Pneumovax Testing

[Fyght4Ayr]

Good afternoon Health Unlocked Friends,

I have an extensive medical background and went almost 20 years with no immune system. In the process, I suffered severe infections of my lungs, ear and sinuses. Underwent over 10 operations; 7 of them on my sinuses alone. To make a long story short, I highly recommend suggesting a pneumovax vaccine test which can determine if your immune system is deficient. Back in 2013, I finally took it upon myself to ask my Immunologist what he could do to find out why I've been so sick and undergoing surgery every couple of years. That is when he gave me the pneumovax. After results were in, I was in the doctors office and told I have a severely weakened immune system. Out of 23 antibodies tested, my immune system poorly responded to only 4. Immunotherapy was my only option and have been doing it since March 2013; in addition, I will be on it along with all my other medications for the rest of my life. I've got some permanent lung damage, nerve damage in my ears, chronic hearing loss because of all the years with no immune system. What I'm saying is for those of you suffering with constant infections or problems with your lungs or other organs, urge your care team to order a pneumovax because it may answer some long unanswered questions. Good luck to everyone. Feel free to msg me for any advice. Just know you are not alone in your journey. I'm very well established within the medical community so I'd probably be able to provide some pertinent information if you are not sure where to start.

[survivorshowcase14]

I was just recently tested and was found with no immunity. I was also extremely low in Vit D. He ordered me to take the pneumonia vaccine, retest in 4 weeks. He also ordered 12 weeks of Vit D weekly, retest after last dose of that. Hopefully, my numbers go up but, wow! This explains so much as to why I was constantly sick ALL of the time for so many years. So crazy! I am so happy I have a good asthma/allergy doctor who finally checked those things.

[Brenda102]

Hi,

That is important information. I had the Pneumovax test and I also have a primary immune deficiency. I have been on subcutaneous self infusions for awhile. I am going back on it, I took a break because I was tired of it. Just being silly.

I think more people should be tested. Also recommend blood tests of the immune system.

Hope he he treatments help.

[asthmaK]

Thanks for the info. I'll have to ask my allergist about that.

[AsthmaBreath]

Recently my doctor did a similar test except I stress of using pneumovax they used MMR immunity. Found out that I have a deficient immune system as well. They are trying to get me IVIG therapy.

What therapy have you been on?