Possible Answers

It's been a long day of tests and talking and doctors (I think I count 9 that we've seen all multiple times) and more tests and more talking....but finally this afternoon they think they know what's going on.

As part of Darren's post transplant treatment he underwent induction therapy with a drug called thymogloblian (most likely not spelled correctly, I don't have a nurse handy to help me;). This drug is known to cause reactions in patients, typically at the time of administering however. In Darren's case it appears he is having what's called "Serum Sickness" to this drug...meaning, his body is reacting to the foreign proteins...basically he's allergic to it.

The joint inflammation has extended from his hands, arms, shoulders, neck now to his jaw, knees and ankles...which is awful for him, but a good indicator as to the cause. When his joint pain and weakness was only in his upper body, there was concern of this being a neurological issue (which thankfully it's not). They have put him on high potency steroids to help eliminate the inflammation, however because this is an a-typical reaction they're not sure how long before he starts to feel better and regain movement. He currently has very limited hand, arm and now leg movement so isn't able to stand or use his hands for much. It's very frustrating and very painful.

They don't believe that his kidney is in trouble through all of this, but are keeping a close eye on things. His creatinine has climbed up from 1.9 to 2.6 since we've been here, but they feel the cause of that is this inflammation. Of course his kidney function and health is high on our list of things to pray about, he's not out of the woods yet.

I'm really hoping that the steroids they've put him on will start to make some improvements in how he feels. This has been a real bump in the road to recovery, all of which had been going so well.

I'll keep the blog updated with any new information. I think that he'll probably be here for a couple more days, hard to say...we just have to wait and see how he reacts to the medications. Thank you so much for all of your prayers and support!