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Hi John,
There is a Facebook group called CIDP. It has 7,100 members. I have learned so much from others there. Great forum. It is also very useful for recommendations such as the one you are seeking.
Lynn
Thanks for the info and links Jim. I am very frustrated. I also have another component going on, lupus. After chemo for breast cancer, my lupus went into remission. My PCP thinks it is playing a big role in this CIDP (meaning complicating things). I am seeing a neurologist at John Hopkins next month. He was recommended by someone in this forum. I am counting down the days.
You are a wealth of knowledge. Yesterday, I met the wife of one of the men who also has CIDP. Wow, is she a resource! She told me she didn’t like my brand of IVIg being Baxter. She is with the GBS/CIDP Foundation here in Ft. Myers, FL. I plan on becoming more involved.
I hope you are continuing to recover from your most unfortunate accident Jim.
Sandra – Have you done plasma exchange yet? I’m in your boat in that the IVIg isn’t really helping with nerve function. I finished my 7th treatment yesterday. Still having big trouble trying to go from sit to stand. It’s very frustrating so I am looking into PE as well. Both men I met with CIDP yesterday, while getting my infusion, are getting it 5 days a week each month. I am doing 2 days (40 mg each day) a month.
My heart sunk when I read this awful news. I’m so sorry to hear you are dealing with yet another struggle. Being newly diagnosed with CIDP, I have learned so much from all of your knowledge and links. They have been a much needed resource. Thank you.
I hope you recover soon Jim! I’m happy to see you back on the forum. God Bless you!
Lynners
For what it’s worth, I underwent treatment for Stage II, Triple Negative Breast cancer 5-2016 – 10-4-2016. I then did 30 rounds of radiation. So early stage, no metastasis. I was doing great until I took a fall in Jan, 2018, then another fall 3 weeks later. No warning, no pain, just fell down. During chemo, I felt a distinct weakness in my right leg. It was difficult to go up stairs. I figured it was the chemo but today my weak leg (by far) is my right leg. I went to an acupuncturist, then an advanced pain solution Dr. then finally my PCP referred me to a neurologist. Diagnosed with CIDP in June, 2019. What is interesting is that I have had a very mild case of Lupus for 16 years prior to my BC diagnosis. I had my ANA tested throughout the years to see if it was still in my system. I always tested Lupus positive.
When my Dr. did extensive blood testing in June, 2019, he said my ANA was negative meaning I don’t have Lupus. So, did it turn into CIDP with the chemo I received for BC? I don’t think I will ever know but it is very suspect.
One final item worth mentioning. I did tons of research into chemo before I began treatment. I got 3 different opinions, one being the Mayo/Jacksonville, Fl. All said do the chemo as Triple Negative is the only BC with no targeted treatment. It was a must. My biggest fear was getting peripheral neuropathy as a result. I did the Dignicap so I wouldn’t lose my hair, and I put my hands and feet on ice during each of the 16 chemo treatments. Research found said if I did this, I would minimize neuropathy effects.
Instead, I have neuropathy in spades. Besides my weak right let, I discovered I was no longer able to point my toes. Probably one of my very first signs of CIDP.
I pray everday they find a cure for those of us with CIDP, or a treatment that is more effective. IVIg helps but not to the degree I would like it to.
Lynn
Thanks for your reply and information, Ron. I am there with you as far as we are our own best advocates. No doubt.
I have been doing much research on this disease. I stumbled across Onno Faber through a Ted talk. He, too, is suffering from a rare autoimmune disease. His website is http://www.rdmd.com. It is for rare diseases, CIDP, being one of them. I now have all my Doctor records, tests, notes, etc. in one place. I am also kept informed as to clinical trials. One of his goals is to run all the data points for a person through a computer program to determin DNA in hopes to find a match to a drug already out there that will help the condition. I see a day in the future where this will be standard protocol.
Ron, I read a success story from a person who has received much relief via PE. Have you looked into that?
I am doing PT twice a day, riding a stationary bike as much as I can. Some days it is easier to do than others. I also bought a Vissiq neuromuscular trainer which has made it much easier to take walks. Ordinary walkers don’t let you stand up straight! Vizziq is brand new to the market. It’s developer is a lady who has MS. She is a physical therapist. Her name is Katherine Haig. I believe she has a couple videos on YouTube. You can google Vizziq if you are interested.
Lynners