Lisa Williams

My name is Lisa, and I developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) in June 2021, triggered by the Astra Zeneca Covid-19 vaccine. I had what might be called an atypical presentation as my thoracic nerve roots were predominantly affected leaving me with some permanent nerve damage. I say “atypical” with my tongue firmly planted in my cheek. One thing I learned from the GBS/CIDP Association is that, despite what the textbooks might tell you, there are few “typical” presentations. Everyone’s experience is as unique as the sufferers themselves.

HELPING OTHERS

I left hospital knowing virtually nothing about my disease aside from what I had read on the Mayo Clinic website and so I turned to the GBS/CIDP Association for help. The members have been my salvation, and I can only hope that my involvement in the Committee, to which I have recently been appointed, can help other stunned, confused, and desperately sick people .

“KNOWLEDGE IS POWER”

At the moment, having moved on from the early fact-finding stage, my interest is now shifting to ways in which to get the word out about what GBS and CIDP are about, and what help is on offer. I keep hearing how rare these conditions are and, in fact, had only heard the name Guillain-Barre Syndrome once before - which I believe is once more than most people.
My experience in hospital led me to believe that most of the staff who tended to me were fairly clueless about the condition and certainly anyone in the know failed to fill me in. Knowledge is power and it has only been since knowing more about GBS that I have regained some of the confidence I lost in its wake.

What inspires you each day?

“WHAT INSPIRES ME EACH DAY IS FINDING SOMETHING NEW THAT I CAN FEEL GRATEFUL FOR.“

After many trials I have now come to a place where I can actually be grateful for having developed GBS. I practice gratitude discernment each day and have a long list of things I can be grateful to it for.

It saved me from continuing in a job I should have left years ago. It gave my husband purpose in caring for me and an increase in compassion.
It offered me the long-desired opportunity to really experience my beautiful 5 acre home and all the wildlife it supports. The friends that remain are the ones I know who truly love me and will never let me go. What inspires me each day is finding something new that I can feel grateful for. Most importantly, I feel honoured to be a part of this association.

You don’t have to suffer alone! I reached out and have never looked back!