Is it easy to find a partner and/or maintain relationship when you have Guillain-Barre Syndrome?

People with experience in Guillain-Barre Syndrome give their opinion on whether it is easy or not to have a partner or to maintain a realationship when you are diagnosed of Guillain-Barre Syndrome. What are the possible difficulties in having a relationship?

Is it easy to find a partner and/or maintain a relationship when you have Guillain-Barre Syndrome?

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system. It can cause muscle weakness, paralysis, and other physical limitations. Living with GBS can present unique challenges, and one may wonder how it impacts their ability to find and maintain a romantic relationship.

Finding a Partner:

When it comes to finding a partner, having GBS should not be seen as a barrier. It is important to remember that everyone has their own unique qualities and experiences, and GBS is just one aspect of who you are. While some potential partners may have limited knowledge or understanding of GBS, others may be more familiar with the condition or have personal experiences with disabilities.

It is crucial to be open and honest about your condition when getting to know someone new. Sharing your experiences and educating them about GBS can help build trust and understanding. This can also be an opportunity to gauge their level of empathy and willingness to support you through the challenges that may arise.

Maintaining a Relationship:

Once you have found a partner, maintaining a healthy and fulfilling relationship requires open communication, understanding, and support. GBS may present physical limitations or require ongoing medical care, which can impact various aspects of your relationship.

It is important to have open conversations about your needs, limitations, and expectations. This includes discussing how GBS may affect your daily activities, intimacy, and future plans. By sharing your experiences and concerns, you can work together to find solutions and make necessary adjustments to ensure both partners feel supported and fulfilled.

Building a Supportive Network:

Living with GBS can be challenging, and having a strong support network is crucial. This network can include not only your partner but also friends, family, and healthcare professionals. They can provide emotional support, assist with daily tasks, and offer guidance during difficult times.

It is important to involve your partner in your support network and encourage their active participation. This can help them better understand your needs and provide the necessary support. Additionally, consider joining support groups or online communities specifically for individuals with GBS or other disabilities. These communities can provide a sense of belonging, understanding, and valuable advice from people who have similar experiences.

Adapting to Change:

GBS is a condition that can have unpredictable outcomes and may require ongoing management. It is essential to adapt to the changes that may occur and approach them as a team with your partner. Flexibility, patience, and resilience are key qualities that can help navigate the challenges that GBS may present.

Remember that a strong and healthy relationship is built on love, trust, and understanding. While GBS may add some complexities, it does not define your ability to find and maintain a fulfilling partnership. By being open, communicative, and supportive of each other, you can overcome the challenges together and build a strong foundation for a lasting relationship.

Diseasemaps

Posted Sep 3, 2017 by James 2825

It is hard for a care taker but it should be ok if the the relationship was strong before. There is no reason why you can't have a normal life

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Connie 2000

I think yes it's hard to find a partner having GBS , most people have never heard of the illness and are scared of us .It takes love and understanding from a possible mate , qualities that can be difficult to find in today's society . But first you must love yourself as you are ( with GBS ) or you can't really expect another to love you back .

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Rex McKinley 1200

I really think that depends on the relationship your involved in. Mine stood by my side through it all

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Debra 2000

IN MY OPINION --- LOL, this is not a funny topic. The physical & emotional challenges of a GBS patient may be quite serious. Depending on the severity of the onset, how early detection & treatment were implemented, the age & previous health history of the patient, the emotional capacity of the patient to cope with his diagnosis & prognosis, these & many other factors interact & take an ongoing toll on a GBS patient. When the immune system damages the nervous system, sensory numbness & pain are likely ongoing consequences. A healthy pre-GBS individual who survives the GBS onset may be worst-case on a ventilator & facing a lengthy hospitalization. He may have to relearn to walk & upon eventual hospital discharge, face many months of physical therapy to recover strength, stamina, & balance. The emotional toll is paid both by patient & the loved ones involved in patient care. Once a partnerless patient is sufficiently recovered, looking for a new partner could be on the radar. Keeping a new partner would depend on the ability of that partner to accommodate any physical limitations & any ongoing care needs of the patient. Keeping an existing partner in a love-based relationship is a perfectly reasonable expectation. Advice? Abundant patience & reasonable expectations by all parties at all times is crucial for the patient-loved one relationship to survive.

Posted Sep 12, 2017 by Denny 2300

Yes of course it is.

Posted Oct 28, 2017 by Kath Donaldson 2065

It is absolutely hard to carry on a relationship...ANY relationships with Guillain-Barre Syndrome. No one outside of the people who have had this know what it’s like. So it’s very hard for an outsider to understand.

Posted Sep 8, 2019 by Tara32473 2570

It is not difficult if you are up front and you find a loving, understanding person.

My advice is to explain everything, the more honest you are the better because what you have, you have. You can’t hide it.
Then remind every so often.

That’s what I do. It helps

Posted Sep 9, 2019 by Joe Wojtanowski 2500

Translated from spanish Improve translation

I think that this is going to depend on the energy you have to invest in a new relationship to be going through this. Is that has separated families. In the case of mine joined us most. So this is very relative

Posted May 19, 2017 by Sabrina 1200

Translated from spanish Improve translation

If, it has no problem for coexistence

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Marta 2000

Translated from french Improve translation

I think that if you already have a partner at the beginning of the SGB everything is possible, this can strengthen the relationship or otherwise change a person's life and lead to separation. If you're single everything is also possible : it can make meetings during his rehabilitation, but recovery may also be isolated socially.

Posted Oct 19, 2017 by Nicolas 3560