Toby's doctor visit

Toby saw his Intel doc today. He performed a strength test on him and discovered he is getting stronger. He can maneuver a little better with his arms too. Today they are going to see if there is anything that can be done to help with his hands. He would be ecstatic if they could function better. His arms and hands are his biggest issue at this point. It's like they have a mind of their own. We believe that at this point he would be in a wheelchair if it wasn't for the Rife and Erchonia Laser alternative treatments. After all, his symptoms started fall of 2010. I think the herbal and detox ideas and other helpful information on this site has really helped too. We feel blessed. Thank you to all for your wonderful advice and support on this forum.

Hi Cat,

My husband was diagnosed with a very rare neurological condition about 2 years ago -- Brachial Neuritis. They don't know what causes it, but basically his neurologist described that, for some reason, the immune system attacks a particular nerve bundle and causes nerve damage. He lost the use of both arms and shoulders, and partial loss of his right hand. His nerves were so damaged that his shoulders would start pulling out of there sockets if he lid down on his back (his muscles were basically paralyzed and unable to support his shoulders and arms). He literally slept in a chair for 8 months because lying down would cause excrutiating pain.

Since then, he has recovered quite a bit. Recovery started in his shoulders and arms, with his hand recovering last. It took near a year and a half before he could move his thumb on his affected hand.

I am telling you this because if your husband's arm problems are due to nerve damage, then it makes sense that his arms would recover before his hands do. According to my husbands neurologist, the further away from the spine, the longer the nerve will take to heal. The neurologist fully expected my husband's hand to recover last.

So, the fact that Toby's arms are healing is WONDERFUL news. Don't lose heart over the hands. I am sure that they will be quick to follow!! Well, figuratively speaking I guess. Nerves healing is a slow process.

Congratulations to you and Toby!! I have already done the Happy Dance once today for WellBeautifulSpirit and now I think I feel another bout coming on!!

WOO HOO!!!

How is he doing now? The fact that he recovered may be evidence that his immune system has taken care of it, albeit it took a toll on him first.

It's pretty much a catch 22 I think. With the current testing questionable at best, there's no sure fire way to know if he has had these infections or not.

This is why it's hard to know what to campaign for most - better treatment options or better testing. If we could have only one front to try to change, it's hard to pick one as they both are so critical.

I agree that the fact that your husband doesn't sleep well and the fact that he is out playing hockey - a very high energy sport to be sure - is what's causing him to be so tired. There is tired, then there is that 'special' exhaustion that often comes with these diseases - I bet you know the difference too.

Talking with your LLND, who knows you and possibly your husband as well, is probably the best thing you can do at this point. Best of luck with this - and please let us know how things are going for both of you!!

Thank you all. You are so sweet. I am going to share these comments with Toby. We have been concerned that the nerve damage is permanent and your comments really give me hope. I know Toby will feel the same way. Really..you have made my day. I can't thank you enough. This Lyme forum is so wonderful. He is also going to start physical therapy for his hands and arms two times a week at Intel.

Trav, Re: Thrive's husband and your comment " The fact that he recovered may be evidence that his immune system has taken care of it." Since the immune system is compromised with Lyme - if in fact he has Lyme- then it would make sense that the immune system would struggle in the healing process. Thrive said "The immune system attacks a particular nerve bundle and causes nerve damage". That sounds like Lyme since the body starts attacking itself because it doesn't recognize Lyme as a problem. It could be why Lyme sufferers take such a long time to recover. Nerve damage would take a long time anyway, but I would think it would take even longer when the immune system is not addressing the problem like it should. This is why Toby's doctor used the laser to reboot his immune system so it would go after the Lyme instead of attacking his body. If one's immune system is compromised, it would take longer to heal..if the body is even able to do so before too much damage is done ie. ALS. Anyway, these are my thoughts on this based on what I have learned. I do hope your husband heals completely Thrive. It sounds like he is doing really well with the healing process. Maybe though it would be a good idea for him to get tested or see your doctor. It can't hurt and I think you are right. You wouldn't want to get reinfected. It could also speed up his recovery.

Post Edited (Cat53) : 6/26/2013 1:12:10 PM (GMT-6)

Okay...I must be doing something right then. LOL. Anyway, I didn't mean to rule out how diet, environmental factors, and the way we deal with stress plays in the healing process. The stronger our immune system, the stronger we will be to fight off infections. It just needs to attack the Lyme, not us. I am slowly learning all of this. There are so many knowledgeable people on this site. I feel like a student sometimes. I am actually writing some of this for my own benefit...so I can sort this out in my mind. (:

I am too Trav! This site has really helped us. Thank you for all you do.

Okay, I would like to add my 2 cents (or is it a quarter now?)...  Duh!  Cat, I'm really happy to hear how much better Toby is doing!  Sounds like Toby is on the right path.. 

Cheers!

Denise