Sufjan Stevens shares Guillian-Barre Syndrome diagnosis

Last month, Sufjan Stevens announced his tenth studio album, Javelin, which will mark Stevens’ first solo album of songs since 2020’s The Ascension, and his first in full singer-songwriter mode since 2015’s Carrie & Lowell.

Earlier today, he took to his socials to update fans on his health, and explain why – even though he's not the most public facing artist – he hasn't been pushing the promo for the forthcoming album. He wrote that whilst he is "very excited about having new music to share," he is currently in hospital.

"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, no mobility. My brother drove me to the ER and after a series of tests—MRIs, EMGs, cat scans, X-rays, spinal taps (!), echo-cardiograms, etc.—the neurologists diagnosed me with an auto immune disorder called Guillian-Barre Syndrome," he explained, whilst noting that "luckily" there is a treatment for this disorder.

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"I was transferred to acute rehab, where I am now undergoing intensive physical therapy/occupational therapy, strength building etc. to get my body back in shape and to learn to walk again. It’s a slow process, but they say I will “recover,” it just takes a lot of time, patience, and hard work," he continues.

Sufjan explains that most people with the disorder are able to "learn to walk again on their own within a year", which is leaving him "hopeful". He adds that he has only been in rehab for two weeks, but he is in good spirits and committed to getting better.

He intends to keep his fans updated with his progress in recovery, and thanks all of the caretakers who look after not only himself, but those around the world who are ill, calling them "living saints". Signing off his post he wrote: "Be well, be joyful, stay sane, stay safe. I love you... yours truly from a wheelchair XOXOXO Sufjan Stevens".