Wuerffel making “solid progress” in recovery

Former Florida Gators quarterback Danny Wuerffel, who was hospitalized in June 2011 after being diagnosed with a rare condition known as Guillain-Barre syndrome, is feeling better than he has in quite some time and is well on the road to recovery.

Wuerffel underwent extensive outpatient treatment for the disease in the months that followed his diagnosis and continues to be affected by Guillain-Barre syndrome, an affliction that forces the body’s immune system to mistakenly attack its nervous system.

GBS is usually spurred on by an infection and symptoms (some short-term, others long-term) include muscle weakness, paralysis, loss of energy, respiratory problems and changes to blood pressure.

It can take up to three years for someone to almost fully recover from GBS and Wuerffel’s fight is not yet over, but he is making great progress and has, in some ways, improved his health past the point that many patients are ever able to reach.

”I am encouraged that I am making solid progress in my recovery from GBS,” Wuerffel shared with OGGOA this week. “My reflexes seem to be working fine. A good portion of my energy and stamina has returned.

“I am also encouraged by the way the Gators have started this football season. It’s been fun to watch the team improve each week and I’ve been especially impressed with [Jeff] Driskel’s progress.”

Though he is feeling much better, Wuerffel’s road to recovery continues each day. His progress is positive and motivational, but he and all GBS patients know that it is a disease that unfortunately can but hopefully will not recur.

For now Wuerffel is using his increased energy to spend time with his family, work with his Desire Street Ministries foundation, and watch Florida football on Saturdays.