Looks like we will have to attack this on multiple levels.

John's PN is from his treatment back in 2002. Lots of drugs complicated with malnutrition. So at this point, I don't think he has an autoimmune PN issue.

We found out his testosterone is very low also so we hope that by improving that, it will help his cardio profile and possibly increase his red blood cell production.

There also seems to be a possible hypercoagulation issue with his blood. One doc says there is, another says there isn't. I think we need to get the test rerun. Anyway, cancer, infections, chronic illness can cause this apparently. (bad blood draw can increase test results also) According to our doc, when the fibrinogen builds up it prevents good circulation at the cellular level. So nutrients don't get to the cells and trash doesn't get moved out. So John has added in a systemic enzyme to breakdown and clear the fibrin out. This one has me a little nervous though because I'm a worrier at heart and his platelets are still low. But everything I've read about this says it does not impact platelet production or increase bleeding times. I found a transcript of a presentation on the use of systemic enzymes if anyone is interested.

We are taking all of this very slowly, much to the chagrin of the doc. He wants to do multiple things at once and we are pushing back big time. Our experience is that it's best to introduce one thing at time and let it settle in. I'm also a firm believer that if you fix one thing, it can then lead to healing in other areas.

Cathie.....this doc looking for a potential infectious agent that may be lingering and has talked about using Doxycyclin. He says an infection will elevate the CRP. I'm not sure John will go for this though. He'll try herbal remedies first since he's had so many problems with long term use of antibiotic. The last thing he wants is to take a hit on his bone marrow from drugs.

Thank you for all the replies....It really shows how complicated this stuff is and gives me lots to ponder.

Marlene