First BAD day in a long time....I wonder why?

[Deb 27]

Elaine, sorry you came home from a wonderful trip to a flare!!! Ugh!!!!!

However, I have to agree with several here, that happens to me sooo often when I travel, even short day trips.  It wears me out. I can hardly drive anymore and our current car has tinted windows which I think really help. But often, I feel great on vacation and just crash really bad when I get home. And, I am not an over-do'r....

Can I ask why you take IVIG? Is it for the SJogren's or another auto immune situation?  I didn't understand all the acronyms.

Again, I hope this is short lived for you and you wake up feeling great tomorrow!!!! 

[Carolina]

Hi Deb 27,

I am one of several here who have Immune Deficiency (low count or complete absence of two or more of the 5 Immune factors, A,G,D,E and M).  I am very low in IgG and IgM.

IgA, IgG, IgD, IgE and IgM are the factors in our Immune system that are also called antibodies.  Antibodies work to defend our body from outside invaders:  fungus, bacteria, and viruses.  When we are deficient in antibodies, we don't have enough defenders, and we get infections.  Some of us who have this deficiency get very sick, hospitalized and often have severe damage to organs/systems from chronic infections or severe infections.

IVIG is Intravenous Immune G (IgG also called Gamma-globulin). This Gamma-globulin is taken from the blood of paid donors, and infused into our bodies to give us more defenders.  The 'borrowed' Gamma-globlin only lives a short time, and since we don't produce enough of our own, we have to have more on a regular basis.

This condition, Immune Deficiency is different from autoimmune condition.  Our Immune System may produce AUTO antibodies along with the helpful antibodies.  Auto antibodies attack our OWN BODIES (hence the term AUTO - self).  Most of us with Sjogren's, Lupus, Hashimoto's, etc. have auto antibodies which are attacking organs and systems of our own bodies.  Sjogren's attacks the moisture producing systems, although it can attack any part of the body.  Lupus is known for attacking the kidneys, Hashimoto's for attacking the thyroid gland. 

And some of us have won the Immune Sweepstakes and have BOTH an Immune Deficiency and Autoimmune factors attacking our own bodies.

We can't defend ourselves without help, and our own immune system is attacking us.  Fun, eh?

Don't hesitate to ask more questions.  We are always here to help where we can.  And, yes, we do speak medical letter jargon all too often.

Hugs,  Elaine

[Carolina]

Well, dearest angels, the flare seems to be gone.

You know I would have sworn this hasn't happened since I started IVIG and Medrol.  But I keep a daily diary and when I checked back, sure enough, there were other flares.

I think we repress them for a very good reason.

Now I'm easing back into feeling pretty good, tho' I know how fragile that is.  And we have a BIG trip, 23 days, compared to this 8 day trip, planned for May/June.  However, I will just go with the flow and see what happens.

Hugs,  Elaine

[Nomad]

I'm glad you feel better, Elaine. I often get sick when I travel...it is often respitory issues, but I can get flares too. I think a change of weather can be a big issue for me.  AND mid Florida can have lots of allergens in the air. Just some ideas, that may not have occurred to you.

I can relate to what you said about how yesterday you "couldnt think past the next hour."  Geez, some days are so difficult.  And, I have to control my thinking, otherwise, I could very easily get depressed. But, I say to myself "this too shall pass, it always does." Some days, it is a struggle to believe this. And, people who understand (like you and the others here) certainly can help one get through!

Blessings!

[wildforwater]

Happy you're feeling better, Elaine.  Flares are not fun.  But if I could answer your question of "I wonder why?", I'd be rich!!

Hugs, Maria

[Head2Toe]

Glad you're feeling better Elaine, and I hope that good health continues all the way through your next trip!

Twenty-three days!  Where are you off to?