GBS website launched

LYING paralysed in a hospital bed for two months gives a person time to think.

For East Devonport's John Stanley the main thing on his mind during the 6 months he spent in Hospital with a strange disorder of the nervous system few people have ever heard of, was his own recovery.

Since that time in 1992, Mr Stanley has committed himself to getting an organised system of support and information in place for those who become afflicted with the condition that struck him down 10 years ago/ Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

The group came up with the idea for a web site to provide sufferers and their families with up to date information on 2 disorders / GBS, and a similar condition called CIDP, which affect the peripheral nervous system.

The 2-condition cause weakness and paralysis and can range in severity from abnormal sensations in the limbs to almost complete paralysis.

The condition causes the body's immune system to attack its own nerves, damaging the nerve cells, and thereby affecting the sufferer's sensations and movement. Mr Stanley said while his thoughts were focused on getting better during his encounter with GBS, for his family the lack of information and support services was a challenge.

He said information and support was important for families so they could come to terms with the condition.

The web site, supported by local government and business, offers a forum for discussion and a guest book to leave messages.

The site can be accessed at www.gbstasmania.asn.au

Thank you to Aaron Oldaker, Libby Bingham, and Dale Cumming from the Advocate Newspaper for this article.