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Athlete Paralyzed by Miller Fisher syndrome a Week After Developing Tonsillitis

November 26, 2013

A 21-year-old has told how he was left paralysed after suffering a simple bout of tonsillitis.

Jack Kelly, from Coventry, developed a rare nerve disease, called Miller Fisher syndrome, which was triggered by the tonsillitis.

It left him with blurred vision, unable to walk and confined to the stroke unit of his local hospital. Now, the Fitness First employee has recovered and is competing in gruelling Tough Guy competitions.

Mr. Kelly told MailOnline: ‘It’s given me a real appreciation for life. You never know what is around the corner and what will happen. While it was a horrible experience, I was lucky in a way as I now know how much I have.’

Mr. Kelly was 18-years-old and a student at the University of Plymouth when he fell ill.

A week after recovering from tonsillitis he returned from the gym and noticed he was struggling to walk normally up a flight of stairs. He dismissed the problem, assuming it was a result of his muscles being tired from his workout.

However, as the day progressed his legs became progressively weaker, and he began to suffer double vision.

Mr. Kelly had previously suffered from migraines so thought he might be getting another one. He hoped he would be able to sleep it off and so went to bed.

During the night, he got much worse and when he tried to get out of bed in the morning, he collapsed.

He had to be carried to an emergency GP appointment by his housemates and the doctor immediately sent him to Derriford Hospital where he was admitted and diagnosed with Miller Fisher syndrome.

Read more here.

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