In my last update, I mentioned that Adam and I had plans to visit a specialist in New Mexico to try an alternative treatment protocol for me. We spent the last week in Las Cruces, where I was blessed with the opportunity to see a doctor at a clinic that pioneered a world renown treatment for insulin resistance, advanced liver disease, and autoimmune diseases. It is known as the Berkson protocol, utilizing high dose infusions of a powerful natural antioxidant called alpha lipoid acid. In one study, 75 out of 79 people who received the treatment had remarkable results of liver regeneration. Needless to say, we are thankful and hopeful to have found this lead.
Monday morning we arrived for my first appointment. It took over 3 hours to go over my medical history and records. The doctor was very thorough, which I appreciated. Much of the rest of the week was spent receiving treatment 1-2 times daily as well as having further labs ran to check for any correlating digestive issues or heavy metals. At this time, I don’t have much to report from my most recent routine labs. My iron levels have normalized and albumin is up slightly, but my platelets, bilirubin, and inflammatory markers are all worse than a few months ago. The good news is my kidneys are functioning as they should and there are no signs of any liver cancer, which is a high-risk with the existing cirrhosis. The doctor remains hopeful that this could work for me, but is also still very concerned and would have liked to see me many years ago.
We are remaining hopeful and putting our faith and trust in YHWH. Ultimately, He could heal me in the snap of a finger if it’s His will. Or, He could continue to test my faith and perseverance through this process until His perfect timing. Until then, we will keep doing whatever we can to help things and as always ask for your continued prayers. It’s easy to get discouraged when these results don’t come back better instantly, but the reality is it took my liver a long time to get to this condition and can take a while to heal. The next remaining hurdle for me is finding a provider locally who will agree to give me the same treatments back in Missouri. They exist, I will have to meet certain stipulations on getting a local doctors order that my primary is most likely not willing to recommend as a young resident. So I would appreciate specific prayers for wisdom on navigating the next steps.
On a lighter note, we had the opportunity to visit White Sands National Park for a little while one evening. It was such a neat experience and I hope to go back someday when I’m better to really enjoy the dunes. In lieu of that this time, Yah painted us quite the picture in the sky. His creation is beyond amazing.
“The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of YHWH, and the excellency of our God. Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.”
-Isaiah 35:1-4 KJV
For more information on the Berkson Protocol:
The Alpha Lipoic Acid Breakthrough: A Conversation with Burton Berkson, M.D., Ph.D. (YouTube)
Alpha Lipoic Acid Breakthrough: The Superb Antioxidant That May Slow Aging, Repair Liver Damage, and Reduce the Risk of Cancer, Heart Disease, and Diabetes (Amazon)
Or, search “Burt Berkson alpha lipoid acid” on Google Scholar or PubMed to see published articles
Leave a comment