IVIG time. First one of the year.

Getting the kids off to school for the first time since Christmas break is usually nuts on days that I have IVIG and today was no exception.

IVIG infusion is something I get done every 4 weeks thanks to my common variable immuno deficiency. CVID is basically my immune system not functioning properly. I don't make enough IgG immunoglobins to allow me to fight off infection. I was diagnosed with it when some of my labs came back funny from my RA office and I was sent up to see Dr. McNeil, a very talented Allergy/Immunologist.  He gave me a tetanus & pneumonia vaccine, having labs done that day. I also had to have labs done again 4 weeks later to check to see if I built up any antibodies. Normal people would have but I did not build any up to either vaccine.. My response or lack thereof is the gold standard for a CVID diagnosis which is considered a rare disease. I have just enough of an immune system to fight itself but not enough to fight off infection.

IVIG takes any where from 3 to 6 hours and the point is to top my system off with more immunoglobins allowing me to fight off infection.  It may seem long but I am used to it at this point. I sit in a recliner and either play on my laptop or read on my kindle.  Unfortunately, most of the time I walk in dehydrated, despite how much I drink, so it takes several sticks and heating up my arm in order to get the IV started. Not fun but my favorite nurse is great in fact all the nurses at Optimed are wonderful.

CVID, for me, is a royal pain but when I finally got diagnosed explained why I would get sick so much. Also explained why when I got my staph infection in my leg several years ago it progressed so fast.

Not being able to fight off infection on my own means avoiding large crowds or if I caan't, minimizing my exposure like I did on Saturday. I also avoid any obviously sick people and am more aware of places and things that breed germs.  If we go out, I get drinks with no ice since ice machines are filled with germs. Air blowers in public bathrooms are also a no no as are touching any handles with my hands in public. If I do, my purell comes out to help get rid of anything. When my kids are sick,  I still care for them just up my hand washing and hope they don't share.

This is my day today. Untill tomorrow.