[millie]

Compromised immune system but normal blood test results?

by millie on Mon Jan 12, 2015 6:13 am

Every few weeks my blood is checked. I had a transplant in February 2014. I am told, blood is normal.

My husband cannot understand, if this is so, why do I have a cold about 10 times worse than pre-diagnosis. This time, it is lasting over a month, plus conjunctivitis, otinitis,and a mega sore throat.

I blame a compromised immune system due to the illness and the melphalan for a weak throat.

Who is correct? Or neither of us?

Thank you

[Steve Mohr]

Re: Compromised immune system but normal blood test results?

by Steve Mohr on Mon Jan 12, 2015 9:30 am

I had a stem cell transplant in June of 2014 and have had two bronchial infections (which linger longer now) and a bout with pneumonia since then, despite getting a pneumonia shot. I have been told this is due to the compromised immune system.

[NStewart]

Re: Compromised immune system but normal blood test results?

by NStewart on Mon Jan 12, 2015 12:09 pm

The first year after my transplant, I developed severe upper respiratory infections about 3-4 times. My oncologist wanted to give me IVIG infusions the second year so that wouldn't happen again, but my insurance denied the infusions even after 2 appeals. But, I haven't had any problems since that first year. Yes, I do get what seems is going to develop into something, but it tends to clear up after 2-3 days.

If you're getting repeated infections, you might want to ask your oncologist about the advisability of getting IVIG infusions to boost your immune system.

I hope you feel better soon,
Nancy in Phila

[bluebird]

Re: Compromised immune system but normal blood test results?

by bluebird on Wed Jan 14, 2015 4:43 pm

I had a stem cell transplant in July 2014 and, at the beginning of December, both my husband and I developed what seemed like a nasty cold. He battled through it, but I ended up in hospital and was diagnosed with RSV, a respiratory virus usually found in young babies and old people because they have less effective immune systems. The CDC website has information on it here:

http://www.cdc.gov/rsv/

I have an IgG myeloma but have very low IgA. It seemed to me that might have exacerbated my condition, but the doctors didn't seem to think this was relevant.

Anybody have any input on low IgA and respiratory infections?

[dianaiad]

Re: Compromised immune system but normal blood test results?

by dianaiad on Wed Jan 14, 2015 7:34 pm

I feel guilty.

A little over a year since my transplant, and I haven't had so much as a sniffle.

Oh, one very low grade fever and a very mild rash, but other than that? This has been the HEALTHIEST year I've ever had.

Usually I'll have at least one major cold, have to fight off at least one bout of bronchitis / pneumonia, an asthma attack or two, and certainly a sinus thing.

But this last year?

Nuttin'.

I think it's the result of rank paranoia and germ phobia, but danged if it isn't working.

[GeorgeLJurak]

Re: Compromised immune system but normal blood test results?

by GeorgeLJurak on Fri Jan 16, 2015 3:58 pm

Yes, infections are normal after having a transplant. Remember, the transplant has compromised your immune system and you should stay away from children and not put your hands in dirt or other things that are not sterile.

I got pneumonia and the flu within 2 years of my transplant. But since I have gotten all my vaccinations from childhood again (none live vaccines), I haven't been sick.

If you haven't gotten all your lifetime vaccines again, talk to your doctor about that. The transplant center I went to insisted that I get those shots again starting at 6 months, 12 months and 24 months after the transplant.

God Bless.