Asperger's Syndrome

[Guest]

That was a very informative article Josh. I felt kind of in the dark because I didn't really understand what autism or AS was. Thanks for the info.

[weatherlover427]

You're welcome Jen. I have both of those conditions in case you didn't know / weren't aware.

[ColdFront77]

Joshua, I've said it before... Asperger's Syndrome is high functioning autism.

Jen, I am glad you got to know about the syndrome. As you may of read in this thread, I also have this condition. (I created this thread back in February; was also on the TWC Off-Topic Forum)

[weatherlover427]

Yes you did, Tom. It also makes those who have the syndrome(s) seem to have higher than normal IQ levels.

[Lake Effect1]

Thanks for the information Tom&Josh. I'm going to show this thread to my sister ,who has a son that was diagnosed with slight autism. He also was in classes for gifted chidren. He was able to read at 2 years old, he is now 12 , and seems to be more obsessive of different things.

[weatherlover427]

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is another condition that I have. I tend to OCD (for short) about light switches and water, for the most part.

[ColdFront77]

Those of us on the autistic spectrum may not test well on IQ tests, but do indeed have an above normal IQ.

I have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to a degree. In Massachusetts, I used to turn off and then back on the night light in the (upstairs) bathroom, if it was on, of course. I used to make sure doors were locked three times, before walking away.

[Johnny]

I was diagnosed with Guillian Barre' Syndrome back in December of 2001. A very traumatic period in my life no doubt.



Guillain-Barré (Ghee-yan Bah-ray) Syndrome, also called acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and Landry's ascending paralysis, is an inflammatory disorder of the peripheral nerves - those outside the brain and spinal cord. It is characterized by the rapid onset of weakness and, often, paralysis of the legs, arms, breathing muscles and face. GBS is the most common cause of rapidly acquired paralysis in the United States today, affecting one to two people in every 100,000.

The disorder came to public attention briefly when it struck a number of people who received the 1976 Swine Flu vaccine. It continues to claim thousands of new victims each year, striking any person, at any age, regardless of gender or ethnic background.

It typically begins with weakness and/or abnormal sensations of the legs and arms. It can also affect muscles of the chest, face and eyes. Although many cases are mild, some patients are virtually paralyzed. Breathing muscles may be so weakened that a machine is required to keep the patient alive. Many patients require an intensive care unit during the early course of their illness, especially if support of breathing with a machine is required. Although most people recover, the length of the illness is unpredictable and often months of hospital care are required. The majority of patients eventually return to a normal or near normal lifestyle, but many endure a protracted recovery and some remain wheelchair-bound indefinetly.

[Guest]

Johnny,

My nephew who was 8 years old contracted Guillane-Barre Syndrome. He got it from a viral infection he had earlier. He was in Hermann hospital for two weeks - and ICU for 6 days of those two weeks due to the paralysis in his face and not being able to sufficently breath. He got released Christmas eve - that was tbe best gift we ever had.

We knew something was wrong when he fell down at my birthday in December - but we didn't know what it was or how serious. He had to have a spinal tap for them to determine what it was... he was in rehab for 6 months - but by the grace of GOD he is alive and healthy today as a 13 year old teenager.

How long did it for you recover? Do you still have any after-effects.

Patricia

[Johnny]

Hey Ticka, how are ya?
It's just amazing how they say that GBS is very rare yet I am hearing about it everywhere these days.

I came down with strep throat prior to my onset with GBS. That is what I think triggered it but was just waiting to happen. By looking at me you would think that I was a very healthy guy but wow, my nerves have a ways to go. Most everyone never fully recovers from GBS because of the massive blow the body takes. Some people say they are fully recovered but still have tingling in hands and a little numbness in feet. That my friend is not fully recovered. The weird thing about GBS is that it can effect anyone at any age and it doesn't matter if you are healthy or not.
I still have side effects and have had to adjust my life accordingly. I still get weakness in my legs, clumsiness, tingling in feet and muscle pain. One of the biggest things is vertigo. That takes alot out of me. These symptoms come and go and they seem to be trying the hardest to leave me but as GBS people say.....GBS stands for (getting better slowly) For now I'll just keep plugging along.

I'm sorry to hear about your nephew. GBS is very scary. Luckily my breathing muscles were not effected. I was emitted in the hospital when the ER doctor realized I had no reflexes. I had a spinal tap, catscan, fully body M.R.I., countless tubes of blood work taking and put on an I.V. 24/7. I was in the hospital for 3 days. How is your nephew doing now? How long ago was this?

[Guest]

He had it 4 years ago December Johnny. He too still has side effects but minor compared to yours - he was very athletic and that next spring he wanted so desparately to play little league being an 8 year old that was the highlight of his life. He was picked for team and played intermittely and the physical therapist said it would be good for him to play....

Now after 4 years his side effects are minor - but he was in a wheel-chair when he got out of the hospital until the first of the year - he had to learn to walk again. I think adults have a harder time in getting back to normal - with him as youngster survived it.

Johnny i hope you continue to get better at least you know what to expect and know how to deal with it.

Patricia