Bob DeWaay Health Update - March 2013

Please pray for my dad. He met with his Hematologist yesterday and is now scheduled for a consultation with a Hematologist at the University of MN on 3/28/13. His Rheumatologist thinks there are two separate issues going on, the Hematologist thinks it is all Churg Strauss Syndrome. The problem is the 2nd drug they put him on his not working. It worked as far as wiping out his immune system, but it hasn't helped his red blood cell aplasia problem. The theory is if it is from an auto immune disease, and his immune system is wiped out, it should solve his red blood cell problem, but it hasn't. 

He has now developed a complication of weekly transfusions - iron levels that are way too high. Normally if someones iron is too high they have them give blood, he can't do that. The iron can build up and deposit in his liver, pancreas, heart and other vital organs and cause problems. He can't take any supplements now that have iron. Neither of his doctors know what to do for him so they are referring him to the U of M.

There is a chelation process that can be done to get rid of the iron in the blood, but it is very expensive and we don't know if his insurance company will cover it. That is one of the things this new Hematologist will be going over with him. That and what other courses of treatment can be done. Stronger drugs, running more tests to see if there is a 2nd condition causing the problem, and to see if a bone marrow transplant may be an option. We won't know anything until we see him on 3/28. My dad is doing well but is more tired now that he is down to 5 mg of prednisone a day. Please pray for wisdom for the Doctor's and healing for my Dad. We know that God is sovereign and in charge. Thank you for praying, it means so much to us!!!!