GB is an autoimmune process... and some people can have a slower variant of it.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3152164/

Because it is uncommon, many physicians never see it and miss the diagnosis until the patient is in big trouble breathing.
My friend had plasmapheresis because IVIG was not available back then. She was hospitalized for 2-3 weeks and had PT for 3 months. She had just finished chemo and surgery for breast cancer, and about 2 months while recovering got a virus. She was in her early 40's then. I watched with horror as she became weaker and weaker and I called her husband who was in Wash.DC and he rushed home and took over-- deciding to put her in the hospital.

If they don't put you in the hospital, I'd try to elevate your head/chest off the bed so you can breathe more easily.

Thanks Mrs D - I have had my head elevated for over a week now to calm the coughing down but unfortunately this seems to have given me a really painful neck - muscle thing now so am back on the flat. I showed my husband a GBS info page just in case I really do stop functioning or breathing. He agreed that it does sound very similar to my symptoms but also that I'm only a week over flu now where it says 3 weeks and that my symptoms aren't really getting worse - I'm not paralysed - just not getting any better yet either. Can only give them the info really. Also GP did diagnose a chest infection so could just be this making me breathe very rapidly. I can slow my breathing down when I'm awake and focused - it's just when I'm sleeping I can't if that makes sense? Very dizzy too but again they will say this is lack of food. My appetite returned briefly today and I managed a poached egg and tiny slices of toast with enjoyment. Unfortunately the intense nausea has come back now though.

Just to update people who helped me earlier this week. I saw my rheumatologist yesterday and he surprised me by conceding I have a multisystem autoimmune disease rather than simply non erosive RA as he said previously. I'm going to start a new immune suppressant drug as soon as my chest infection clears up. Saw GP again this morning who has added in a second antibiotic because he can still hear loud crackling on the corner of my lung. He feels that the small fiber neuropathy is most probably a part of my dodgy immune system. The drug I am to try next is Imuran / Azathioprine. The GP says he won't let me take it until I'm 100% better. Had a chest X-ray done afterwards but not heard anything about it yet. Mat

there is a screening test before starting Imuran. The MG posters talk about it. You are supposed to get this test before starting the drug...

http://labtestsonline.org/understand...tpmt/tab/test/

My consultant did mention blood tests needing to be done but I assumed he just meant routine autoantibodies. My GPs will say I have to have all screening tests done and have a clear bill of health re this chest infection - said it would probably be a month or so before I can start. I just really hope it works and I can get my life back on track. Thanks for sending me this link - it helps explain what they are looking for. Mat

Hi Mat, I might mention this to my rheumy when I see him at end of the month. I have full body autoimmune probems, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis, uveitis, stomach problems, tinnitus, now SFN. This has to be a manifestation of systemic autoimmunity. Good luck with Imuran. Jo

I fully agree Joanna - and it was the first time he has spoken of multi-system autoimnunity in connection with my own journey. Very interesting. Like yourself I would have welcomed the opportunity to try IVIG infusions over another immune suppressant but we are both using a beleaguered NHS and unless CIDP or MMN or one of the rare immune mediated neuropathies (demyelinating) clearly shows up through blood tests, CSF or nerve conduction tests this would not be offered. I do know someone who does get it for her SFN but she has been very lucky with her postcode area and her enlightened specialist. Imuran is defintely my best option for now I feel. I noticed the SFN went away briefly when I was back on Methotrexate injections last year. The doctors assumed it was secondary Raynauds as I was taking Nifedipine at the time. But I'm quite sure it was the MTX.

It is interesting that the burning pain in hands and feet have eased recently - ever since the flu came on. But I do have lots of other nerve pain and my legs feel cold and wet - feet like ice blocks. My GP took tissue samples from each calf to send off to Edinburgh on Wednesday. It will be interesting to get the results but I told my rheumy I'm not expecting anything to flag up now.

Good luck and I'll keep my eye out for your future posts. Feel free to PM if it helps. Mat