What a year it has been. Pain in my elbows. Numbness and tingling in my hands. Ulnar nerve transposition surgery. Slow, painful recovery. Physical therapy. Fear and anxiety. Numbness and tingling in my feet and legs. An evening in the ER. MRIs. CT scan. Lots of blood work. Spinal Tap. Muscle biopsy. Neck pain. Hip pain. Weakness in arms and legs.
More than once I have thought that I am going crazy. I am sure that others have probably agreed. Is this all in my head?
The answer seems to be, “No.” I was diagnosed last week with CIDP (Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy). I cannot even say it, let alone spell it. In short, my immune system thinks that my nervous system is something bad and acts accordingly. Thus, the many symptoms of the past year.
So, in the short term we are first attacking this conservatively with daily Vitamin B12 injections, meds, and supplements. If we don’t see progress we will move to a more aggressive treatment involving IV infusions.
Thanks for your patience over the past year and for your continued prayers. I have certainly grown in my empathy for those who struggle physically. God continues to take me to deeper levels of dependence. He is good.
Like the Apostle Paul, I want more than anything to know Christ (Phil. 3:10). I do not want to simply know about Him. I want to know Him-- personally, intimately, and experientially. It is not enough for me to hear about Him. I want to see Him with my own eyes.
With My Own Eyes 
dennismpapp
October 14, 2011 at 3:48 pm
Looked it up to try to understand it better. This definition really helps!
The term chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) has been used to identify patients with a chronically progressive or relapsing symmetric sensorimotor disorder with cytoalbuminologic dissociation and interstitial and perivascular endoneurial infiltration by lymphocytes and macrophages. In many ways, CIDP can be considered the chronic equivalent of acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP), the most common form of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).
chadzaucha
October 15, 2011 at 11:34 am
That clears it up. Good work!
Bill Eichelberger
October 16, 2011 at 5:26 am
Praying for you Chad, I know all about health issues. God will see you through. Katie and Bill Eichelberger. Va. neighbors to Joanne and Dale.
William Torgerson
November 11, 2011 at 4:34 am
Dang it Zuke. I’m sorry to hear about this. I would have never suspected craziness was the problem. I can’t think of a saner person I know. 🙂 Us Torgs will join others in praying for you. Glad to find your blog.
love,
torg