Al Clarkson - Guillain-Barré syndrome

[Striker475 696]

This is really bad. Family member who's an ICU nurse told me. Long-term recovery at worst - but it can kill you quite easily.

Best of luck Clarko.

[ucanchoose 1,816]

Yep footy is just a game. Health is a lot more important. I wish him all the best

[John Crow Batty 8,871]

Also reported in The Age an hour ago. Best wishes.

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/hawthorn-coach-alastair-clarkson-in-hospital-20140527-zrppc.html

Edited May 27, 2014 by america de cali

[TGR 1,367]

He did look docile on the coaches box on Saturday night against Port….in retrospect.

I feel sorry for the nurse who aint up to scratch. Hope they pick the best for him.

I think Graeme Wright (former Collingwood player) had this condition for memory.

I think Danners would swap with Clarko in a heartbeat.

[Robbie57 2,021]

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

[Older demon 2,741]

The HUN article describes the disease well and it vagaries. It can have treatment and rehab that runs into the months and longer. I wish Clarko all the best.

[InVINCEable 358]

Get better Clarko!

[Jara 1,153]

Family friend had this a year ago. Terrible disease. Nearly killed him. Took ages to recover.

Best wishes to Clarko.

[DeeSpencer 25,723]

This is really bad. Family member who's an ICU nurse told me. Long-term recovery at worst - but it can kill you quite easily.

Best of luck Clarko.

Best wishes to Clarko.

But don't ask ICU nurses opinions on medical conditions. They only see the worst of the worst. They see the flu that nearly kills someone whilst it leaves the rest of us in bed for a day.

They are on to it early, they say it's responding for treatment and like any severe illness there is always the threat of it turning nasty but right now it sounds like he's mainly clear of any serious short term dangers.

It's more possible he may have is temporary ongoing paralysis or weakness in the limbs which eventually with a lot of rehab will improve but you wouldn't wish that on anyone. But he's as likely to make a quick recovery.

Of course working as an AFL coach is very stressful but you get the benefit of excellent medical and physio care as well as the support at times like these. Hopefully that all helps get him back to full health sooner rather than later.

[Pirlo 813]

Best wishes Clarko!

[Sir Why You Little 37,052]

Best wishes Clarko. This is a long term recovery

[Pates 9,660]

Best of luck to Clarko in his recovery.

[jnrmac 20,106]

I know someone who has had this. They are fully recovered but took around 3 years. Its a shocking illness.

[monoccular 17,432]

Bummer. There is no telling what is around the corner.

Best of luck, Clarko.

[Daz's Dee's 113]

I know of someone battling this disease for the best part of 10 years just recently had a permanent tractiotomy done meaning no voice taste or smell permanently one of life's terrible diseases. Best of luck carko

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,816]

Triple Brownlow medallist, Ian Stewart, spoke on 3AW this morning about his ongoing battle with this disease. I didn't hear the full interview, but he said he's not quite recovered 23 months after contracting it. I don't know whether there is any link between age and recovery time, but it's hard to imagine anyone fitter at 46 than Clarkson.

[Sir Why You Little 37,052]

I doubt Clarko will be back this year.

[Damo 3,362]

Good Luck Alistair. Has set the standard for coaching in the last few years. Just went by Alan Jeans as Hawks 2nd longest coach too.

[The Song Formerly Known As 6,479]

Best wishes Clarko! You are a tough lil bugger.

[beelzebub 23,380]

Best wishes Clarko! You are a tough lil bugger.

We should just leave at this

[The Song Formerly Known As 6,479]

We should just leave at this

agreed.

[Nasher 33,616]

Thread is 36 posts lighter, including most of what was the second and third page. A few repeat offenders probably earned a ban or two in there somewhere too, but having to wade through all that has sapped my will to live, so no further action will be taken.

[Bitter but optimistic 22,242]

Hope you left my good stuff Gnasher!

[Nasher 33,616]

Hope you left my good stuff Gnasher!

Not one of your post remained. That may tell you something.

[At Least I Saw a Flag 5,250]

I have a friend who has this insidious disease. It has severely aged and incapacitated him. He has to go for infusions every few weeks.

I'm really sorry for Clarkson. No point in saying get better/well because I'm sure he doesn't go onto this site. But he won't be coaching this year.