Indie singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens recently announced that he is currently relearning how to walk after being diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a rare autoimmune disease. Stevens, 48, shared the news with his fans in a detailed Tumblr post, explaining why he has been unable to promote his upcoming album, "Javelin," which is set to be released on October 6th.

In his post, Stevens recounted waking up one morning and discovering that he couldn't walk. He described experiencing numbness and tingling in his hands, arms, and legs, along with a complete lack of strength, feeling, and mobility. Concerned, his brother drove him to the emergency room, where he underwent a series of tests, including MRIs, EMGs, cat scans, X-rays, spinal taps, and echo-cardiograms. The results revealed that he had Guillain-Barre Syndrome, an autoimmune disorder.

Stevens explained that the disease can be treated by receiving immuno-hemoglobin infusions for five days, as long as it does not reach the brain, heart, and lungs. He expressed his gratitude that the treatment was successful in stabilizing his condition, but noted that he spent about two weeks in the hospital while his doctors worked to keep him alive and stabilize his condition. He expressed his deep appreciation for the medical team, stating that he owes them his life.

On September 8th, Stevens was transferred to an acute rehabilitation center, where he is currently undergoing intensive physical and occupational therapy to regain his ability to walk. He acknowledged that the process is slow, but remained hopeful, as most individuals with Guillain-Barre Syndrome are able to learn to walk again within a year. He thanked his fans and caretakers for their support and assured them that he is committed to getting better.

Sufjan Stevens is best known for his song "Mystery of Love," which was written for the 2017 film "Call Me by Your Name." His albums “Illinois” and "Carrie & Lowell" have both received critical acclaim. "Mystery of Love" was nominated for an Oscar and a Grammy.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the nerves, leading to muscle weakness and occasionally paralysis. While most individuals eventually make a full recovery from GBS, some may sustain permanent nerve damage, and in rare cases, it can be fatal. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, GBS affects approximately 1 in 100,000 people, with 3,000 to 6,000 new cases reported in the US each year.

The symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome can last from a few weeks to several years. They may include prickling or pins-and-needles sensations in the extremities, weakness in the legs that spreads to the upper body, rapid heart rate, severe pain, difficulty with bladder control or bowel function, unsteady walking or the inability to walk or climb stairs, difficulty with speaking, chewing, or swallowing, low or high blood pressure, and trouble breathing. The exact cause of GBS is unknown, but it is often triggered by certain infections, such as the flu or Epstein Barr virus. Very rarely, cases have been reported after certain vaccinations.

Treatment for Guillain-Barre Syndrome often includes plasma exchange, which removes and replaces the liquid part of the blood, as well as immunoglobulin therapy, which involves infusing healthy antibodies from blood donors. According to the Mayo Clinic, about 80% of adults with GBS can walk independently six months after diagnosis, and about 60% fully recover motor strength one year after diagnosis. However, approximately 5% to 10% may experience delayed and incomplete recovery. Children who develop GBS tend to recover more completely than adults. Overall, the prognosis for GBS is generally positive, but it requires time, patience, and hard work.