Sufjan Stevens has shared an update on his condition after being hospitalized last month for a rare autoimmune disorder called Guillain-Barre Syndrome, which left him unable to walk and without feeling in his limbs.
"I'm very excited about having new music to share, but I just wanted to let you know that one of the reasons why I haven't been able to participate in the press and promotion leading up to the release of Javelin is bc I am in the hospital," he began.
"Last month I woke up one morning and couldn't walk," Stevens continued. "My hands, arms and legs were numb and tingling and I had no strength, no feeling, no mobility. My brother drove me to the ER and after a series of tests — MRIs, EMGs, cat scans, X-rays, spinal taps (!), echo-cardiograms, etc. — the neurologists diagnosed me with an auto immune disorder called Guillian-Barre Syndrome."
The artist went on to explain that doctors have administered immuno-hemoglobin infusions, which worked to stabilize his condition, but that he still requires "intensive physical therapy/occupational therapy, strength building etc. to get my body back in shape and to learn to walk again." Most people with Guillain-Barre Syndrome learn to walk again, but this could take a year, says Stevens.
"I'm only in my second week of rehab but it is going really well and I am working really hard to get back on my feet. I'm committed to getting better, I'm in good spirits, and I'm surrounded by a really great team. I want to be well!" Stevens continued. "I'll keep you posted as I progress. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. And a huge shout out to all the incredible caretakers of the world working night and day to help us heal. They are living saints."
See his post below.
"I'm very excited about having new music to share, but I just wanted to let you know that one of the reasons why I haven't been able to participate in the press and promotion leading up to the release of Javelin is bc I am in the hospital," he began.
"Last month I woke up one morning and couldn't walk," Stevens continued. "My hands, arms and legs were numb and tingling and I had no strength, no feeling, no mobility. My brother drove me to the ER and after a series of tests — MRIs, EMGs, cat scans, X-rays, spinal taps (!), echo-cardiograms, etc. — the neurologists diagnosed me with an auto immune disorder called Guillian-Barre Syndrome."
The artist went on to explain that doctors have administered immuno-hemoglobin infusions, which worked to stabilize his condition, but that he still requires "intensive physical therapy/occupational therapy, strength building etc. to get my body back in shape and to learn to walk again." Most people with Guillain-Barre Syndrome learn to walk again, but this could take a year, says Stevens.
"I'm only in my second week of rehab but it is going really well and I am working really hard to get back on my feet. I'm committed to getting better, I'm in good spirits, and I'm surrounded by a really great team. I want to be well!" Stevens continued. "I'll keep you posted as I progress. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. And a huge shout out to all the incredible caretakers of the world working night and day to help us heal. They are living saints."
See his post below.
