@minniem, @theorydude and all... Thank you, theorydude, for the clarification. My understanding, which is extremely limited... these diagnoses are in fact quite different in causes and in symptoms? Similar, but one of those crazy things that can cause confusion for us lay folks?

Since your husband is being treated by Mayo doctors, perhaps you can request clarification from them as to which direction to go to deal with symptoms you are experiencing? I think you are presently in a very confusing situation, with only partial diagnosis... since the 3 diseases are so different in symptoms, the way they present themselves and are treated.

Make sense?

Perhaps, since the CCA doctor made the more specific diagnosis, if your relationship with him is good and you are comfortable asking for clarification, you can speak to him at the next appointment or, what I tend to do, is to use the portal to send questions to the medical staff for help. Calling to discuss your quesions with the nursing staff directly or via the portal will get the discussion started and lead you to a more in depth understanding of with what you are dealing.

I have learned through the last few decades, I need and must have clarity in order to deal well with whatever is hitting me at the time. How can you understand from where your husband is coming without knowing what disease is causing what symptoms. Also, the doctor needs to let you have an idea what to expect as you go down this road with your husband.

I hope this is helpful. I think to determine your direction in your heart and thinking and dealing with an illness, you need information. Clarity. Knowledge. Also, I do my own research using qualified sources: Mayo Clinic website for specific diagnoses, symptoms, treatments, etc... Mayo, Cleveland Clinic, other top medical facilities in the country. Also, I use Perplexity for research, not Google. Perplexity is less biased, has no advertising, has excellent referrals if you are interested in delving further into the topic. See what you can find out on your own to better understand what the doctors are telling you, and how to deal with the situations as the arise.

Blessings as you travel this crazy road... Elizabeth