Sometimes the cure seems worse than the ailment, especially when we read the fine print on drug we’re about to take. But in this case, with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Neuropathy, it needs to be hit quickly and hard. There are risks but losing the ability to walk, maintain bladder and bowel control, muscle atrophy and nerve damage would be worse.

I had a very similar inflammatory demyelination on my spinal cord 3 years ago. It left me without feeling from my waist to toes in a very short time and I lost my ability to walk. My initial treatment was 1000ml IV steroids daily and then a follow-up of strong anti-inflammatory meds along with IV steroids for months. Within 2 days of the steroids, my legs were working again but the longterm anti-inflammatory IVs and IV steroids were necessary to assure the inflammation was gone completely. Now, my legs are back stronger than ever. So those meds work!

There are risks of blood clots for your husband already but losing the ability to walk would raise that even higher. There are meds your husband can take to lower that risk while on the meds. He should discuss this with his doctor. But starting on the Gemunex is a means to getting this progressive disease under control.

Physiotherapy may improve muscle strength, function and mobility, and minimize the shrinkage of muscles and tendons and distortions of the joints. So you might also make sure you husband asks for a visit with a physical therapist. It was crucial to my recovery.

There are members in our Forum who have also been diagnosed with CIDP. You might find some helpful suggestion in some of their conversations.
CIDP (Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy)
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cidp-chronic-inflammatory-demylinating-polyneuropathy/
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/604965/
There’s also this link to the National Institute of Health’s site on CIDP where it discusses treatments and the disease. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/chronic-inflammatory-demyelinating-polyneuropathy-cidp

The good news is that this is treatable. Yes, it can come with some risks but as I mentioned, there are meds that can be given to help prevent blood clots so I wouldn’t let that deter your husband from beginning his treatment. Have you discussed your concerns with his doctor?