AIDP, by definition, is GBS. In this context the D stands for demyelinating. The answer to your question about axons is best found with an online search. Online you will be able to find photographs of nerve structures and read comprehensive descriptions.

Simply put, the myelin is the covering for nerve bundles. The motor axons are a part of the nerve bundle. In the event there is only axonal damage this is a special subset of GBS and is described thusly: “Acute motor axonal neuropathy is the most frequent axonal variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and is often used synonymously with the term axonal GBS.”

Demyelination, left unchecked and untreated may also result in axonal damage. This seems to be what is stated in the portion of the report you provided. Long term axonal damage my slowly recover, if at all. The long term loss of axons is linked to muscle atrophy.

January is not so far off. At any rate, why not call the doctor’s office and ask your question? Who knows, they may actually reply to you.

The proper interpretation of EMG and NCV studies is complex.

Hello xochi. Older age is a factor in recovery from GBS. Yet, as GH as alluded to, it depends on the particulars of your case. Factors such as initial diagnosis, time to peak severity and how soon treatment was initiated all play a role in recovery.

Regretfully, a small percentage of cases do not experience rapid or complete recovery. I do not understand the IVIG treatment. Did you have IVIG initially? Why, if you are receiving 5 consecutive treatments are they being given over 2 two days, two weeks apart?

Your recovery and prognosis is a topic you and your doctor should discuss. Perhaps you would benefit from a 2nd opinion. Talk with your doctor.

I do not know what I PLATO means.

One of the main reasons is that GBS is not a single condition. Numerous studies have reported something such as this: ” Little is known about the long term prognosis for patients the (sic) severe acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) form of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS), unlike those with acute inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy (AIDP).”

There may be only demylenation, linked to AIDP, or there may be axonal damage which runs the length of the nerve, as in AMAN.

Further, there are other factors linked to words associated with specialists and Journals of Neurology. Such as: association with anti-ganglioside antibodies, Campylobacter jejuni infection, axonal degeneration, Wallerian-like degeneration in the ventral roots and damage to Nodes of Ranier. Also, preceding gastroenteritis or collateral sprouting of surviving axons.

Finally consider this: “In our study, 8% of the 97 patients with GBS (six AMAN and two AIDP) could not walk independently at six months after onset. In the AMAN group, four of the six could walk independently one year after onset, one could walk independently 28 months after onset, and the remaining patient could walk 57 months after onset. Generally, it is believed that no further recovery can be expected two to three years after GBS”

the study is here- http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/76/5/719

There are other studies. Do a web search such as I did- guillain barre syndrome recovery patterns.

Good luck

B, you are 100% correct.

Not only are forums searchable by non-members they are often routinely searched, automatically, and forever by web crawlers bots and specifically google bot. “Bots” find, and therefore, they know, everything.

I agree with you, it is imprudent to list personal identifiable information anywhere you don’t absolutely have to.

On the other hand, to say, ‘let’s meet Tuesday next week between 10 and 11 am at the main street Starbucks in Briggsdale’ is probably ok.

Well, I have a different outlook on the cause and effect of the inflammation aspect of CIDP.

The do-dads (Chronically) attack (Inflammatory) the myelin (Demyelinating) sheath of one or more peripheral nerves (Polyneuropathy), eventually affecting proper muscle function. Because the muscles lose the ability to contract properly, they don’t. Left alone long enough the muscles atrophy. It’s not a question of muscle tissue becoming inflamed.

If you were experiencing fasiculations or muscle cramps that would be expected.

Oh, well, everybody’s disease is different.

Everybody’s reaction to medicine and to disease is different.

I had severe cramping, particularly in the calves, quads and hamstrings, but also in my hands, fingers and forearms whenever I did too much.

Too much what? Daily living, eating, using chopsticks (until I couldn’t hold them any longer) walking, climbing ladders, climbing stairs, shopping, vacuuming. Doesn’t matter. Pay attention to what and how much you do so you’ll know later when the cramps come which activity caused them.

Monitor yourself closely. Perhaps you feel better after infusion so you become even more active.

If you are getting worse, I question your conclusion that you might ask for IVIG less often.

Please explain more details regarding ‘..after a failed attempt at IVIG.’