Guillain-Barre-Syndrome Books

I just finished reading Solomon's Porch at midnight yesterday. It was a book that I could not put down. It was written in a simple, elegant, and engaging style. The author certainly brought all of the characters and institutions (the church, the rehab center, the hospital) to life.....highlighting their positive and negative traits in a loving way. It is a book that should be read by anyone who is facing a life threating illness with a loved one....and especially someone who is dealing with Guillian Barre Syndrome.

Ben and Rose face a long and trying battle with Ben's Guillan-Barre Syndrome. Jane Riley's sensitive yet constrained writing style reveal the strength and foibles of the characters, health care institutions and churches with no rancor. It is a book that I was not able to put down.

In this warm, personal story of a devoted marriage, a tragic illness, and incredible perseverance, Jane Riley presents us with the full spectrum of good and evil. But it is not done through high drama, or in complicated philosophic terms. Rather, with a constrained writing style she shows us how it appears in our ordinary, everyday, lives: good friends and devious friends; doctors guilty of deplorable malpractice and callousness, and doctors moved by unswerving concern for their patients; churchgoers who run the gamut from cruelty, hypocrisy and selfishness, to those kindhearted souls that harken back to the early Christians who met at Solomon's Temple and shared compassion and love for one another. All of this is dealt with, fought with, and savoured, in this story of a loving wife-mother-and-caregiver's story, which is gently and beautifully written (with a wonderful knack for dialogue), and -- as several reviewers have already noted - very hard to put down.

Having enjoyed reading The Collard Patch by Cheatham and Elliott, I started checking around to see if they had published other things. I found a novel by Cheatham. It is called Solomon's Porch.

She published it with a pen name, Jane Riley. I didn't have to read much to see why she used a pen name. Some of the people in there remind me of the kinds of people I know.

Some of the things that happened to the people in this book are a lot like stuff in my life. It tells about taking care of somebody when you feel you can't put another foot in front of you and how you have to keep smiling and trying. It shows what happens when you don't leave time for yourself. I've been there.

It's an odd book in that it reads like a journal or a newspaper, but it is in the third person-he and she instead of I. Riley, or Cheatham, backs off and takes an objective look at the lives of the people in the book.

When I started reading it, I couldn't stop. It cost me a night's sleep, but what I learned and the reading pleasure I got made it worth not sleeping. I'd recommend this book to anyone who is taking care of a sick person or someone with a handicap.

In this intriguing tale which almost reads like a medical mystery, Ms. Riley first introduces us to the characters through a series of "flashback-like" vignettes. We begin to know them...Ben and Rose...through these colorful portrayals that set the tone for the story to follow.

And what a story! Ben and Rose are approaching a time in their lives when they can enjoy themselves...perhaps even rest a bit. And then, seemingly out of nowhere, Ben is struck by a devastating illness. We first glimpse a hint of the troubles to come when Ben has unexplainable symptoms after a church concert. At first he is in denial...he had flu-like symptoms a short time before, and thinks he's just having after-effects.

Finally he is persuaded to seek medical attention, but that is only the beginning of their trials. Over a period of many weeks, they are shunted from one medical practitioner to another, with numerous tests, and nothing definitive to report. There is what appears to be a diagnosis and the beginning of a treatment plan, but Ben is not doing well.

Through Rose's persistence and with the help of various resource persons, and over another long period of time, they are finally granted a correct diagnosis: Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

In the days, weeks and months ahead, Ben and Rose are thoroughly tested, emotionally and physically, as they struggle to overcome the illness that has literally stopped them in their tracks.

It is a long time before they can say that Ben is out of the woods---in fact, even more troublesome days are ahead as they face the ramifications of the disease. Rehabilitation and numerous barriers to recovery: the very real and practical obstacles, such as simply moving from one place to another; making accommodations in their home and in their car; but worst of all...prejudice, even from church members. Truly a Job-like fate has fallen upon them---Until, finally, a triumphant ending is in sight.

This is truly a love story, with the almost insurmountable odds of recovery only one of many such tests they must pass.

A remarkable story, this tale leaves the reader shouting "hurray!" at every triumphant moment.

