Audra has CVID (common variable immune deficiency).
Her IgG and IgA levels are low. This combined with what we learned last week...she cannot retain any of the antibodies that she receives from vaccines...confirmed the diagnosis.
Usually, our immune system uses the antibodies it acquires from vaccines and previous illnesses to protect us from illnesses in the future. Audra's immune system doesn't have the antibodies it needs to protect her.
We still have a lot to digest as we get ready for this next medical journey with Audra. Her first immunoglobulin replacement infusion is in two days at the hospital. The infusion is a collection of antibodies taken from hundreds of blood donors. If all goes well, we will then do the weekly treatments at home.
I've been consulting with Dr. Google this evening and apparently CVID can have some significant GI symptoms:
Malabsorption
Chronic diarrhea
Failure to thrive
Villous atrophy on colonoscopy
This describes Audra perfectly!
CVID might just be THE answer to unlocking the medical mystery of Audra.
It does not, however, account for her significant developmental delays. I half-jokingly asked her immunologist if they have something they could infuse that would help her to talk! Of course, he said no. But the more I think about it...
if these infusions can strengthen her immune system,
and improve her GI symptoms,
it might result in better growth and nutrition,
which must mean good things for her brain!
Daddy doesn't usually get to come along to Audra's doctor appointments. But when he does Audra helps him fully experience it!
I'm glad that you finally feel that you have the correct diagnosis. It's been a long journey to get to this answer. I hope things continue to fall into place as you work through the treatment.
ReplyDeleteAudra gets more adorable all the time. :)