guillain Barré Syndrome journey. I was nervous about my writing skills and to lay pieces of my life out for the world to see. But I knew in my heart it was the right thing to do. I wanted a way to give back and reach out to people on similar paths. From personal experience I knew there was a need for a place that GBS Fighters and their loved ones could read stories of others. Where they could learn and maybe understand a little more..

 

GBS is scary stuff. There are no guarantees or real answers. I had to hit rock bottom- loose my ability to move anything but my thumbs before I hit my plateaue and started to recover. At that time I was desperate to hear about others. Yes my experience wouldn't be the exact same but I needed scenarios. I needed to know the truths... That yes some people do loose their fight but more often than not they survive and lead normal lives... But what it "normal" anyway?

 

In June I met the sweetest woman through social media. She was also recovering from Guillain Barré Syndrome/ CIDP. She told me that she found my blog and Facebook page when she was in the hospital and newly diagnosed. She talked about how much it helped her and thanked me. Since the beginning I have felt a connection to her, our lives are very similar and we are both crazy over our nieces... and nephews for me 😜💕 I'm forever grateful that we crossed paths. It makes this whole ordeal a little more bright and shiny.

I realized today, that it is her 1 year anniversary of being diagnosed and hospitalized. I launched my blog 2 days before her life was thrown for a loop... Timing is everything & everything truly does happen for a reason.

 

Oh and P.S.- as of today it's been a year since I took my first unassisted steps 😊 I've officially been wobbling around for a year. In a perfect world I would be running by now... but in reality I have always hated running. Slow and steady 💪🏻🐢💙

 

I thought I could only take 2 or 3 steps without holding on to the bars... I took 14 😊🐢💙💪🏻

 

Hagen and I after my big walk 💙💚

 

If you or someone you live has been thrown into this crazy journey, just know that you are not alone. I have met so many of you through Facebook and Instagram and value our chats. "Keep on dreaming even if it breaks your heart".

On This Day

I'll be the first to admit that I love the "On This Day" feature on Facebook. Over the past month it has stopped me in my tracks more than once. Reading the posts that my husband and loved ones carefully wrote out. The comments and prayer request after prayer request.

Seeing the love that these people, my people have for me. It feels good and hurts at the same time. I hate that the love these people have for me caused them so much pain and heartache. Not having answers was the worst.

 

Today January 9th marks two years since I was transferred to a long term care facility. I remember being terrified because I knew I would be alone on that first night. When you are unable to see or voice your needs it's unimaginable. I remember before I was transferred letting Bryan "know" to give my "list" of usual needs to the ambulance and care facility. The list consisted of; fan? Repositioned? Music?Chapstick? And then they would name body party's from my head down to find what was bothering me. I would shake my thumb when they named the right thing.

 

On the ambulance ride from Chico to Folsom- about an hour and a half, I recall a medic asking if I was in pain. I wiggled my thumb "yes" I figured they would push pain meds through my port thingy... not to be shanked by a syringe while on a bumpy road in the middle of nowhere Northern California... I really didn't see that coming lol.

Once I got there my anxiety was through the roof but I was instantly calmed once I heard my cousin, Tony's voice. He was definitely my hero that night. I knew in my heart that he wouldn't let these new people who didn't know me, kill me lol... you don't really think rationally when you are unable to speak or have a conversation for a month lol. Then I heard my mother in laws voice. I felt so loved and relieved. To go from expecting to be alone and terrified to surrounded by two people who loved me. I know it wasn't easy staying up all night and interpreting my needs. I love you both so very much.

On that day was also the begging of me being able to open my eyes after nearly a month. They would only squint open and could not focus. But it was a start. 

Last year on this day, this blog officially began. It has been a hell of a journey and I'm so thankful for all of the wonderful people it has connected me to. I never dreamt that my words would travel so far. It's an odd but wonderful feeling. I wanted to create a place where GBS fighters and their families could go for support, answers and to easily find stories of others. I'm so proud of my project "The Faces of Guillain Barré" and how many people it helped.

 

I never thought I would enjoy writing. It intimidated me to be truthful... but spilling these words out has helped me heal. I never expected that. Thank you to each and every one of you who deal with my ramblings!

Today I woke up to my phone buzzing like crazy from multiple texts from my sister, Brandi. She told me she would pick me up in 30 min and I was going shopping in Chico (30 min away) with her.

Then I realized that all 3 of my walking sicks, my wheelchair and handicap placard were in my truck that was with my husband at work.