Excellent facts and representation of experience - since I personally experienced this disorder, and recovered 99%, I am confident in my assessment of book's content. It's good that the information is out there - so few people are even aware of the nature of this disorder!

Gillian-Barre Syndrome is a rare disease, so acurate, up to date resource materials about this are sore lacking. This book helps to fill the void.
Because this disease is rare, there is not a lot of research, and most doctors only rarely encounter a case in their medical career. Medical schools are still teaching out-dated information. Therefore, it is up to the patient and caregiver to stay informed. GBS patients should buy a copy for themselves, and one for their doctor.

Until I was told I had GBS (Nov 2007), I had never heard of it. Once I read this book cover to cover, I gained an understanding of GBS, which I had been looking for and was unable to find in others. I felt as if someone had been following me around, writing down everything that happened the weeks before and the first two weeks I was in the hospital.

This book should be required reading for all PCP and ICU nurses that are caring for GBS patients. I believe it would give them the compassion they need along with the knowledge, as to what to do for their patients and how to handle situations with their GBS patients that may/will come up.

I have to thank those involved in writing this book, for giving me the information which I had been looking for, in layman terms and was unable to find. And for giving me the ability to look forward, for now I know, it will get better in time, given time.

I know that there is still much I must overcome to gain as much of a recovery as I can, however now I have the tools to make it through.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a condition in which the body's immune system attacks part of the nervous system, resulting in symptoms ranging from tingling and weakness to paralysis. GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME: FROM DIAGNOSIS TO RECOVERY is co-authored by a survivor of the condition and covers everything from early symptoms and treatment options to diagnostic methods and prognosis. From rehabilitation to acute care and coming home again, GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME is a 'must' for any serious health library.

I am a patient suffering in Guillanin Barre Syndrome and still have recovery.
This book gives me many aspects of the disease and recommends how to use my own life after GBS.

Thaw is a remarkable read with rich characters and a fascinating story line. Roe draws the reader in from the first paragraph and keeps you engaged with her strong writing, unique story, and a flash-back technique that works extraordinarily well.

Roe weaves together the voice of the protagonist and the emotions of the other characters in a compelling, satisfying manner that leaves you loving, hating and at times, holding your breath. Thaw is a story of revelation and redemption. And Roe has created one of the most satisfying endings I've read in a long time. The stories and the characters in this book will stay with you long after you finish reading.

I highly recommend Thaw to anyone who loves a great read!

A compassionate, realistic look at a teenager struggling not only with a paralyzing disease but also with character faults which cause him to treat all those around him with disdain. This attitude causes him to loose his girlfriend just when he needs her the most. Only as his hardened heart starts to thaw is he able to appreciate his physical therapists as well as those who loved him enough to support him in spite of his cavalier attitude.
His controlling, domineering father is accustomed to his son excelling in academics as well as in sports (Dane is a champion skier). Dane's disease brings to light the dysfunctional aspects of his family and the chaos which results. This is a multi-faceted book which will appeal to young adults as well as giving adults a glimpse into the adolescent mind. Additionally, its medical aspects are interesting and educational.

This book is a great read. I cannot believe this is her first novel. Her characters are so rich and full of life. I could not put the book down. Roe created a great level of suspense that made me want turn page after page to see what happens next. The word choice paints a beautiful picture and weaves a terrific plot. This book is a great choice for anyone and everyone!

This book is incredible. The author has brought the main character to life in a such a way that you develop strong emotional feelings for him while he's dealing with his disease. You start off hating Dane and his egotism, superiority and arrogance, and slowly grow to feel sorry for his situation and family life and then gradually begin to understand and grow fond of the person he becomes. The author did an incredible job of bringing to life the characters and the understanding of the disease in this book. While I am much older than the recommended age for this book, I would strongly recommend it for ALL ages! Incredible book. Incredible and believeable author.

I had the privilege of reading this book in manuscript form, and I'm looking forward to reading it again. Even as a boring thirty year old, I found it a really fun read and it sparked an interest in the work that physical therapists do. I also found the medical aspects of the story very interesting. It is very well written and thoughtful. I plan to buy a copy for my 14 year old brother in law as well. It's a compelling book, equally interesting for boys and girls, though perhaps a bit more morally useful for boys. The writer's approach toward the brutal years of teenagedom is raw, authentic and viable. I was easily drawn in!

