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Can people with Guillain-Barre Syndrome work? What kind of work can they perform?

See how people with experience in Guillain-Barre Syndrome give their opinion about whether people with Guillain-Barre Syndrome can work and what kind of jobs are more appropriated for people with Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Guillain-Barre Syndrome jobs

Can people with Guillain-Barre Syndrome work? What kind of work can they perform?


Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system. It occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the nerves, leading to muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis. The severity and duration of GBS can vary from person to person, with some individuals experiencing mild symptoms and others facing more severe complications.


When it comes to employment, individuals with Guillain-Barre Syndrome can often continue working, depending on the extent of their symptoms and the nature of their job. However, it is crucial for them to consult with their healthcare provider and occupational therapist to assess their abilities and limitations.


Factors to consider for employment:


1. Severity of symptoms: The severity of GBS symptoms can range from mild weakness to complete paralysis. Individuals with mild symptoms may be able to continue working with some accommodations, while those with more severe symptoms may need to take time off work or explore alternative employment options.


2. Physical limitations: GBS can cause muscle weakness and fatigue, making physically demanding jobs challenging. Individuals may need to modify their work environment or tasks to accommodate their physical limitations. For example, they may require assistive devices, ergonomic adjustments, or flexible work schedules.


3. Cognitive abilities: In some cases, GBS can affect cognitive functions such as memory, concentration, and problem-solving. This can impact certain job roles that require high levels of cognitive functioning. However, many individuals with GBS do not experience cognitive impairments and can continue working in their current roles or explore alternative positions that align with their abilities.


4. Recovery stage: GBS is characterized by different stages of recovery. Initially, individuals may experience rapid progression of symptoms, followed by a plateau phase and then gradual recovery. The recovery process can be lengthy, and individuals may need to adjust their work arrangements accordingly. It is important to have open communication with employers and colleagues to ensure a supportive work environment.


Possible work options:


1. Flexible or remote work: For individuals with GBS who may have physical limitations or ongoing medical appointments, flexible work arrangements or remote work can be beneficial. This allows them to manage their symptoms and attend necessary medical appointments while still fulfilling their job responsibilities.


2. Desk-based or administrative roles: Jobs that primarily involve desk work, such as administrative roles, customer service, data entry, or writing, can be suitable for individuals with GBS. These roles often require minimal physical exertion and can be adapted to accommodate any cognitive limitations.


3. Consulting or freelance work: Some individuals with GBS may choose to work as consultants or freelancers, allowing them to have more control over their work schedule and workload. This can be particularly beneficial during the recovery phase when flexibility is essential.


4. Job modifications and accommodations: Employers can make reasonable accommodations to support individuals with GBS in their current roles. This may include providing assistive devices, modifying workstations, adjusting schedules, or allowing for frequent breaks to manage fatigue.


Conclusion:


While Guillain-Barre Syndrome can present challenges in the workplace, many individuals with GBS can continue working with appropriate accommodations and support. The ability to work will depend on the severity of symptoms, physical limitations, cognitive abilities, and the stage of recovery. It is crucial for individuals with GBS to work closely with their healthcare team and employers to determine the most suitable work options and necessary accommodations.


Diseasemaps
38 answers
It depends on the extent of recovery and what the functional level of the person is. Any residual weakness or residual disability can also have an affect on the individual's work. For example, some people can only work a few hours per day due to poor physical endurance and fatigue. Some people are better at working in more sedentary jobs (e.g. office jobs) which are less physically demanding. If an individual wants to return to a physically demanding job, that individual's physical strength needs to have recovered to the extent that he or she can handle the physical requirements of the job (eg lifting heavy objects, being on one's feet all day, etc)

Posted Apr 26, 2017 by AM 1211
Yes, I did retire from my job because I had the years in and it was a physical job. I now sell Real Estate.

Posted Apr 26, 2017 by james ventura 1501
Yes, In most cases you can work and get back to normal, it all depends on how severely your Guillain-Barre Syndrome is. I have heard about sever cases where people has been permanently wheelchair bound.

Posted Apr 27, 2017 by Totta 1181
If I had a physical job I believe it would be extremely difficult for me daily to function. I did briefly work as a waitress after getting sick and couldn't do the long hours on my feet I would leave barley being able to walk again so I had to quit. I am currently in school full time for my Masters in Social Work, I plan on being a therapist.

Posted Apr 27, 2017 by Gabrielle 600
depends on the lasting disabilities and severety of over all physical and mental damage70+%

Posted May 9, 2017 by Bob 1650
Yes they can go back to their normal lives. For starters choose the desk jobs that does not need to move around. House work. The percentageis 80 percent.

Posted Sep 3, 2017 by James 2825
Yes. Depending on what it is. Our mind is still good even if w are paralysed. If speech is affected then that could make it hard. Physical work would be hard I know for me while paralysed the only work I could do would have been an job with a computer and no movig around

Posted Sep 9, 2017 by Amy 500
Post Guillain Barre most people can still work effectively in any field depending upon their recovery and nerve damage

Posted Sep 9, 2017 by Barb 1100
Everyone is different and it depends on recovery. Some people recovery completely and can do anything others never will work again

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Connie 2000
Hard question , we just don't know from day to day . Home based work I think would be best . I think only a small percentage can work in any field 10%

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Rex McKinley 1200
Depend how they recover from it. In my case no

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Debra 2000
It depends on the extent of recovery and what the functional level of the person is. Any residual weakness or residual disability can also have an affect on the individual's work. For example, some people can only work a few hours per day due to poor physical endurance and fatigue. Some people are better at working in more sedentary jobs (e.g. office jobs) which are less physically demanding. If an individual wants to return to a physically demanding job, that individual's physical strength needs to have recovered to the extent that he or she can handle the physical requirements of the job (eg lifting heavy objects, being on one's feet all day, etc)

Posted Sep 11, 2017 by Ysor 504
yes. The serverity of the disease differs form one person to another.

