Mayo Clinic diagnosis of Gammaglobulin deficiency: Any tips?

@naturegirl5 Absolutely correct, and also, educational qualifications of patients didn’t make any difference, in reference to getting my Medicare Supplemental Insurance in time for the January 1st deadline! I majored in psychology, having gone full time, 6 years of college/university, and had signed up for supplemental immediately when I got the notice, that, because of administrative decisions, my Medicare Advantage coverage, along with millions of other people, would be terminated December 31,2025. I signed up in November, for the supplemental. When I had to have an ‘urgent’ MRI in early January, 2026, the hospital ( not a Mayo related hospital ), wouldn’t proceed with doing the scan, until I paid the supplemental insurance
‘would be’ cost, which I, of course, paid right away! Symptoms of mine, indicated necessity of the MRI! One of the surprises that I got from the MRI results, was that I had two lacunar strokes, one recent, which explained my mobility and loss of balance symptoms. Other results were indicative of investigating for an immune disorder, which is why I am where I am at now, in my quest for improving my health! I live up North, in a Northern State, and flowers and buds on trees are just beginning to come out! I love Spring, and I love flowers! I used to have a quarter acre flower garden, on my Victorian House property, about 15 years ago or so! People came from surrounding areas to see my Century Home makeover, and my professionally designed, and implemented flower gardens, with a beautiful fountain, and ‘craft’ house! Unfortunately, because my wife and I were having major health problems, our Physician son-in-law, and BSN Nurse daughter, moved us from our small town, to a major regional hospital city, where my son-in-law practiced hospital medicine, and was the Director of the Hospital’s Medical Residency Program! There, we got the needed specialists care! We moved to a small, single story home, with a beautiful lot, overlooking a forest, where we’ve seen bears, mountain lions, jaguars, deer, and other wildlife, some from our backyard. I have a few flowers and a couple small gardens, that are easy to keep up! I have a handyman, who helps me with year round outside tasks. Our downsizing works for us, and we are thankful that we can still basically take care of ourselves, in our own home, at our age!

@foundryrat743 I would have enjoyed seeing your Century home makeover however it does sound like your move was wise. How lovely that you in the woods and see wildlife. Yes, finding that reliable handyman is key to enjoying life at any age but especially for those of us in our, ahem, senior years. There are many things around our house that used to do myself however I no longer have the energy and my endocrinologist has told me - no ladders for you - to prevent falls.

The MRI proved key in your journey towards better and improved health. Of course, no one wants to pay for an MRI out-of-pocket as these are so expensive.

So here we are, Spring! Bring on the green and colors.

I had infusions done at the cancer center for extremely low iron and medicare and my aarp supplemental insurance paid it. I had no cost. Not sure about yours. You could call them though...

I started infusion therapy (IVIG) for myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disease, in January. It’s once a month over two days and takes about three hours each day. Medicare and my secondary insurance covered the cost of approximately $17,000.
The infusion involves placing a line into a vein and monitoring the flow rate. I don’t see how this can be done by a patient alone. I know that I certainly couldn’t do what the infusion center nurse does.

Medicare covers infusions at an infusion center, clinic, or,hospital; I can NOT imagine doing this at home. I received IV antibiotics for 10 days at an infusion center. Medicare covered the cost. Ask to meet with a patient advocate. This person can be helpful.

@foundryrat743 Hizantra is the name of the medicine, for my immune system!

@taylor05 Thanks for the encouragement! Yes, Medicare and my Medigap policies are covering the expensive infusion costs for me! My immunologist and his Medical Ofiicd Manager helped make that possible for me! 🤙

=Please tell,them it’s impossible for,you to do,these infusions at home;
they can ‘code’ it for hand arthritis, raynaud’s, , limited dexterity, or anything you might also,have—even if it’s minor.
When infusions are done at a center or medical office, they are fully,paid by Medicare; please advocate for center-based infusions unless you are housebound.
Best wishes!
Jane in NC