Arvil Update

At my last post, which was some time ago, I told you about Dr. Klassen. We have been taking his advice now for nearly two months and have been feeling a great deal of hope about Arvil's condition. However, we do have bad news to report as well, Arvil suffered another stroke while fighting a cold and has had another major developmental setback because of it. All the doctors seem to agree that the root of the stroke problem is in a genetic defect that is connected to a few inflammatory response related autoimmune disorders such as Krohn's disease and Blau syndrome. While Arvil doesn't appear to have symptoms of either of these specific disorders, he does have the genetic mutation and an inflammation of the blood vessels aroud the brain.

The major difference in Arvil's case between the naturopathic community and the allopathic community is the appoach to treatment. The mainstream establishment says that he has an auto-immune disorder and therefore his immune system must be chemically supressed. The Naturopathic approach is that it is a hyperimmune reaction to some root cause such as a microvirus, parasites, or a fungal infection. In their view, we must treat for this while supporting, but not stimulating the immune system. Callie and I prefer the Naturopathic approach for several reasons.

We believe that the auto-immune problems are a response to something, a symptom, rather than the root cause. While there may be a genetic defect, there must be better ways to control his symptoms than to expose him to heavy doses of powerful steroids such as prednisone and to suppress his immune system and open him up to other infections. All the doctors have warned us that prednisone could be dangerous to Arvil, but some seem to think that the potential benefits outweigh the risks and the side effects. Callie and I also feel that the spirit has cautioned us against using steroids.

We wish to continue seeking alternative medicine solutions to Arvil's problems. We aslo want to continue to see Drs. Klassen and Mahoney. These things cost money and most alternative health care providers do not work with insurance or medicaid. To further complicate everything, I was recently laid off from my job. I have been working some construction and other odd jobs, but our income is greatly reduced.

That being said, it is hard for me to ask for financial help, but anything you can do for Arvil's sake at this time would be most appreciated.

We thank you for your love, support and prayers.