ATLANTA — After eight long days in a pediatric intensive care unit, former Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman and his wife Chelsea are now home with their 3-year-old son.
Chelsea Freeman previously explained in an Instagram post that their son Max's health "rapidly declined" and sent his body into full paralysis. The diagnosis caused the now-Dodgers first baseman to pick up his belongings on a road trip in Houston and immediately fly back home.
Chelsea revealed that after numerous tests, it was discovered that 3-year-old Max is battling a "severe case" of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Guillain-Barré is a very rare medical condition in which the immune system attacks the nerves and can cause paralysis, according to the Mayo Clinic. The condition is even rarer in children.
"We are very fortunate to have gotten him to the hospital in time so they could reinforce his lungs," Chelsea said in the post, adding, "These have been the hardest and scariest days of our lives. Maximus is such a special boy, and he has been fighting SO hard. This is going to be a journey to recover, but we have faith that he will be completely healed."
Max had his breathing tube removed and was taken off the ventilator on Wednesday, his mom said.
In a Sunday Instagram update, Chelsea said Max was discharged, and the family is now home together. The 3-year-old still has a long road ahead of him in terms of regaining his strength and relearning how to walk.
"After 8 long days in the Pediatric ICU, we are officially HOME! Max still has a long road ahead of him to regain his strength and re-learn how to walk. But we are so thankful to have our family back together," Chelsea said on Instagram. "Thank you, God, for this miracle. Also, Thank you to our incredible team of doctors and angel nurses for taking such good care of our boy."
What is Guillain Barré syndrome?
Guillain Barré syndrome usually begins with tingling and weakness starting in the feet and legs and progressively spreads to the upper body, including the arms and legs, according to the Mayo Clinic. After that, paralysis can occur.
Special blood treatments can help with symptoms, and physical therapy is necessary.
The Mayo Clinic said that the exact cause of someone getting the disease is unknown, but that two-thirds of people have symptoms of an infection up to six weeks before Guillain Barré symptoms actually begin.
To read more about the disease, click here.
