5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from allsin. (1 John 1:5-7 NIV)
This past month a member of my church was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome. She is a very vibrant musician and a blessing to her family and friends. I will use the name Jane to maintain anonymity. I was not aware of this condition, so I researched to learn about it.
Guillain-Barre syndrome is a condition in which the body’s immune system attacks peripheral nerves. It can cause weakness, numbness or paralysis.
Weakness and tingling in the hands and feet are usually the first symptoms. These sensations can quickly spread and may lead to paralysis. In its most serious form, Guillain-Barre syndrome is a medical emergency. Most people with the condition need treatment in a hospital.
Guillain-Barre syndrome is rare, and the exact cause is not known; nevertheless, two-thirds of people have symptoms of either a bacterial or viral infection in the six weeks before the Guillain-Barre symptoms appear. The leading bacterial trigger is Campylobacter jejuni, which causes gastroenteritis and is contracted from undercooked food. Approximately 40% of Guillain-Barre syndrome cases appear after this bacterial infection.
Viral infections associated with Guillain-Barre syndrome can include a respiratory or a gastrointestinal infection, including COVID-19 and the Zika virus.
There’s no known cure for Guillain-Barre syndrome. Several treatment options can ease symptoms and help speed recovery. Most people recover completely from Guillain-Barre syndrome, but some serious illnesses can be fatal. While recovery may take up to several years, most people are able to walk again six months after symptoms first began. Some people may have lasting effects, such as weakness, numbness or fatigue.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) can be treated through blood purification using a procedure called plasmapheresis (or plasma exchange). By filtering the blood to remove nerve-damaging antibodies, this therapy limits ongoing immune attacks on your peripheral nerves. It is most effective when started within two weeks of symptom onset.
Jane was treated in the hospital for three weeks and is now undergoing physical therapy. Thankfully, she is gaining strength and improving every day, hopefully to be able to walk again without any residual side effects.
A wide variety of illnesses, including autoimmune, neurological, hematological, and transplant-related conditions are medically treated with plasmapheresis. It is one of many medical procedures that have been developed by diligent, innovated researchers in the medical community to restore health to those who are suffering.
Yet there is something even more miraculous for those of us who have received forgiveness of their sins and are daily walking with Jesus. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from allsin.” (I John 1:7)
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made 