Has anyone had intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) to boost their immune system?
Every time I visit my 2 year old grandson, he has a runny nose. When I get home, I am sick for a couple of weeks and need antibiotics to get over it. My white blood counts are normal, but IgG has been consistently low.
Any other suggestions on building up immune system?
I am on Kyprolis, Revlimid and dex and Zometa.
Thanks for any suggestions,
Mona
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Mona - Name: Mona
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 12/12/12
- Age at diagnosis: 56
Re: IVIG for low immune system - anyone had it?
I contracted viral meningitis and C. diff back in July of 2012. I was started on IVIG subsequent to that and have been receiving it ever since. My immune system was compromised.
Since then, I have had discussions with my oncologist about getting off of it, but he has hesitated. I have not had any infections in the last 3 years. I used to get sinus infections and upper respiratory infections often, but no longer.
It is very expensive and many insurance companies will not approve it unless you had a major event, such as what I encountered. Last year, I had open heart valve replacement surgery and had no issues recovering from the surgery. I had an infusion of IVIG a week before the surgery.
Ron
Since then, I have had discussions with my oncologist about getting off of it, but he has hesitated. I have not had any infections in the last 3 years. I used to get sinus infections and upper respiratory infections often, but no longer.
It is very expensive and many insurance companies will not approve it unless you had a major event, such as what I encountered. Last year, I had open heart valve replacement surgery and had no issues recovering from the surgery. I had an infusion of IVIG a week before the surgery.
Ron
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Ron Harvot - Name: Ron Harvot
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Feb 2009
- Age at diagnosis: 56
Re: IVIG for low immune system - anyone had it?
Thanks, Ron.
Interesting about the insurance. I will need to check on that. I did have the infusions after my transplant and insurance approved at that time, but may not now.
Interesting about the insurance. I will need to check on that. I did have the infusions after my transplant and insurance approved at that time, but may not now.
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Mona - Name: Mona
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 12/12/12
- Age at diagnosis: 56
Re: IVIG for low immune system - anyone had it?
I would definitely recommend you get IVIG if your insurance covers it.
It was like night and day for my mother. She used to sleep while being treated with Revlimid, Velcade, and dex (RVD) all the time. Her platelets usually ran 39-80 by her third week of chemo. With IVIG, her platelets have been up to 350, and her energy level is SO much better than when she wasn't on IVIG.
Hope it helps!
It was like night and day for my mother. She used to sleep while being treated with Revlimid, Velcade, and dex (RVD) all the time. Her platelets usually ran 39-80 by her third week of chemo. With IVIG, her platelets have been up to 350, and her energy level is SO much better than when she wasn't on IVIG.
Hope it helps!
Re: IVIG for low immune system - anyone had it?
Hi Mona
I agree with hopeful27 and Ron. Ask you doctor and insurance company about IVIG infusions. I get them once a month and they have helped me avoid infections. I am currently on carfilzomib (Kyprolis) and dexamethasone as my current multiple myeloma treatment.
IVIG infusions are not the only treatment for immunodeficiency, but they are very effective, and may be right for you.
Good luck with your treatment!
I agree with hopeful27 and Ron. Ask you doctor and insurance company about IVIG infusions. I get them once a month and they have helped me avoid infections. I am currently on carfilzomib (Kyprolis) and dexamethasone as my current multiple myeloma treatment.
IVIG infusions are not the only treatment for immunodeficiency, but they are very effective, and may be right for you.
Good luck with your treatment!
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MrPotatohead - Name: MrPotatohead
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: March, 2015
- Age at diagnosis: 65
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