Posted Sep 11, 2017 by Judi 869
The ability of a GBS patient to work is an issue determined by health professionals, based on numerous factors, on a case-by-case basis. I think the ability to work during GBS recovery depends on the physical job requirements & the recovery condition of the patient. The ability of our bodies to heal & recover vary greatly due to age, degree of peripheral nervous system damage, physical condition of patient prior to GBS onset, & many other factors. I was saddened to read that older patients (I was 64 at onset) tend to have less positive recovery outcomes. Mine was a mild case, yet severe to me in how it impacted my active lifestyle. Many like myself experienced damage sufficient that I had to relearn to walk. Early issues include weakness, poor balance, frequent severe fatigue, extremity numbness, & severe neuropathy, especially in the feet, but frequently elsewhere. I understand many are unable to return to work during recovery, which can take months to years. Some seem to remain disabled for years or permanently. Certainly the physical labor-intensive jobs are more challenging than an intellectually-intensive one.

Posted Sep 11, 2017 by Denny 2300
Some can and some can not. It depends on the severity of your condition once the symptoms remit.

One can do just about any job they want, especially if all the symptoms remit.

Posted Oct 1, 2017 by John 2070
Due to weakness and fatigue I am useless at performing tasks quickly or repeatedly. A simple walk to the corner shop can leave me flat out on the settie in pain. For me a paid job would be impossible. Very frustrating as I spent 20 years building a career up. But the condition may affect people different so there may be people at work after Guillain barre syndrome has hit them.

Posted Oct 25, 2017 by Chris 900
I can only speak for myself but I am unable to work. It is hard to feel my hands,arms, lower extremities for any length of time and my brain concentration and short term memory.

Posted Oct 27, 2017 by Amy 500
Yes, many people return to work. Depends on the severity of the nerve damage
Many recover fully, some only recover partially and sadly, some succumb to the illness

Posted Oct 28, 2017 by Kath Donaldson 2065
It depends oh the extent of the fatigue but generally yes they can go back to work they may just need to make modifications to their job if they are left with any disabilities or weakness.

Posted Oct 28, 2017 by Holly 1400
During the acute phase of the illness, regular work is not advised nor possible in most cases. Afterwards it depends on both, the state of recovery and type of work. Highly individual. Good outlook in general.

Posted Nov 18, 2017 by Orangandi 950
This all depends on how far you are in recovery, and if you are left with residual weakness. I teach full time, but have days when I’m exhausted. Fatigue and muscle pain are the worst things for me but I feel fortunate to walk and live a pretty normal life. Some people have relapsing episodes and find work to be very difficult.

Posted Jan 26, 2018 by Tracey 1100
In your opinion, do you think people with Guillain-Barre Syndrome can work in any field?

It depends if they were affected badly.

Or are there some fields they should not/could not carry out?

Once again,... it depends.

What percentage of people with Guillain-Barre Syndrome do you think work in any field?

I do not know.

Posted Apr 2, 2018 by SurfNYC 2681
Yes there is no reason why eventually you can't led a normal life. I will be harder than everyone else as the tiredness in the first few years after is tough. But it does get better slowly or you just adapt to a new way of life that is harder than before.

Posted Jun 4, 2018 by Carl 400
I think that it depends on how affected the individual is and what work they are doing.

I don’t believe that I can give a percentage because this disease is so individualized. It affects everyone differently and to a different degree.

Posted Sep 8, 2019 by Tara32473 2570
Yes they can work.
They can do any type of work their body allows.
Each person has different types of symptoms which may or may not limit their abilities

Posted Sep 9, 2019 by Joe Wojtanowski 2500
Sometimes yes! For now only part time for me

Posted May 3, 2020 by Gail 400
Med Amsan är svaret ingenting

Posted May 20, 2021 by Staffan 300
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If you can work. It always depends on the type of sequelae that have been, if there were consequences

Posted Apr 27, 2017 by Adriana 1000
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I think that in 90% of patients who have suffered from this syndrome come to a recovery of above 70%, which gives a high percentage to work everyday

Posted Apr 27, 2017 by Carolina 1100
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They can work but you have to assess how committed is the agency

Posted Apr 27, 2017 by Alejandra 700
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May not work in the beginning, then with time and a lot of rehabilitation can make it work liabilities

Posted Apr 27, 2017 by Analia 1000
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If you can, after it is retrieved. Most people recover in about 90%. Then, will depend on the kind of sequel that you may have.

Posted May 19, 2017 by Sabrina 1200
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When they made their respective treatment it is best to come back as one can to a normal life which the work if it can be done but it depends on where you have been affected or have been sequels can vary their work

Posted Jun 4, 2017 by Alejo 510
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Depends on the disability, I do not have strength in my Hands or feet, you may be attending public

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Marta 2000
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It depends on the way this syndrome has exacerbated the person, because there are people q has the variants thereof, and do not return to walking , so it depends on each body , each retrieval, not to say yes or no cuz the recovery for each is complete for others not, as well as the time q takes to be fully restored.

Posted Sep 14, 2017 by RARIANA 1500
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It all depends on the severity of the syndrome and sequelae. It is thus necessary to adapt its use according to its new physical abilities.

Posted Oct 19, 2017 by Nicolas 3560
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If you can work always and when do not have been affected by full

Posted Oct 24, 2017 by Luisina 300

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Many people have suggested me to be positive even when you have a real reason to be negative... Some people recommends me to do meditation, yoga or similar stuff... but sincerely I dont feel like. does it happens to you?

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