Update on Ills

Past posts have related to Macular Degeneration, peripheral neuropathy, and Myxomatous Degeneration of the Mitral Valve followed by episodes of Atrial Fibrillation.

My Macular degeneration, wet type, is stable. I switched treatment to Eylea in 9/12 because shots were necessary just every 2 months instead of every month with Leucentis.

My peripheral neuropathy was finally diagnosed as CIDP, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy, when I saw Dr. Jeffery Ralph in San Francisco in 8/12. This is important since Medicare covers treatment of this condition with IVIG for life. This is considered the first-line treatment for this condition. I took this med 4 years ago but stopped because Medicare said it would no longer cover my neuropathy. I didn't have the diagnosis of CIDP at that time. Dr. Ralph was the first peripheral neuropathy specialist I ever saw, previously having seen just general neurologists. so, if you have peripheral neuropathy, it's very important to see a specialist in this area if there is a question as to your proper diagnosis. I have taken Retuxin for the past 3 years, and in retrospect, I don't believe it helped me. I hope to start IVIG infusions in April. My balance, in particular has deteriorated in recent years and, hopefully the IVIG will halt this progress.

For 2+ years I took Amioderone to prevent a. fib. but last year I noticed slowly progressing mental confusion so I stopped the med. Over the next few months I noticed the confusion clearing and my mental status is back to normal. My cardiologist then started me on Multaq. Since then,  I have had intermittent a. fib. and I have not felt as well as previously, less energy and more tired. I had an attempt at an ablation 3 years ago which failed. I understand the technique has changed so hope to persuade my cardiologist to try another ablation when I see him later this week in an attempt to prevent the a. fib. from recurring at all.