Suddenly thrust into the unforeseen grip of Guillian-Barre Syndrome (GBS), Regina Roth candidly writes about her husband's illness.

Their faith in Christ shines through the pages of the book lighting the way as they travel through a valley of darkness.

The author's words are spiked with love for her husband and gratitude for the creative kindnesses of others.

For the professional, patient, family or other caregiver, this book provides a case history of one man's personal encounter with GBS.

As someone who suffers from Chronic GBS (CIDP) I highly recommend this book for medical professionals, patients with GBS/CIDP and also their family and friends.

The Darkness is not Dark is a powerful, personal account of the physical, spiritual, and emotional challenges faced by Dr. Roland Roth and has family as they struggled together though his sudden affliction with Guillian-Barré Syndrome. This is a story of faith, courage, patience, and hope. The candid, day-by-day account in this diary takes the reader though the entire progression of GBS, through the terrifying periods of uncertainty and fear in the hospital to moments filled with hope and touched with humor. As the reader, you witness the remarkable and victorious struggle of Roland to overcome GBS, and you experience the perspective of his wife and family who had to watch helplessly the deterioration of their loved one. For those facing GBS and their families, this book will be a comforting companion which will provide you with insight into what to expect and offer hope and encouragement to get though the difficult times. For everyone, this inspirational book is a testament to the love and devotion between a wife and her husband, the comfort and courage found through prayer and faith in God, and the strength that unites friends and family members to help each other through times of need.

This book is full of humor and heart! In a time of serious illness, when the outcome is unknown, we all tread new ground. This book actually maps that ground in the form of a personal diary. The painful feelings that arise--fear and anguish, helplessness and anger--are here, but along with them are wonderful humor and humility, faith and gratitude. I was drawn into the fast pace of this true story immediately. By the time I had finished I decided to buy it for anyone I know who has to deal with a devastating illness and needs inspiration!

A journey of personal redemption from the ravages of Guillain-Barrè syndrome... I have a good friend who is 68 who on June 13, 2005 learned what had caused him to lose the ability to move. It paralyzed him and it is GBS. I bought this book and 2 others to better understand what he has and how he might progress with his recovery. 4 out of 100,000 people get this GBS and these kinds of books are great to read and the endings are very good to re-read because all 3 books the people fully recovered and that is a blessing. This book is very good for anyone to read. Life is short and there are many bumps in the road... This GBS is a big ass bump that I hope to never encounter again...

I read this book 19 months after my husband got sick with Gullain-Barre syndrome. He is still trying to rehab. Reading this book helped me to understand that recovery takes longer than you think it should sometime. There is so little information. I was given one page explaining GBS at the onset of this syndrome. One page doesn't cover the months and years that it takes. That is why books written by the patient or family is so important.
Wanda Vires

This is the second time that I purchased this book. My other copy was borrowed by someone and never returned.

I recommend this book for anyone in the medical profession or thinking of going in medicine (all fields). It describes how patients should and should not be treated and talked to and around.

Maybe it isn't fair of me to say this, but it seemed pretty clear to me, while reading this book, that its author was a fairly self-absorbed person before her illness, and remained so during and after. It was hard for me to read, at times, because of this.
However, there is some extremely valuable information here, especially in the book's constant reminders that many who cannot communicate in the usual ways are fully aware and have feelings, often strong ones. Some sensitivity is in order in any such situation, and I expect to retain that lesson for years to come.
There is also some good information about Guillain-Barre, which I did not know anything at all about prior to reading the book.

My Husband Pete became ill with Guillain-Barre syndrome on January 4th 2006. After he was in ICU for five weeks he was put into an acute care part of the hospital I wanted to know what he was going through on the inside. This book helped me understand the fears and frustrations that he was going through. Thanks Sue Baier for your courage.
Wanda Vires

Each case of Guillain-Barre Syndrome is different---for the patient, for the doctors, and for the caregivers.
WE ARE ALL COURAGEOUS in that we have fought very hard for the chance to just LIVE and hopefully to obtain as much percentage of recovery as we can.
I was diagnosed correctly on the 10th day of onset.
By that time, I was paralyzed from the neck down.
Treatment consisted of IVIG and therapy in the hospital
for 2 weeks and then I was transferred to the REHAB center for 9 weeks. I was actually put into a room where
a GBS patient had previously occupied and he and his wife
visited me and encouraged me.
The therapy was grueling but productive and I learned once again, just like a baby does, how to get out of bed,
sit up, walk and brush my teeth without assistance.