I decided to challenge myself and to go anyways. We went to a few stores for Brandi and then lunch at Hulas- Mongolian BBQ. It still feels weird to be up right while out and about. It's a whole different perspective. We then roamed around Ross. I pushed a cart for added support and then found a comfy chair to camp out in.

Well I survived my first shopping trip without any Gimp equipment 🙌🙌  whoop whoop! But I promptly took a nap when I got home lol

Yay for milestones. And extra points to me since I accomplished this while having a flare up- sensitive skin, sometimes it feels on fire, fatigue, aches and pains, sickness, headaches, ect. It's not fun but I'll take a flare up over a relaps any day. On these days I try to get extra rest and pull out an adult coloring book. They help me not think about my pain... and who doesn't love coloring?

Hopefully January 9th, 2018 bring something else exciting.

365 Days of Writing- Day 3: Am I Content

Day 3- Am I Content 

 

Contentment can be hard to reach. After learning and accepting that my life is not what I thought it would be. No one ever thinks they are going to be the one that comes down with a rare medical issue. Four years ago when I married Bryan, if someone asked what I thought the next few years would hold for us- I would have said maintaining our boring low key lives and starting a family, maybe returning to school.

Letting go of what I thought my life would be like has been the hardest part of this journey. But throughout this process is have found my strength. I have also found my voice. I have had the opportunity to talk to and befriend amazing people that without GBS I would have never “met”. I have to believe that everything happens for a reason. I can confidentiality say that I’m content in this life that I’m blessed to live. To truly be surrounded in love and to know how precious my life is.

This Tim McGraw song is beautiful and fits in with how I feel perfectly ❤❤

https://g.co/kgs/gzanZr

365 Days of Writing: Day 2- What I'm most grateful for

Day 2: What I'm most grateful for

 

Having a chronic illness really made be appreciate what I have in life. I know how lucky I am to have such an amazing, devoted husband. A dad who is there when I need him and to fill both the mother and father roll. Hands down I could not have survived my hospital stay without my dad and Bryan. I will forever be grateful for them for always putting me first.

 

January 2015- Bryan and I... I had no idea how I looked, I thought I was smiling. This was when my eyes first opened after being closed for 5 weeks... but then they wouldn't close for months.

 

Dad and I on our "Independence day" from Sutter- Roseville Rehab 

 

Both Bryan and Dad trying to but my hair in a pony tail lol.

My family; aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, my nieces and nephews, friends who have become Family, my community and so much more.

 

My cousin Kasie and Aunt Kim camped out in my room in the ICU

 

Kasie, my aunt Leann and grandma visiting me after I was transferred to Sutter- Roseville Rehab... I'm definitely grateful to have my smile back and to not have a catheter 😬

I have a place to call home. Plenty of munchkins to love and spoil. The best and fattest dog who loves me. I can take care of myself- wipe my own ass (yay), drive again. I feel like I'm finally on the path to getting my life back.

 

Photo by- Matt Sanchez 

 

Sage and I- March 2016... Photo by- Matt Sanchez

I can open and close my eyes when I chose. I can breathe on my own and not depend on a machine. I can tell the ones that I love how much they meen to me. I can walk. There is so much to be grateful for. 

I'm a lucky lady and so very blessed to get a second chance at life. There is always something to be grateful for!

 

365 Days of Writing- Day 1: My number one goal this year

 

'Tis the season of New Year's Resolutions. I wanted one for my blog and to get me in the habit of writing every day. My goal it to write about something everyday.At the first of the month I will post my monthly writing prompts. 

 

I hope to be writing a lot more about my experience and challenges with Guillain Barré and living with a chronic illness. This May I will also be picking back up "The Faces of Guillain Barré. I'm hoping to be able to post updates from everyone I featured in 2016 along with new stories of other fighters and their families.

 

I look forward to connecting with more people on the same path of life that I am. As always I'm excited to help as many people as I can. If there are any subjects you would like me to write about, feel free to send my your ideas and questions. I try to be real and honest in the hopes of helping others. 

I have never felt comfortable writing but this blog has helped me heal in many ways. My Guillain Barré experience is starting to feel more like a dream... sometimes a nightmare but it's finally doesn't hurt as much to think or talk about. For that I'm thankful but I do want to write down as much as possible about the past two years while it is still fresh.

Cheers to 2017

2016 was full of challenges, milestones and learning how to get my footing in this crazy life. I'm so thankful for the people in my lives. The ones who have chosen my needs above their own time and time again. This year has also brought clarity. Mostly about what "family" truly is. 

 

It's been amazing celebrating births, marriages and birthdays with my loved ones. I'm grateful to be another year older and "wiser". 

