Remember the 1985 Chicago Bears? The Superbowl Shuffle?
Remember William Perry, the biggest guy on the team who scored a couple of touchdowns?
William Perry is known as Refridgerator Perry, nicknamed "The Fridge" because he was built like one. And he probably lived next to one.
Today, he's recovering from Guillain Barre Syndrome. He ended up in the hospital for several months and spent four months in a wheelchair.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke explains Guillain Barre Syndrome:
Guillain-Barré syndrome is a disorder in which the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. The first symptoms of this disorder include varying degrees of weakness or tingling sensations in the legs. In many instances, the weakness and abnormal sensations spread to the arms and upper body. These symptoms can increase in intensity until the muscles cannot be used at all and the patient is almost totally paralyzed. In these cases, the disorder is life-threatening and is considered a medical emergency. The patient is often put on a respirator to assist with breathing. Most patients, however, recover from even the most severe cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome, although some continue to have some degree of weakness. Guillain-Barré syndrome is rare. Usually Guillain-Barré occurs a few days or weeks after the patient has had symptoms of a respiratory or gastrointestinal viral infection. Occasionally, surgery or vaccinations will trigger the syndrome. The disorder can develop over the course of hours or days, or it may take up to 3 to 4 weeks. No one yet knows why Guillain-Barré strikes some people and not others or what sets the disease in motion. What scientists do know is that the body's immune system begins to attack the body itself, causing what is known as an autoimmune disease. Guillain-Barré is called a syndrome rather than a disease because it is not clear that a specific disease-causing agent is involved. Reflexes such as knee jerks are usually lost. Because the signals traveling along the nerve are slower, a nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test can give a doctor clues to aid the diagnosis. The cerebrospinal fluid that bathes the spinal cord and brain contains more protein than usual, so a physician may decide to perform a spinal tap.
For more information on William Perry:
Refridgerator Perry Fights Serious Illness
Tatum, Perry Change Perception of Athletes
Perry Still Chillin' After Health Scare