After 3.5 years, I am still in a wheelchair most of the day but can walk with assistance for a very short distance ie, across a room. For long distances, I have to use the power chair. The leg cramps that feel like snakes crawling in my legs are still there periodically and are unlike anything I've ever experienced. Since experiencing GBS, I frequently 'feel that I'm in another realm' in my dreams and my almost-awake hours. Very strange.
I read everything I can read on GBS because I am still in the recovery period and interested in comparing notes with others who have travelled the same route.
While in REHAB, one of my visitors who had previously had
GBS, recommended BED 10 for me to read.
She's a precious saint who had GBS back in the 70s and
stayed in ICU for about 8 months.

My physician says I have recovered 95% now.
If I never recover the other 5%, it's o.k. for my life is in God's hands and I am happy to be back at church playing the piano for all worship services. At 73 years of
age, that is a blessing and an answer from God for all the prayers that went up for me.
I have a hard time understanding anyone being snide about this syndrome and those of us who have gone through it. It takes courage, faith, and patience to endure and
overcome and I feel I have done that so mark me down as COURAGEOUS and BLESSED! AMEN!!

I too, had Guillain-Barre syndrome 2 years ago. It was terrifying, especially because it literally took a month before I got a diagnosis from the countless neurolgists and specialists who had decades of experience. They kept telling me it was probably MS, even though the MRI showed no evidence of this. One neurologist even suggested it was ALS!! I have never been so terrified! My husband started accompanying me to my Dr. appts. We would beg them for a spinal tap, beg them to admit me to the hospital. They would do neither. I was also in such intense pain, I couldn't sleep for two weeks. They kept prescribing stronger and stronger pain killers, including morphine and oxycontin. They didn't touch the pain. And a new symtom appeared every hour, the existing ones got worse every hour. After a MONTH, they had no choice but to admit me to the hospital, because I was completely paralyzed, had lost the use of my hands and feet and could neither walk nor bathe nor dress myself. My vision was going, I had to tape one eyelid closed because it was paralyzed. I could not swallow, and my lungs were going paralyzed as well and I could barely breathe. It was a young intern who finally diagnosed me in the hospital. She knew what it was immediately, before any tests were run. The experience neurologists were still stymied even after my admission to the hospital. Mrs. Baier was incredibly blessed to have been diagnosed after only 2 days!! Her book cover refers to her as "courageous". I found her to be anything but.

This book is good it jumps around a little to much between chapters from Joseph Heller who had GBS in the early 80's and Speed Vogel his friend that really helped take care of allot of the things Joe couldn't take care of. It gives both meets perspectives. There was allot of good information obtained from the book and there was also some humor even though this is a bad situation to be in... I did benefit from reading this book. I have a friend who has GBS and I wanted to better understand how he and some others have recovered from it....

NO LAUGHING MATTER has some great moments. In places Joseph Heller demonstrated his ability to be funny and touching at the same time. The book was a great inspiration to me at a time when I needed the help it gave me. As the author of SOLOMON'S PORCH, a novel about a man with CIDP, the slow version of Guillain Barre', I was fascinated with this book about Joe Heller and his caretakers. Most of the material that I have read about GBS and CIDP focuses almost exclusively on the patient, but Mr. Heller wrote every other chapter of this book and had his friend, who became one of his caretakers, write the alternate chapters. At the time I read NO LAUGHING MATTER, I was beginning to formulate SOLOMON'S PORCH in my mind. NLM gave me some good ideas about structure.

Heller was one of my all-time favorite writers, and his books never disappointed me. This book, written with his good friend Speed Vogel, is a description of Heller's medical ordeal.

Heller had Guillain-Barre syndrome, which is like a temporary form of polio. The muscles in his body shut down leaving him paralyzed. Eventually, the muscles started to work again, but he had to go through a long, difficult rehab process. He had to learn to do everything he had done without thinking about it before he got sick. Vogel helped him through the process and they decided to write this book to describe the whole ordeal.

