Hi Friends and Family of Todd!
As you may know, Todd is currently in the hospital. He was admitted to Mid-Maine Medical Center on November 20 where he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Todd was experiencing weakness in his upper and lower extremities, back pain and tingling in his toes. Guillain-Barré is typically triggered by a virus in your body. Todd had shingles about 3 weeks prior, and a flu vaccine two weeks prior - one, or both, may have triggered this response in his body. He is negative for COVID.
He is in the ICU, but just for frequent monitoring. He is receiving IV immunoglobulin, which seemed to increase his strength. His recent breathing tests have been OK. If things keep going well, they plan on sending him to an acute care facility soon.
They are estimating that Todd will be in the acute care facility for 4-6 weeks of recovery and rehabilitation. The recovery process for Guillain-Barré can be a long one, so we are hoping that he will get in and out quickly. Due to COVID, he won't be able to see Jackie and his kids during this time which will be extremely difficult for the whole family - especially as this is such a special time of year for the Forrests - Thanksgiving, Jackie's birthday, Christmas and New Year. I often joke that I am Boston strong, but I will tell you something... those Mainers are STRONGER. So I know that Todd will be in and out of that facility fast!
Jackie has a ton on her plate between kids, managing Todd's situation and business, all in the midst of a global pandemic. So we thought it would be easiest to update everyone on Todd's status on this site. If we set up a food train, we will do it via this site so that you are aware. At this time, Jackie is just looking for lots of prayers for her family.
To learn more about Guillain-Barré Syndrome, please visit this link:
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Guillain-Barré-Syndrome-Fact-Sheet (
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Guillain-Barr%C3%A9-Syndrome-Fact-Sheet)
