When you finally DO get Covid...

[mouseandchair]

Very simple question: We immune-compromised people are bad at making antibodies via vaccinations and boosters. Are we JUST as bad at making them after we've recovered from actually having the disease? I suspect this is an oft-answered question. Sorry: I have trouble with the search function.

Thank you all!

Mouse and Chair

[lankisterguy Volunteer]

Hi mouseandchair,

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I suspect you will find that the answer to your question is "complicated" like most things with CLL. Our immune systems don't work predictably, and we get varied results on the antibody tests, and those tests only measure one of the several actions of immunity.

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Here is a link to the 305 past postings that mention COVID and antibodies.

healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

From a brief scan of the first 10, I see a wide variety of test results and infection experiences.

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Len

[mouseandchair in reply to lankisterguy]

Thank you, Len! I will dig into these posts.

[stevesmith1964]

The immune system is Far more complex than antibodies. I am severely immunocompromised on monthly IVIG , I have had Covid 3 times but apart from that I have not had anything else. I am 58 , my wife and 2 kids (5 and 3) have constant colds and flu.... but I get nothing. I live a full pre covid pre CLL life style thus enjoying life to the full... and as carer for my mum with dementia had taught me to e joy every second of life

[mouseandchair in reply to stevesmith1964]

Thank you, stevesmith1964, for that reminder about the immune system's various weapons and for your in-a-nutshell health report. Makes me hopeful.

mandc

[Sojomama13]

Hi,

Speaking from my own experience with Covid, I did get tested afterwards and I did get antibodies from Covid. Prior I got jabbed multiple times with the vaccine and got little to no antibodies. I’m not certain if this is everyone’s experience or if I got lucky. I’m also uncertain how long my antibodies will last in comparison to a non CLL person.

Sandy

[mouseandchair in reply to Sojomama13]

Thank you! That is a hope-inducing story!

mandc

[Sojomama13 in reply to mouseandchair]

When I started this journey, I was filled with sadness, fear and dread. As time passed and seeing all these developments, I became more and more hopeful and began to fully understand the meaning of chronic.

Keep the Faith,

Sandy

[Edalv in reply to Sojomama13]

That’s exactly the way I think, it took me about 2 years to come to that conclusion. The sooner we get over the fear and confusion after the diagnosis, the better chances to have a long coexistence with CLL and a better quality of life… 🙏

[Poodle2]

I had very high antibodies from the infection, I also made antibodies from the vaccines.