Rowdy Gaines- Guillain-Barre Syndrome

My case study was over Rowdy Gaines, an Olympic gold medalist who at the age of 31 was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome just a week after swimming in a benefit swim meet over 3000 meters. He was suddenly unable to walk much less be the champion swimmer he was so used to being. He was hospitalized for 2.5 months before beginning therapy and his prior peak physical condition made his recovery much quicker than many others with this condition. Within a year Rowdy was back to performing all ADLs independently and swimming daily in the pool to build back strength. Rowdy qualified for the Olympics in 1996 at age 35, the oldest that year to qualify. However, Rowdy's family was extremely important to him and he turned down the opportunity and instead began working for NBC as an analyst during the Olympic games.

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