1. < MAC & Bronchiectasis

IgG Deficiency. Could this be the reason?

Posted by BlueSplashGirl/ Carolyn @bluesplashgirl, Jul 1, 2023

After all these years my new doctor found that I have a immune deficiency which is probably something I inherited.
IgG deficiency which makes it extremely difficult to get rid of infections and viruses especially in the lungs.
She was surprised that I had never been tested for immune deficiency beyond HIV since I did not respond to the Big 3 drugs after being treated twice. (I don’t have HIV)
I am mostly relieved that I found something that lets me know I am not crazy and gives me a little hope of getting rid of the MAC. I will keep you all posted. In the meantime, I wish you all well.

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/igg-deficiencies

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irenea8 | @irenea8 | Jul 2, 2023

I believe there is a treatment for that. They must have mentioned it. Because of my history my pulmo tested all my immune indicators. My IgG was high which is an indicator that the body is fighting a chronic infection in my case.

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scoop | @scoop | Jul 2, 2023

Is it a total overall IgG deficiency or subclass deficiency? In either case doctor might recommend IgG replacement aka IVIG or SCig. Definitely worth a try to see if it helps your symptoms.

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2 replies
BlueSplashGirl/ Carolyn | @bluesplashgirl | Jul 2, 2023
In reply to @scoop "Is it a total overall IgG deficiency or subclass deficiency? In either case doctor might recommend..." + (show)
@scoop

Is it a total overall IgG deficiency or subclass deficiency? In either case doctor might recommend IgG replacement aka IVIG or SCig. Definitely worth a try to see if it helps your symptoms.

Jump to this post

IgG and IgM. Thank you and we will see moving forward.

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irenea8 | @irenea8 | Jul 2, 2023
In reply to @scoop "Is it a total overall IgG deficiency or subclass deficiency? In either case doctor might recommend..." + (show)
@scoop

Is it a total overall IgG deficiency or subclass deficiency? In either case doctor might recommend IgG replacement aka IVIG or SCig. Definitely worth a try to see if it helps your symptoms.

Jump to this post

Yes Scoop that is it, IVIG. My Dr said it is not without side effects or cautions but for some people it can make a big difference. My IgG was high as I said but I had a subclass that was low and it was one that related to respiratory infections etc. But my pulmo said they do not care about or look at subclass deficiency. I have to wonder about that.

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1 reply
scoop | @scoop | Jul 2, 2023
In reply to @irenea8 "Yes Scoop that is it, IVIG. My Dr said it is not without side effects or..." + (show)
@irenea8

Yes Scoop that is it, IVIG. My Dr said it is not without side effects or cautions but for some people it can make a big difference. My IgG was high as I said but I had a subclass that was low and it was one that related to respiratory infections etc. But my pulmo said they do not care about or look at subclass deficiency. I have to wonder about that.

Jump to this post

@irenea8 immune system so very complex. If you’re in doubt about your doctor and recommendations consider finding a research immunologist that has a clinic, often associated with a teaching hospital.

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clynnford | @clynnford | Jul 3, 2023

I had similar situation. I do at home ivig infusions. I also have MAC now which I contribute to having low titers for pneumonias/ staphylococcus and streptococcus, probably for all of my life but just now diagnosed with SAD. Specific Antibodies Deficiency. Go figure! I have not been sick in 9 mos...
Just diagnosed with Breast Cancer tho...ughhh, when it rains...grab that bumbershoot!!!
Cheers!

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1 reply
scoop | @scoop | Jul 3, 2023
In reply to @clynnford "I had similar situation. I do at home ivig infusions. I also have MAC now which..." + (show)
@clynnford

I had similar situation. I do at home ivig infusions. I also have MAC now which I contribute to having low titers for pneumonias/ staphylococcus and streptococcus, probably for all of my life but just now diagnosed with SAD. Specific Antibodies Deficiency. Go figure! I have not been sick in 9 mos...
Just diagnosed with Breast Cancer tho...ughhh, when it rains...grab that bumbershoot!!!
Cheers!

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@clynnford That's great you have not been sick in 9 months so the IVIG must be working. Bummer about the breast cancer...wishing you a speedy and successful treatment.

I may be wrong but encapsulated bacteria like pneumonias, staphylococcus and streptococcus are different than NTM/MAC. Low antibody titers might make one susceptible to bronchiectasis through frequent infections. Bronchiectasis might make one more susceptible to NTM/MAC infections through ubiquitous air, water [pipes] and soil.

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1 reply
clynnford | @clynnford | Jul 3, 2023
In reply to @scoop "@clynnford That's great you have not been sick in 9 months so the IVIG must be..." + (show)
@scoop

@clynnford That's great you have not been sick in 9 months so the IVIG must be working. Bummer about the breast cancer...wishing you a speedy and successful treatment.

I may be wrong but encapsulated bacteria like pneumonias, staphylococcus and streptococcus are different than NTM/MAC. Low antibody titers might make one susceptible to bronchiectasis through frequent infections. Bronchiectasis might make one more susceptible to NTM/MAC infections through ubiquitous air, water [pipes] and soil.

Jump to this post

Yup, agreed! Thanks for the info. 🤍😇

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