Grammy- and Oscar-nominated indie musician Sufjan Stevens is relearning how to walk after the autoimmune disease Guillain-Barre Syndrome left him immobile, representatives confirmed to The Associated Press.

On Wednesday, Steven shared the news on his Tumblr page. In the post, he explained that he has been hospitalized, which is why he has been unable to participate in the promotion for his forthcoming album, “Javelin,” his first since 2020’s “The Ascension.” “Javelin” will be released on Oct. 6.

“Last month I woke up one morning and couldn’t walk. 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.,” he wrote. Neurologists finally diagnosed with him Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

“Luckily there’s treatment for this — they administer immuno-hemoglobin infusions for five days and pray that the disease doesn’t spread to the lungs, heart and brain. Very scary, but it worked,” he continued, adding that he spent about two weeks “stuck in a bed, while my doctors did all the things to keep me alive and stabilize my condition. I owe them my life.”

On Sept. 8, Stevens says he was transferred to an acute rehab to undergo intensive physical and occupational therapy, and to learn how to walk again.

  • bluu@lemmy.world
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    10 months ago

    Glad to hear he’s recovering well. People underestimate the degree of deconditioning that happens after just a few weeks of immobilization and hospitalization. Looking forward to more great music from him.

    But also… Tumblr?

  • Maruki_Hurakami@lemm.ee
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    10 months ago

    GBS is no joke. I worked with a lady who was still dealing with facial paralysis and decreased mobility even after 18+ months.

  • 🗑️😸@lemm.ee
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    10 months ago

    I like how the article says “On Wednesday, Steven shared the news” I feel like this person doesn’t know who Sufjan Stevens is.

    Edit: I know it’s probably just a typo. I just thought it was funny.