I started to suffer with a cold on January 23, which went into a kidney infection then into suspected allergic reaction to my antibiotics. By the 16th of February I was weak, pins and needles in my hands and feet and no taste in my mouth.
I was admitted to the RAH (Ed: Royal Alexandra Hospital) in Paisley on 19th Feb and was assessed by an out of hours Dr, Dr Flowers, who was the one who suspected GBS. Thank goodness she used her gut as I’d been to the Drs four times previously and called 101 three times before this.
On the 20th I was assessed and a Neurologist, Dr Paul Gallacher, came from the QEH. There were no beds here and told me that I could end up in ICU if I wasn’t treated quickly. At this stage my legs were weak but I was still mobile and I informed him I was 13 days away from my wedding day. I had cancelled it five times due to Covid and was going!
Lucky, Angela Thomson, senior charge nurse in ward 10 authorised the treatment and we started on the 22nd under supervision from the nurses, help from the QEH, pharmacists and the on call Doctor. I have IVIG five days and it made me so unwell I was moved from a ward to a single room. I was light sensitive, in so much pain I was on morphine, needed 1-1 care to use the bathroom and dress as I started to lose the ability in my arms, legs, and face. By Sunday 26th I was unable to do much on my own except use a straw to drink from. My liver started to become inflamed, my corneas dried out due to the facial paralysis and my diet was changed as I couldn’t eat solids properly.
I would say my care in the RAH was exceptional. Considering they shouldn’t have treated me due to the complexities. I owe my recovery to those Drs and nurses. I cannot thank them enough.
My physio, occupational and speech therapy team in RAH was there all the time. The Monday after my treatment I was granted day release for my wedding by Dr Gallacher and the full team worked hard to get me walking down that aisle. I managed crutches a few days before and I got to walk down the aisle. If not for the team there, I wouldn’t have been able to get to where I was. I was told I’d be in hospital for up to 6 months and I was discharged after 6 weeks, I was determined to get better quickly.
