posted
How doyouthink know you have an autoimmune condition with Lyme that could be preventing you from getting better? Someone mentioned to me today about testing for it through a lab called molecular labs but is there a lab test that is covered by most insurance companies that will I dictate if you have a problem?
Also, does ivig treatment help people with Lyme who have an autoimmune component that is preventing them from getting better? Would I have to go to a special doctor to get these kinds of tests or would a Lyme doctor be the only kind of doctor willing to test and treat this if you have Lyme? I live in Massachusetts and I don't know if it would be hard to find a doctor who is willing to deal with this?
Posts: 723 | From boston,ma | Registered: Jan 2011
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posted
The IVIG helped while on it. But it gave me the worst crash afterwards. It helped with fatigue, pain, brain fog, but then I crashed
Posts: 697 | From CA | Registered: Dec 2011
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Sammi
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 110
posted
You can have your immunologlobulin levels checked (IgA, IgM, IgG and subclasses) as a first step. This is a blood test that can be done through a regular lab.
If the levels are abnormal, you could then see an immunologist for further immune testing. If tests prove an immune deficiency, you may qualify for IVIG.
IVIG is extremely expensive. In order for most insurance companies to approve it, there has to be a deficiency or a condition approved for getting it. People who have an immune deficiency typically need to get IVIG for the rest of their lives.
Posts: 4681 | Registered: Oct 2000
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lax mom
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Member # 38743
posted
Sammi: can you have an immune deficiency even though your immunoglobulin levels are in range?
posted
yes do all people who get ivig have abnormal immunoglobulin levels or do people who have normal levels also get it done?
Posts: 27 | From Cn | Registered: Apr 2012
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susank
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 22150
posted
I think it is possible to have an ID with some? normal levels.
I think one way to determine how well your immune system is working is by doing vaccine challenges.
That is usually a part of getting approved for IVIG.
Have your titers tested - be vaccinated - wait - and test your titers again - too see how your immune system reacted to the vaccines.
A poor response means something - IIRC like you make immunoglobulins but they are not good fighters. Not protecting you like they should.
Tetanus is one that is used. The other one that is apparently the real determiner is the Pneumovax.
LM - have you had your IGG and subclasses etc levels tested? Hope this helps.
-------------------- Pos.Bb culture 2012 Labcorp - no bands ever Igenex - Neg. 4 times With overall bands: IGM 18,28,41,66 IND: 23-25,34,39 IGG 41,58 IND: 39 Bart H IGG 40 Posts: 1613 | From Texas | Registered: Aug 2009
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surprise
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 34987
posted
*whew* after the vaccine damage I've seen, I would not recommend a vaccine challenge. And if your immune system
is not working? It has to process all the aluminum, formaldehyde, animal DNA, virus, etc. from the vaccine.
It all depends what you are getting an IVIG 'for' Doses and administration of IVIG also play a role on outcome.
It's not something one can just 'get done' if you don't have immune deficient subclasses.
It's rather serious, IMO, and a pooled blood product from thousands of donors.
-------------------- Lyme positive PCR blood, and positive Bartonella henselae Igenex, 2011. low positive Fry biofilm test, 2012. Update 7/16- After extensive treatments, doing okay! Posts: 2518 | From USA | Registered: Nov 2011
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Sammi
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 110
posted
quote:Originally posted by lax mom: Sammi: can you have an immune deficiency even though your immunoglobulin levels are in range?
lax mom, great question! I don't know if low immunoglobulins are part of all immune deficiencies. My guess would be that it is likely possible to have normal immunoglobulin levels with some immune deficiencies.
Immune function is very complicated. There is some information at:
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