Their is a book available called "Bed #10" it is a women's account who had GBS. It is fascinating and is really helping our family to understand exactly what LaRee is experiencing right now. Caroline one of LaRee’s friends told me that she has been trying to buy the book “Bed #10” for the last couple of days. She discovered that the reason it takes so long to get a copy of it is because it is required reading for the nursing/medical program. Since it is the beginning of the school year there has been a rush on these books. We think it is great that this is mandatory reading for the nursing program! Our family was introduced to the book by Bonnie Forbes a friend of Christians (LaRee's sister in law) the story of how this book came into Christians hands in the very hour that it was needed is simply a miracle and divinely inspired. If you can get your hands on it, we recommend reading it as it will help all of LaRee's friends and family better support her through all of this.
On another note:
This last Sunday was a BIG day for all of us. The fact that LaRee could move her head ever so slightly at all after only 9 days is a testimony to the power of so many prayers and much fasting—thank you for uniting with us. The nurse did caution us that these are very small improvements and that LaRee is still in what is considered to be critical condition—but we told the nurse we were willing to celebrate any movement we can get! The exciting thing was that now that she has her eyes open again (off and on) we can actually communicate with her again!
We were able to talk to LaRee and explain what is going on to her—that she has a syndrome and that she will overcome it. Bonnie Forbes who sent us the book Bed number 10 told us- we need to be very clear with LaRee about what is going on so she will not be worried that she is paralyzed permanently. Bonnie also asked us to remind everyone that LaRee is fully aware of everything—only her muscles are temporarily impaired presently but her mental capacity is fully functioning…and that she can hear everything so we as a family all have to remember to include her in every conversation! Since LaRee probably has more questions than any of us about her own condition we are trying hard to make sure she knows that she is expected to return to health.
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LaRee is a vibrant and beautiful woman who is recovering from a severe case of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a very rare and complicated auto immune disorder that leaves the body temporarily paralyzed. She resides with her darling daughter Chloe and her husband Pat.
LaRee Keenan
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LaRee’s Benevolent Fund Information
Deposits can be made at any Bank of America in the continental United States to the: LaRee Keenan Assistance Fund
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Bed Number Ten
A patient's personal view of long term care. Seen through the eyes of a patient totally paralyzed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, this moving book takes you through the psychological and physical pain of an eleven month hospital stay. BED NUMBER TEN reads like a compelling novel, but is entirely factual. You will meet: The ICU staff who learned to communicate with the paralyzed woman - and those who did not bother. The physicians whose visits left her baffled about her own case. The staff and physicians who spoke to her and others who did not recognize her presence. The nurse who tucked Sue tightly under the covers, unaware that she was soaking with perspiration. The nurse who took the time to feed her drop by drop, as she slowly learned how to swallow again. The physical therapist who could read her eyes and spurred her on to move again as if the battle were his own. In these pages, which reveal the caring, the heroism, and the insensitivity sometimes found in the health care fields, you may even meet people you know.
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