Friday, June 02, 2006

Requesting prayer

Our very good friend Rick is currently in ICU at the regional hospital with Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

He had the flu last week and after awhile began losing muscular control and strength in his feet and then calves. Then higher. Then hands and arms. Because he was *only* a Level 2 emergency (not on the verge of death) he had to wait 12 hours for the medevac plane yesterday. Apparently the entire province of BC has two of them. Go figure.

The prognosis is good. He is being treated there because that's where they are set up to monitor the progression and to administer the drugs that should help re-kick-start his auto-immune system. Currently they expect about two weeks in the hospital there (a 6-7 hour drive from here), and then up to a year or so for full recovery.

I was interested to learn that this week is Guillain-Barre Awareness Week. I'm not sure what's up with that for timing.

His wife and three kids (age 15, 13, and 7) are finding this very tough. They've had a roller coaster year (more down than up) and this is a huge blow. They are believers. Please pray for them.

4 comments:

Jean said...

Prayers offered. Since I just came through a bout with the flu, that was a scary situation you related.

I'd never heard of this before, and I appreciate you taking the time to post links to information.

Maripat said...

Val, I am sorry to hear this and how this all came about. They're in my thoughts and prayers.

lindaruth said...

A man in our church had GB -- probably 15 years ago or so -- he's an active farmer and serves on our church council. It can be a long haul, but people do recover. If you met him now, would never know Richard had been so ill.

Valerie Comer said...

Thanks. Rick seems to be responding well to treatment.