The book is full of funny stories of these two men, and their other friends. It was great to see that he kept his amazing sense of humor throughout his illness. If you've enjoyed any of his other books, you should get a big kick out of this one too.

NO LAUGHING MATTER is a very informative and entertaining piece of writing. Co-authored by Joseph Heller and Speed Vogel (who write alternating chapters) it details the effects of the rare debilitating affliction called Guillain-Barre syndrome. This autobiographical/biographical chronicle passes along a lot of information without once falling into obscure medical dullness.

Guillain-Barre is a disease that attacks the central nervous system, rendering the victim completely paralyzed. Although what Heller contracted was a mild form of the disorder, in an extreme case mentioned a patient was only able to move their eyes. Recovery is possible from this disease; if it's caught early enough, the patient can be hooked up to a respirator if need be and then slowly rehabilitated. NO LAUGHING MATTER is two stories. The first is that of Joseph Heller the patient who goes from being in (seemingly) perfect health to being utterly bedridden in a matter of days. The second part of the tale is told by Speed Vogel, a friend of Heller, who took care of virtually all of his financial, legal and personal obligations.

From reading some other reviews of the book, one might be under the impression that this is a light and fluffy feel-good story of friendship where one will be forced to read numerous passages on the deeper meanings of love and caring. People learning great life lessons by sacrificing much that they have purely in the name of camaraderie. Chicken soup for the soul and novocain for the brain. Fortunately, one couldn't be further from the truth. While the two authors obviously have a great fondness for each other, you won't find any obvious soliloquies on the healing power of friendship. What you will find are people who care a great deal, but aren't afraid to share a lot of good-natured abuse. While in sickness and on the road to recovery, this never feels false or sugarcoated. It's an honest account of what real friendships are made of.

Despite the title, much of the book is laugh out loud funny. Heller may have been bedridden but he didn't lose any of his trademark wit. Celebrity cameos of everyone from Dustin Hoffman to Mario Puzo to Mel Brooks help to liven up an already interesting narrative. Both authors have a warm and engaging style of writing that makes even the more incomprehensible medical jargon understandable. The jokes are great and serve also to counterpoint the feelings of desperation and of loneliness.

The book is extremely intriguing, though there are one or two sections that don't quite work. Heller was going through what appeared to be a fairly messy divorce and the legal proceedings got a little bit complicated. For a section, Heller even reproduces a few pages of the court transcripts in order to show his lawyer in the right. As justified as he may be in including these segments, they aren't nearly as interesting as the rest of the book and pale in comparison.

NO LAUGHING MATTER shows us illness from two viewpoints. From Vogel we see the outward appearance of the disease and its effect on Heller. From Heller we experience the sickness firsthand. It's a fascinating dual look at the nature of the affliction. Well worth a read.

Not exactly a laughing matter, but certainly one presented with plenty of humor. Author Joseph Heller developed a nerve disease called Guillain-Barre after years of seeming good health, and later wrote a book (coauthored by his pal Speed Vogel) chronicling his declining health and his fight back to semi-normality.

It was a day like any other, just before getting a divorce and starting a new novel (which became "God Knows"). But Joseph Heller found that his food tasted funny, his body felt abnormally heavy, and he was having problems putting on and removing clothing. He checked into a hotel, and sure enough -- he had had a problem. What's more, he had a nerve disease called Guillain-Barre, which could cause permanent paralysis.

While his mind remained sharp and unusually witty, Heller's body became paralyzed. His pals Speed Vogel, Mario Puzo (of "Godfather" fame), Dustin Hoffman and Mel Brooks all clustered around to help their friend as he began to regain control of his life.

The account is funny and kooky, full of eccentric people like Puzo and Brooks. But there are deeper undercurrents in "No Laughing Matter," in which the friends help keep Heller from sinking into a frenzy of displeasure and cabin fever. There are no gooey monologues about the power of love and friendship -- it would probably have made the authors gag, even if it didn't make the readers. But the accounts of an admittedly difficult-to-deal-with famous author being helped out, despite his eccentricity, is very touching.