 

Tony and Stevie's Wedding October 2016

 

My amazing cousin, Tony on his wedding day. It was such a blessing to be there for their perfect day 💕

 

Miss Cailynn's birthday with these amazing ladies

 

My birthday at the lake with Joe, Nessa and Bryan. I love these people and we miss Joe so much since he moved.

 

Pictures with my nieces and nephews 

 

My heart ❤️ 

This year hasn't been a bad one... especially compared to the year before lol. I have learned to walk agin. I'm finally only using a wheelchair while I'm out and about. I've gained my independence back by getting back behind the wheel again. I've also had the honor of meeting and hearing the stories of many others with Guillain Barré Syndrome. I started my blog and have been able to help a few people along the way. It has been great to help others after so many people have given us so much.

 

Alyses first birthday 🎉💕

 

Courtney and Derek's Wedding 

 

These are my people 💕💕- Courtney and Derek's Wedding 

 

Hawaii with Grandma, Grandpa and Kasie

 

When Bryan got his tonsils removed 😂 we were a match made in heaven lol

 

I was lucky enough to make many more memories with these two 💙😊

 

And I was lucky enough to spend another year with my amazing husband... 9 years together and many more to come 😘

Tonight while many of you are out on the town, I'm spending New Year's Eve with my amazing husband watching Netflix... there is nowhere else I'd rather be. We are healthy and together... That's all that matters. Anything beats our version of NYE in SanFrancisco two years ago- I was on life support unable to move anything or open my eyes... I was unaware that a prisoner was in the bed next to me, hand cuffed to the bed with multiple armed guards 😂😂😂... and Bryan in a closed cafeteria eating Cheezeits and watching the ball dropped. 

I hope you all have a wonderful night and new year. Make memories and take too many pictures 💕 I'm blessed to have you all in my life.

Team Gimpy Girl Blanket Drive

Last December 12th on my one year Guillain Barre Anniversary 24 of my loved ones set sail with me to Mexico. We went on a Carnival Cruise and had the time of our life. On our adventure “team gimpy girl” was named. We hashtags everything on social media with it.

Since then, everything I have done in “honor” (I’m not sure if that’s the word I’m looking for cause screw GBS) of me having Guillain Barre Syndrome we use Team Gimpy Girl.

Today marks the 2 year anniversary of me being hospitalized with GBS. I could easily ignore  it instead I celebrate it. I fought. I won. I have my scars… But I’m still here and that’s a blessing. I’m more appreciative than ever before. Last year we went on a cruise to Mexico. It was very symbolic for me to be sailing to Mexico with a tropical drink in my hand on that first anniversary.

 

I have decided that every year I will acknowledge this day. I would love to go on a trip every year but that’s not realistic since it’s so close to Christmas. I really wanted to go sky diving and get a tattoo… but that was quickly shot down by Bryan and my grandma. Lol

So every other year I will be taking a trip. On the in-between year I will be giving back to the community. When I was at the rehabilitation center I started making fleece tie blankets. It helped my dexterity and get be back into crafting. At the beginning I was going to donate them to the main hospital for premier babies. When I told one of my nurses my intentions, she said that was very nice of me. But why not give them to fellow patients right there at the rehab. That a lot of the patients didn’t get many visitors and a blanket would boost their spirits… I was a patient and I never would have thought of donating to there. 

 

Making one of my first blankets while a patient. March 2015

About a month ago I had the idea of having a blanket drive in honor of my 2 year GBS anniversary. I unlisted the help of family and friends and had great results. In honor of the Team Gimpy Girl Blanket Drive I will be donating approximately 50 blankets this week. That’s at least 50 smiles. It’s hard to be a patient and live in a hospital anytime. But extra difficult around the holidays. Blankets were my favorite gift and I loved how they brightened up the dull hospital rooms. 

 

I’m glad to have the opportunity to give back after so many people have gave so much to us the last 2 years. I’m so lucky to be apart of such am amazing community. The elementary school I attended k-7 made blankets and so did one of the local churches. I loved seeing everyone pull together to do something positive for a stranger…

It was so fulfilling going around my old rehab and handing out blankets. My heart is full. As always- I love seeing my old therapists. I only got a picture with Alyssa 😊

 

But it was great to see anyone and to be able to walk around room to room to visit current patients.

 

I was also able to meet up with another GBS Survivor. John it was so nice to meet you and Ash! Thank you for helping me with the blanket drive!

I cant wait for our next Team Gimpy Girl adventure. Hopefully it will be to the Philippines!