Friday, January 23, 2009

Hypogammaglobulinemia

Wow....it's a real word, I promise. I just never saw it all typed out and didn't realize how long it was! So, this is what we think Sam MIGHT have. We don't know anything for sure, but everything seems to fit, so when I am in town on Monday for my appointment, I am going to try and get Sam in with Dr. Green to do some testing. It's an immune system problem that some babies are born with where they don't have enough gamma to fight off infections and viruses properly, so they get every single virus or infection that comes, and when they get them, it takes extra time and work to fight it off. We think this might be why over a year ago he had that infection/abscess in his bottom that took 2 surgeries and 2 strong antibiotics to actually get rid of it. That was an infection that a normal baby should have been able to fight off...especially with the first surgery and antibiotic. My mother-in-law thought he might have this problem back then because of this but we kind of ignored it and now thinking back on the last year and how even when he gets a simple cold that when other babies/kids get only last 2 days, it lasts a week with him, and without fail, he will have an incredibly high fever the whole time he is fighting it. I don't know...it could just be wishful thinking, having something to actually pin-point all of this to, but we'll see. I will see what Dr. Green thinks. Dave's mom and sister both had it and had to get gamma shots until they were two (luckily it's a condition that kids will eventually just outgrow). Anyway, it's just a thought and a direction we're headed in, so we will keep everyone updated when I have met with the dr., etc!

5 comments:

k.young said...

Wow. Well I hope that is what it is, because then you know how to treat it. Even though it is sad that he has to be sick at all. Good luck.

Steve, Jillian, Addison, and Jace said...

That would be great if they can do something about it. It does seem like he gets really sick a lot. If he does have it make sure they check little Joshua for it to! I can't believe you are going to be a mom of 2 soon!

Anonymous said...

I'm a 36 yr old hypogammaglobulinemia patient & a volunteer for the immune deficiency foundation. If you need any info check out-
http://www.primaryimmune.org/
Or you can e-mail me direct at deesnd@aol.com.
I'm on antibody replacement therapy- 70% of patients are. It really helps.

Unknown said...

my gosh, jen! it will be nice to know, and if so, that something can be done.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.