On Wednesday, September 20, Sufjan Stevens revealed via Instagram and website that he was recently hospitalized because he was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease Guillain-Barré syndrome.
He says: “Last month I woke up one morning and couldn’t walk. My hands, arms and legs were numb and tingling and I had no strength, no feeling or mobility.” He was then taken to the emergency room by his brother, whereupon numerous tests were carried out. Based on the results, the doctors diagnosed him with Guillain-Barré syndrome.
In this disease, the body’s own immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system. This can cause muscle weakness, loss of feeling in the limbs, and problems swallowing or breathing.
Stevens also says he spent weeks confined to bed and had to rely entirely on the skills of the medical staff. Despite what he describes as a frightening experience, he continues to write: “I owe them [den Ärzt:innen und Helfer:innen] my life.”
In order to regain feeling over his body and learn to walk properly again, Sufjan Stevens has undergone intensive therapy over the past few weeks. The “Mystery of Love” singer is optimistic about the future: “Most people who have GBS learn to walk on their own within a year, so I’m hopeful.”
He is currently in the second week of his rehab and reports: “It’s going really well and I’m working hard to get back on my feet. I’m determined to get healthy, I’m in good spirits and I have a really great team around me. I want to get well!”
The 48-year-old will release his tenth studio album JAVELIN on October 6th.