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CIDP

I've had "dropfoot" for many years and wear braces on both my feet/calves to prevent me from tripping.  I've fallen many times but have not broken anything; except that my back required surgery and I wonder if my falls had anything to do with it.  But I'm very lucky that now I feel no pain.

"Foot drop is a gait abnormality in which the dropping of the foot happens due to weakness, damage to the peroneal nerve or paralysis of the muscles in the anterior portion of the lower leg. It is usually a symptom of a greater problem, not a disease in itself. ..." ~Wikipedia

I just learned that I have Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy; CIDP for short.  After all these years I have a reason why I have "dropfoot".

"Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, is an acquired immune-mediated inflammatory disorder of the peripheral nervous system."
~Wikipedia

The treatment is Granulex-C iv ig, which is made from human plasma.  Starting this Monday on November 16, I'll get an IV at the hospital that takes about 4 hours.  I'll do this for 5 days in a row as a loading dose.  After that I might have to get another treatment every 4 to 6 weeks.

Hopefully, this will prevent my legs from getting any weaker and maybe spreading to my hands.  I might even get a little of my strength back. 

I get along fine now and don't want to be eventually forced into a wheelchair in maybe 5 or 10 years.

The doctor in this video explains CIDP.


Wish me luck!


Comments

  1. It is better to know what is causing a problem. I am happy that there is a treatment for it. I will send you good thoughts Monday.

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  2. I wish you well, John and that your treatment will be all that you are hope it will be. Best Wishes~

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  3. I do wish you luck, John. It takes 4 hours? Go to your happy place! :-) Best to you, hang in there!!

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  4. I wish you health John. Don't think about the worst scenarios and try to stay positive. One good thing in all this is that now you know what's going on and you can get help.
    All the best to you!

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  5. Well, it's good to finally have an official diagnosis! I hope the treatment helps you a lot, John -- best of luck tomorrow and throughout the course of treatment!

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  6. today should have been your last day of IV if I understood correctly. I have been thinking about you! Hope all went well and the treatment helps! Hang in there!

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