Update on Tony Pezzotta, CBSC's soon-to-be retired Ethnic Ministries Director:

Tony had some tests run at UCI and Good Samaritan hospital a few weeks ago, and the results have been received. He has since seen both his new PCP and his neurosurgeon.

Tony does NOT have Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS) or MS. So the heavy-hitting neurodegenerative diseases have been ruled out. 

Tony also does NOT have NPH (normal pressure hydrocephalus). This was a shock since both doctors were almost certain that he had this. This would have been treated by the shunt surgery. The last test done at Good Samaritan, the CSF flow study, showed that there was no abnormal pressure on his brain. This being said, shunt surgery is no longer necessary, or the cure to his ailments.

Tony does have mild polyneuropathy. This means that his motor nerves are degenerating, especially at his extremities. The electromyographic (EGM) performed at UCI shows this. His doctor says that this is quite normal for the elderly.  Evidently this affects over 25% of seniors over 70. Tony also has pinched nerves in his neck that are affecting his left arm, lower back and his balance. These pinched nerves cannot be surgically corrected. Tony's left wrist has carpal-tunnel like issues.

Tony also has neurodegeneration. What the neurosurgeon has realized is that the reason the ventricles seem so large is that his brain is shrinking. He also has some serious degeneration in his temporal lobe, and this is why he has had some speech issues as well as other symptoms. It's not abnormal for this to happen at his age, but the doctor is concerned enough to send Tony to another specialist.

Treatment: For the polyneuropathy and pinched nerves, the doctors have prescribed physical therapy, 3 times a week, 2 hours, for 3 months. The therapist will come to the house and is fully covered by medicare. He also needs to stay active and excercise. So pray that he can keep up with the PT and exercise.

For the neurodegeneration, Tony has been referred to a doctor at USC who specializes in neurodegeneration. There will probably be some tests, but this will likely be treated with drugs that will slow down the process and help memory etc. He also needs to stay cognitively active...so brain exercise.

The bottom line is there is not one golden diagnosis or pill/surgery that will cure him, but rather his recoverly will require mostly hard work through PT. His family asks prayer for Tony, that he will be able to persevere with his PT. Pray also for Zita who has taken on a major caretaker role since Tony's health decline.

If you would like to send a card of encouragement to Tony & Zita, please address it c/o CBSC, PO Box 1652, Upland, CA 91785, and we will forward it to them.

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