Sufjan Stevens basically never posts on social media, but he’s chosen something important to share on Instagram today: Last month he was hospitalized due to complications from the autoimmune disorder Guillain-Barré Syndrome. “Last month I woke up one morning and couldn’t walk,” he writes. “My hands, arms and legs were numb and tingling and I had no strength, no feeling, no mobility.” His brother drove him to the ER, where he underwent a series of tests and received his diagnosis.

In his note, Sufjan says the medical situation is one reason he has not been doing interviews to promote Javelin, his new album out next month. Since Sept. 8 he’s been in an acute rehab facility undergoing intensive physical therapy and learning to walk again. “Most people who have GBS learn to walk again on their own within a year,” Stevens writes, “so I am hopeful.”

Here’s the full message:

Hi Friends. Quick update on my life. I’m very excited about having new music to share, but I just wanted to let you know that one of the reasons why I haven’t been able to participate in the press and promotion leading up to the release of Javelin is bc I am in the 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. Luckily there’s treatment for this — they administer immuno-hemoglobin infusions for five days and pray that the disease doesn’t spread to the lungs, heart and brain. Very scary, but it worked. I spent about two weeks in Med/Surg, stuck in a bed, while my doctors did all the things to keep me alive and stabilize my condition. I owe them my life.

On September 8, 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. Most people who have GBS learn to walk again on their own within a year, so I am hopeful. I’m only in my second week of rehab but it is going really well and I am working really hard to get back on my feet. I’m committed to getting better, I’m in good spirits, and I’m surrounded by a really great team. I want to be well!

I’ll keep you posted as I progress. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. And a huge shout out to all the incredible caretakers of the world working night and day to help us heal. They are living saints.

Be well, be joyful, stay sane, stay safe. I love you.

yours truly from a wheelchair XOXOXO Sufjan Stevens

Javelin is out 10/6 on Asthmatic Kitty.

UPDATE: Stevens shared another message in his recovery on 9/23.

from this New day, new GBS swag. Wearing it proud, tho I don’t actually agree with the sentiment. This whole experience has been a blessing in disguise. I know I’ve often been the poster child of pain, loss, and loneliness. And I can be a misanthrope at times. But the past month has renewed my hope in humanity. All the caregivers, doctors, nurses, and specialists working 24/7 to care for those in dire need around me have been constant examples of love in action. Thank you and God bless!