There is a lot of serious content, with Heller's decline in health and the details of his time in the hospital. (Constantly lying in a hospital bed, mostly paralyzed, unable to grip a pen and with a tube in his nose) But he manages to give a funny spin to almost everything in the book, including his encounters with Valerie Humphrey, a beautiful nurse who became his second wife, and media-shy Mario Puzo telling him how lucky he was to be sick and paralyzed, since he wouldn't be require do interviews. Half the book is Speed Vogel's voice; he offers an alternate, somewhat humbler viewpoint. He also gives more entertaining anecdotes such as Mel Brooks painting his "SNORE! SNORE! SNORE!" message on the wall, or the lobster dinner, or just arguing with Joe about the thirty-person dinner.

Funnier and more heartwarming than most "disease diaries," this gives us two different viewpoints: The patient, and the loyal pal. Definitely an intriguing and interesting read.

THIS BOOK WAS VERY INFORMATIVE ! IF YOU HAVE HAD ANY FORM OF GBS [GUILLAIN BARRE' SYNDROME] IT IS A MUST OR IF A FAMILY MEMBER HAS BEEN DIAGNOISED WITH GBS!

I had to go through this as well, and what I would have given to just be paralyzed.

In a way I was, but I was paralyzed from pain. The main effect it had on me was the wrong signals being sent to my brain. The slightest breeze on my skin would make it feel like I was burning alive. The lightest touch of a sheet was like razors. In the end I fully recovered, with much love and support from my family.

I feel pity for anyone else who had to suffer this syndrome also, but it could have been much worse, and for many it was/is.

As a survivor of Guillain Barre Syndrome, I personally did not care for this book. I realize that everyone is different, and perhaps I should pen my own account. My case was much worse than the author's, which may account for my disgruntle attitude. Sorry.

Byron Comp did a very good thing sharing his experience dealing with Gillian Barre. This book helped me to better understand what a good friend and a wonderful person is going through. He found out he has GBS just this year in June. He has been in the hospital for about 10 days and 70 days so far in the rehab hospital. He is still paralyzed but gaining a little ground each week. The last parts of the book are great it is good to understand the recovery part of this illness and that 95% of the people do recover. This book is a good read for anyone and it does give you a dose of appreciate what we have and we are all truly blessed. Someone out there is always having a worse day than we are having on our worst day... Nice job Byron and thanks.

This book really makes you think twice about the care you give to other people, and what kind of care you would recieve if you were in the same position. I couldn't put the book down. I finished it in one day. I cried through most of it. Even I didn't know what all he went through on a daily basis. I am very proud of the strides my DAD has made.

This book is an inspiration to any who has had any major illness. Part of it hit home for me since I also have Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Ms. Wilcox is full of energy and never gave up during this horrible illness. She provides reference materials that I would have not know about. No Time For Tears was easy to read compared to other Guillain-Barre Syndrome books.

This book is an inspiration to any who has had any major illness. Part of it hit home for me since I also have Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Ms. Wilcox is full of energy and never gave up during this horrible illness. She provides reference materials that I would have not know about. No Time For Tears was easy to read compared to other Guillain-Barre Syndrome books.

In No Time For Tears: Transforming Tragedy Into Triumph, Dorris Wilcox tells her compelling story of combining aggressive self-education, massive doses of positive thinking, a barrage of nutritional supplements, with an unshakable faith in God's healing power to over come Gulillain Barre Syndrome (a potentially lethal neurological disorder) and experience a 95% recovery. No Time For Tears also provides sufferers from any and all debilitating affliction the spiritual and emotional tools to acquire and maintain a positive mindset so necessary to triumphing over adversity regardless of any particular medical outcome. Highly recommended reading.

I have an aunt with Guillain Barre Syndrome and she couldn't wait to get her hands on this book. Dorris' story is hopeful and inspirational, appealing to those who think that the disease is necessarily a dead end road. In my opinion, No Time for Tears is an excellent book for the patient, friends and family members of anyone suffering from any kind of debilitating illness. Dorris teaches you how to fight back!

My husband is also recovering from Guillain-Barre syndrome. I was by his side for 4 months while he was in the hospital and rehab so I could understand everything Mr. Taylor was going through. I don't understand how his wife could have left him. Shame on her.