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Auto immune and antibodies

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pauline30
pauline30

Hi everyone,

i had my 6 monthly follow up appointment with my consultant in March, i told him that i had a few chest infections since my last appointment and that i am always breathless, he was quite shocked at how many infections that i had, also i explained that i am always tired, he arranged for me to have some blood tests. I recieved a phone call from My GP surgery today asking me to arrange an appointment with the nurse to have an injection, they said that the hospital had contacted them as the blood test that they did showed i have very low anti body reading (auto immune) I was hoping that someone on the forum could enlighten me to what this means i have an appointment next week to have a chat with my GP and also to have some sort o injection. i not sure why i have to have an injection so if there anyone that has any info for me that might enlighten e that would be great.

many thanks

Pauline

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • maddy8
    maddy8

    Posted

    I have this,

    I'm sure there are a few different variations and you would be best talking about it with your immunologist when you get to see him. Don't panic - nothing has changed.

    The way I had my auto immune deficiency explained to me what that my white blood cells are meant to remember all the illnesses we have a learn how to defend against it in the future except mine aren't remembering as so I'm getting the same illnesses over and over again.

    I also get chest infections regularly and have ended up having a CT scan just to check everything is okay and it was - With mine I am trying to avoid going onto long term antibiotics as long as possible, but i have a stash of antibiotics at home provided by the hospital so I can treat myself before I start struggling. I have also been asked to take swabs and samples every time I get ill such as phylum, swab of the throat, etc

    I have had this injection mentioned to me but I am on the borderline for having it so it has been delayed whilst I had the CT scan and stuff smile From what I know it sounds better than the antibiotics long term though...

  • snitch
    snitch

    Posted

    Sounds just the same as me always getting infections got pneumonia 5 times in 3 years then the consultant (my GP specialist that works in a hospital) put me on azithromycin 300mg twice a week things have been ok since then ask about maitenance anti bios they work :-)
  • Vee2
    Vee2

    Posted

    Hi Pauline, I'm not a medic at all but I believe the continued use of steroids and anti bios can affect the immune system efficiency. Its catch 22 unfortunately, if we get a lung infection we need to act quickly, we do this by taking anti biotics and prednisolone as prescribed. Without these we can find ourselves in very serious trouble.

    To help keep the immune system boosted, always make sure you eat a good diet, with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables with lean protein. Also take regular daily exercise. I know its easier said than done but throughout the winter try to avoid contact with people who may be infected with a cold or flu virus.

    I don't know about the injection but will be interested to hear feed back from you on that.

    Hope you got on ok.

  • pauline30
    pauline30

    Posted

    Hi Vee,

    i went to docs and they gave me an injection, the injection i had is normally given to prem babies as they do not have a very good immune system.

    From how i understood it was for some reason my body has stopped producing anti bodies which fight off infections hence the injection, i have to go back and have another blood test done in a months time to see if things have improved, if the levels are still low i will have to have another injection.The respitory nurse was quite suprised that the consultant had done these blood tests as she said it is not a test that is normally done, I said i was thankful that he did as hopefully it will help me

    anyway i hope you are kepig well

    Regards

    Pauline xx

  • Vee2
    Vee2

    Posted

    Hi Pauline, thanks for the feedback. I am glad your consultant is looking out for you and you are being monitored after having had the injection. Hopefully your T cell anti bodies will be all well and present when you get your blood work done in a month. Hopefull you won't get so many infections in the future if the docs can bring back your immune response so that the anti bodies needed for good health can do their job properly.

    Yes I am keeping well, thanks Pauline, you take good care.

    All good wishes to you.

    Vee

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