The Corfu/Indian Falls community welcomed Ken Ingalsbe home after spending six months in the hospital and rehab. Ingalsbe was diagnosed with Guillain Barre Syndrome in December of 2019.
Guillain Barre Syndrome is a disorder of the immune system where the nerves are attacked by immune cells. According to Diseaseedic.com, the exact cause of Guillain-Barre syndrome is not known, this condition usually occurs days or weeks after a respiratory or digestive tract infection. Sometimes, recent surgery or immunization can give rise to Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Ingalsbe’s daughter, Brook Ohar, says previous to being hospitalized, her father had a respiratory infection and a flu shot. After entering the hospital, on two separate occasions in December, he was vaccinated twice more with the flu vaccine. At his first visit to the hospital, he could not feel his feet. After a few weeks, Ingalsbe was unable to feel anything from the neck down and had to be put on a ventilator. He could not breath or eat, Ohar said.
Since January 31st, he has been in a rehabilitation facility in Clifton Springs, NY. On Wednesday night, he arrived home to a revamped residence that allows him wheelchair accessibility, thanks to his family.
On Thursday evening, Inglasbe was thankful.
Surrounded by family, neighbors and friends, a long parade that included the fire department, rolled past Ingalsbe’s driveway with signs, balloons and a lot of love.
Ingalsbe credits the nurses at the Clifton Springs Rehab facility. He says they encouraged him each day, telling him to hang in there.
“When I was in the hospital, there were two times I thought I was a goner,” says Ingalsbe.
“I couldn’t get it together, I couldn’t do anything for myself, learning to walk again, lost my left hand, but I’m lucky to be here.”