Still no B cells 😢: I had antibodies... - My MSAA Community

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Still no B cells 😢

erash profile image
19 Replies

I had antibodies tested —none

I had lymphocyte subset test — cd 19 % zero B cells

I guess futile to get booster ☹️

By the way last Ocrevus infusion November 2020. Moderna vax x 2 completed late April 2021

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erash profile image
erash
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19 Replies
Morllyn profile image
Morllyn

Wow!😲

Elizt3 profile image
Elizt3

My neurologist said the vaccines might still be helping us through our T cell system, which is not or less affected by Ocrevus. Just something to consider.

erash profile image
erash in reply to Elizt3

I’ve heard this, but the “think” part worries me. I’d like proof. Currently the break through hospitalizations in vaccinated people is 40% people who are in some way immune suppressed.

There is a test for T cells, but it is apparently for research, expensive and not insurance covered.

kdali profile image
kdali

Ty for sharing!!! I’ve seen one person recently who said they were 22 months out and no B cells. I’m sorry your vax will be delayed 😞

anaishunter profile image
anaishunter

Glad you're getting testing before either planning the vaccine or your next infusion... 6 months is the average, but I have to believe we're all on a different schedule. I certainly am.

erash profile image
erash in reply to anaishunter

No next infusion for me

4fishylady profile image
4fishylady

I've just started Kesimpta, 1 x month injection, 1 week since last one, which was my 2nd month on it, had 2 Pfizer's, now looking to get a booster of Moderna. Any thoughts to share on this?

carolek572 profile image
carolek572CommunityAmbassador

My results were similar to yours, erash , however I am still on Ocrevus and am scheduled for my infusion in September. I agree with you in that a booster seems hardly worth it at this point.

erash profile image
erash in reply to carolek572

I stopped seeing benefits from Ocrevus and weighing the pros/cons it didn’t make sense to continue. Plus they’re almost certain I have PPMS which has never had more than modest benefits from O.My Neuro nurse practitioner told me to re check B cells in a mos. I will, but I doubt a month will make a big difference.

carolek572 profile image
carolek572CommunityAmbassador in reply to erash

I am also getting my B cells tested in October, after my infusion. I am part of a study that is measuring my antibody levels but I am not sure why they need to keep doing blood draws since the first one showed that I have absolutely no antibodies and I have never been exposed to COVID. In a month, it will still show the same thing, unless I am exposed to COVID!

erash profile image
erash

Research studie have protocols…but sometimes those protocols make no sense in reality 🤨

I’m hoping for a T cell response of sorts & protection from my family being vaccinated along w mask wearing & staying away from people. My boys high school will be requiring mask wearing by all bc they don’t have adequate social distancing space throughout the building.

Raingrrl profile image
Raingrrl

Thanks for posting this erash . I too have been wondering if the booster will provide any benefit without serum B cells. I’ve heard the theory about T cells providing some immune response but haven’t seen any data. So at this point, I’m not counting on it without proof since immunosuppressed people are amongst those having severe breakthrough cases of Covid.

Have you had your immune system antibodies tested? My IgG and IgM are low and my IgA is close to the bottom of the range. So I’m feeling quite vulnerable to any virus or bacteria that passes by. If this is an effect of Ocrevus, I might have to go off it even though it has kept me stable so far. I’m just curious if others on Ocrevus have experienced the same.

erash profile image
erash in reply to Raingrrl

I had Ig’s specific to the covid vax checked = negative

Spanishpopmama profile image
Spanishpopmama

OK this has been my fear all along. Since I heard about the vaccine that was supposed to boost your immune system I wondered how it would work for me taking Ocrevus. It seemed to be counterproductive. How did you guys get your antibodies tested? I’ve always said that I wanted to get mine tested to see if anything was working. I am a middle school teacher and most of my students are not getting vaccinated. I worked through this last year and was freaking out that I was going to die. I read something the other day that immunocompromise people are 485% more likely to be hospitalized or die due to Covid. I agree that the booster will probably not be helpful.

erash profile image
erash in reply to Spanishpopmama

My Neuro ordered the lab tests.

Spanishpopmama profile image
Spanishpopmama

Thank you….I am going to ask!

jackiesj profile image
jackiesj

TY erash for this discussion. i hadnt realized that steroid shots had to spaced out or it voided even a booster...I guess some unknowns first time around but thankful for vaccines whenever. Hopefully one day we will all have that new normal down pat.Best wishes.

IFwczs profile image
IFwczs

Same here with zero B cells.

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