Guru News - Jan. 21, 2009

Dr. Greenberger, the guru for Allergic Broncopulmanary Aspergellois (ABPA) called today with my test results. We are still sort of scratching our heads. My tests were positive for ABPA except for one that can be a false negative from the use of steroids. At the time of the test, I was taking 80 mg. That is a HIGH dose of steroids. The test was still positive, but it was a very low positive--so it is considered negative. Are you scratching your heads yet? Anyway, all things considered, the guru says I need more treatment. My CT Scan showed a stricture in my throat which is actually good news. I may not be experiencing true anaphylaxis in the sense that my entire airway closes, rather only a portion of it does. (i.e. a particular muscle) Weird, wacky, and possibly treatable in keeping my airway open. He is not sure if it is the only muscle involved, and so that will require more testing. Fortunately, I will be able to do that testing over at the University of WA. Much to my delight, they already have my records. Back to the head stratching part, I don't have a referral from our insurance to go there so I started the process today of begging for one of those. Madigan Army Hosp. does not have the specialty to treat for this. But lets go back to some good news again. Dr. Greenberger said that my lungs are not totally trashed. Damage to them seems to be halted for the time being and with more treatment, my lungs may be keepers! Yippee! The final bit of icing on the cake for the eveing is this; Mike's trip has been delayed for almost a week. A double yippee on that one!

So, that's it for now. It sure did take a while to get the final results but making progress in the direction of long-term management feels so good!