Has anyone been diagnosed with GFAP

Posted by gardrums123 @gardrums123, May 26, 2023

My husband has been diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease called autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytopathy.
Has anyone been diagnosed with this. Looking to know what we may have ahead of us.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Autoimmune Diseases Support Group.

@gardrums123

I’m so sorry you are so young with this diagnosis, but your attitude is wonderful! My husband is 74 and he is finding it hard to accept. He knows he is lucky that he is on his feet even though his balance is so off and deals with other minor things. I think you could knock him over with a feather sometimes!
He just had a recent MRI and everything has stayed the same. So no change in over a year. Which is a good thing.
His spine is a mess and we are thinking that might have a lot to do with his walking too.
The restless legs just started a couple of months ago so that is confusing. Our doctor did give him meds for it, but we are trying very hard not to add meds to his condition. Maybe we will have to cave and let him try it.
Thanks for your reply. We all need to hear other stories as this is seemingly so rare you don’t have much to compare with others.
Stay positive …you are a good influence for others dealing with this! 👍🏼

Jump to this post

I have RLS (and Periodic Involuntary Limb Movement). I have found it is usually controlled by a dose of 2000 IU of Vit D3. I started at 4000 IUs and reduced until I found the 2000 IUs worked fine most of the time (and when it doesn't I take 100mg of Gabapentin). It might be worth trying instead of a prescription med. Might work, might not but no harm in trying. I wish your husband good luck. This is a miserable syndrome.

REPLY
@degarden_girl

I have RLS (and Periodic Involuntary Limb Movement). I have found it is usually controlled by a dose of 2000 IU of Vit D3. I started at 4000 IUs and reduced until I found the 2000 IUs worked fine most of the time (and when it doesn't I take 100mg of Gabapentin). It might be worth trying instead of a prescription med. Might work, might not but no harm in trying. I wish your husband good luck. This is a miserable syndrome.

Jump to this post

Thank you so much I will look into this as well.
Be well. 😊

REPLY
@slkanowitz

Restless leg syndrome occurs in many different conditions and can be very problematic for both patient and spouse if sleep deprivation ensues. The Restless Leg Foundation.org is very helpful and your neurologist can prescribe medication to relieve the symptoms if needed. It occurs in many chronic neurological conditions and is very common. Be sure your neurologist is aware of your symptoms so he/she can help with that.

Jump to this post

hi, rls is terrible. It comes with my FM and it took years and terrible effects from medication. I found a walk around the house, too cold outside, and calf stretches have been so very helpful.
I hope this is helpful to you.

REPLY
@1kay2

hi, rls is terrible. It comes with my FM and it took years and terrible effects from medication. I found a walk around the house, too cold outside, and calf stretches have been so very helpful.
I hope this is helpful to you.

Jump to this post

I’m so sorry for your suffering. We try at all costs to not use meds. Thank you for your suggestion! 😊

REPLY

Sorry to hear about your husband. I have gfap. It is
treatable. The neurologist I see wanted to treat me with a drug the was not FDA spproved. Insurance would not pay for it, I couldn't afford it. Taking a drug that is helping but not as fast acting as the 5 day IV treatment. Progress has een slow but steady.

REPLY

I am a 71 year old white male who tested positive for Autoimmune Gfap in February of 2024. I have seen a doctor and have been on medications since then. I think as myself as being 95% cured but tire easily and my balance is off. The Doctor says that because of my age and because I wasn't treated early it is taking longer but he is optimistic about a full recovery. I'm trying to stay active and positive but it has been a tough journey.

REPLY
@pfbeagan

I am a 71 year old white male who tested positive for Autoimmune Gfap in February of 2024. I have seen a doctor and have been on medications since then. I think as myself as being 95% cured but tire easily and my balance is off. The Doctor says that because of my age and because I wasn't treated early it is taking longer but he is optimistic about a full recovery. I'm trying to stay active and positive but it has been a tough journey.

Jump to this post

@pfbeagan Welcome to the autoimmune support group! You were diagnosed with autoimmune Gfap several months ago and have been on medication since. Did the doctor explain what Gfap is and what the medications are for and how long you’ll have to be on them? It would be very helpful, to you, to know the answers to these question. It will give you some autonomy and control over the disease.
You also said that you’re trying to stay active. What are some things you do to stay active?

REPLY
@pfbeagan

I am a 71 year old white male who tested positive for Autoimmune Gfap in February of 2024. I have seen a doctor and have been on medications since then. I think as myself as being 95% cured but tire easily and my balance is off. The Doctor says that because of my age and because I wasn't treated early it is taking longer but he is optimistic about a full recovery. I'm trying to stay active and positive but it has been a tough journey.

Jump to this post

Hi @pfbeagan, I combined your discussion on being diagnosed with Gfap with an existing discussion titled, "Has anyone been diagnosed with GFAP" - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/has-anyone-been-diagnosed-with-gfap/.

You had previously met @gardrums123, @1kay2, @degarden_girl, @joe1977 and @slkanowitz in this discussion and they may be interested in seeing your newest post.

REPLY

Sorry to hear that your husband has the Gfap. I tested positive in 2/24. I'm 95% cured but tire easily and have a balance problem. Find a Dr. that has experience treating this, they're out there. 0.6 out of 100,000 is a rare occurance. Hang in there, it gets better.

REPLY
@becsbuddy

@pfbeagan Welcome to the autoimmune support group! You were diagnosed with autoimmune Gfap several months ago and have been on medication since. Did the doctor explain what Gfap is and what the medications are for and how long you’ll have to be on them? It would be very helpful, to you, to know the answers to these question. It will give you some autonomy and control over the disease.
You also said that you’re trying to stay active. What are some things you do to stay active?

Jump to this post

Thanks for the reply and advise. I've been consistant with 8 - 10k steps a day and bike also. When I walk it feels like my hips and knees are going in 4 different directions, I use a walking stick. I'm more comfortable biking. Been more active with all the household and yard chores. Also worried about my personality. I don't know if it is the wear and tear of being sick for so long or another Gfap thing. Not the same person I was before. See Dr. Carpenter soon, Fairview, Mpls. Frustrated and worried, will talk with him.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.