An “energetic” 11-year-old girl has been left confined to a wheelchair after being struck with a rare illness.
Isabelle Fitzgerald loves gymnastics, running and dancing, but now the most basic physical movement is an enormous struggle for her.
Mum Emma Curran, 37, said the first signs that something was wrong appeared in late December when Isabelle began complaining of pins and needles in her hands and feet.
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The tingling soon turned into stiffness in Isabelle’s lower limbs, starting at her ankles and progressing to her knees and hips.
Isabelle was diagnosed on 21 January with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare condition whereby the immune system attacks the nerves, often causing muscle weakness and paralysis.
She has spent three weeks in hospital, now relies on a wheelchair and doesn’t know if she’ll ever be able to walk again.
“When she was diagnosed, we were scared and upset but relieved that we had an answer,” Emma, from Milton Keynes, told Need To Know.
“Isabelle had a spark in her eyes but now her self-confidence has gone.
“It’s hard to see her so unhappy and sad.
“She cries every day, says she’s worthless and would rather not be here if she can’t walk again.
“Isabelle doesn’t sleep well because she’s in pain every night.”
According to the NHS, the syndrome is serious and needs urgent treatment in hospital.
The condition affects the senses, movement and even essential functions such as breathing and heartbeat.
It usually affects the arms and legs first before symptoms in other parts of the body follow.
Some people’s symptoms become so severe that they are not able to move their legs, arms and face.
Kitchen assistant Emma said: “Isabelle hates it.
“She can’t walk, stand, take herself to the toilet or play with her siblings.
“I have to pick her up to put her in her wheelchair and in bed.
“It’s taken such a toll on her and she gets angry because she can’t even go to the loo.
“She just wants to be a normal kid and be able to do gymnastics again.”
There’s currently no cure for Guillain-Barré syndrome, although treatments can help manage symptoms.
Isabelle has undergone two rounds of intravenous immunoglobulin treatment through a cannula, which has brought some improvement.
Emma and stay-at-home dad John Fitzgerald, 52, have four other children – Trinity, 16, Cobie, 13, Davina, six, and Athena, eight months.
But the family has been split in two while Emma stays at Oxford Hospital with Isabelle.
Emma added: “The future is unknown right now.
“They said Isabelle might possibly have weakness for a long time.
“She would be heartbroken if she couldn’t do gymnastics again.
“She taught herself everything she knows and is so passionate about it.”
A fundraiser has been set up to help cover travel expenses and provide specialist equipment and support Isabelle needs during her recovery.
To donate, go to: www.gofundme.com
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