Going out on Short-Term Disability.

Don’t like the idea, but it will make Sonia happy and will give me the time I need to get better and to give these medications a chance to work.

Dr. Schecter is changing the frequency of my IVIG from once a month to twice a month. She hopes that this along with the steroids will boost my immune system. Part of the issues with steroids is that there are so many side effects and issues with steroids. I’ve got more med’s to take because of these steroids.

Dr. Schecter has made an appointment for me with someone named Cheryl Proctor at my GP’s office to monitor my diabetes. Since I’m going to be on steroids for sometime, I’m going to need to start taking insulin.

This is something to look forward to. (Right)

Doctor's Notes

Impression: Progression of CIDP despite monthly IV Ig, with improvement after the first dose in April. Initially we were trying to avoid using high-dose IV Solu-Medrol because she has diabetes.

Plan: Increase IV Ig schedule, 0.5 gm/kg q.2 weeks. Add high dose Prednisone, 60mg daily, with calcium + D and Fosamax. Try adding Topamax 25mg h..s. for pain, it can also help with diabetes control and weight loss. Refer to primary care for help with diabetes and hypertension as we add steroids. Consider antidepressant for reactive depression due to medical problems and concerns about independence and ability to work. She understands that treatment does not guarantee improvement and is upset about the possibility of further loss of function. Follow-up two weeks.