posted
I have been in and out of treatment for close to 9-10 years now.
At the end of my appt. today, my LLMD noticed that a recent monthly blood test showed that my immunoglobulin test showed low IgG. (The "normal" range is quite generous, and I was below that.) I am not sure he had tested for that before.
Again, this is not the IgG from the Western Blot; it apparently is a measure of my immune system?
He said this could be what has been keeping me from improving that last little bit.
I think I understand why, but now that I am away from his office--and the opportunity to ask him!--I naturally have more questions.
Can anyone give me a sense of a direct impact this would have on my chronic Lyme?
Thank you, Julie
Posts: 307 | From Byfield, MA | Registered: Jan 2004
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susank
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 22150
posted
quick late reply. search other posts here re: CVID and hypogammaglobulinemia and IVIG
-------------------- 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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posted
Thank you. I took your advice. (I had done a search before posting but didn't know these other names, etc.) I will keep reading.
Julie
Posts: 307 | From Byfield, MA | Registered: Jan 2004
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susank
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 22150
posted
Were you tested for IGG and IGA totals and their subclasses? As well IGM totals?
Do you know your level/s?
-------------------- 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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sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
Hi Julie,
You didn't say how low your IgG level was? If it is just slightly lower than the normal range, your doctor may want to monitor it over the next couple months. A slight change can be caused by stress to the body, acute illness, etc.
If it continues to be significantly lower than normal then the doctor may refer you to an immunologist for a thorough evaluation.
Low IgG can be a sign (one of many) of a primary immune disorder. Basically that would mean that your body would have a very difficult time fighting off infections on your own. You would have a harder time getting rid of Lyme.
Try not to worry. The good news is that even if you are diagnosed with a primary immune disorder, low IgG can be treated with IVIG infusions. It can help replace what you are missing.
So, talk with your doctor. Ask about your lab results and what they mean for you.
Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
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posted
Susan--He offered me a copy of test results, as he has every time, and I didn't take him up on it (oops!), so I do not remember. I will look more carefully the next time (and he is testing me again).
Sammy--Thank you for the information. That is really helpful. He gave me some IgG supplement that a couple of LLMDs recommend, and he is going to test me again. I guess if it is still low, I will find out then what I need to do from there.
It's just a long haul and feels so discouraging...I do appreciate everyone's help.
Julie
Posts: 307 | From Byfield, MA | Registered: Jan 2004
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