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An elevated protein level in year-old blood work led Dr. Lewis to diagnose Bud's problem: Sensory-Motor Demyelinating IgM Kappa Monoclonal Gammopathy, a rare blood disorder.
"Now keep in mind," Bud said, "the other doctors had access to this blood work too, but only Dr. Lewis found it."
After numerous tests and procedures including plasma pheresis and bone marrow biopsies, Dr. Lewis consulted with colleagues at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. "We decided to try a novel type of therapy which had been used only in a few other instances for this type of disorder," Dr. Lewis said. "We basically used a designer drug that has been used for certain forms of lymphoma."
Recent research suggested that it might be useful for certain neuropathies like Bud's. "We were fortunate that he responded quite dramatically and beautifully to the drug and he has been essentially in remission for the last 2 years," Dr. Lewis said.
After taking the medication, the numbness started leaving his arms and hands. A couple weeks after that, it retreated from his legs. Today, Bud feels great and is able to play golf three days a week.
Bud credits many prayers from family and friends and Dr. Lewis for the miraculous results. In thanks, he has invited the doctor to play golf with him at Oakland Hills Country Club, the scene of the 2004 Ryder Cup. "If I could, I'd take him golfing at Oakland Hills every week for the rest of my life in gratitude," Bud said.
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