Can someone explain the immune system and getting sick with CIDP?
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November 10, 2007 at 8:31 pm
Dell is on solumedrol each week (total 160 mg). He had a very bad cold last month at this time and he’s got another. This one is not as bad as last month, thank God but he’s coughing a good bit.
My question. I know his immune system is a little down but I don’t understand all about catching things, etc.
Can my children pass something to him and them not actually be sick with the item they are passing?
The last cold was from his brother but don’t know where this one came from. I am a germ phopic person and keep the waterless soap around the house and in my van.
Can someone explain if he gets sick easier?
Thanks, Lori
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November 10, 2007 at 9:03 pm
Lori,
I wonder how it works when there is an immunosupressant and ivig. Obviously the solumedrol would weaken the immune system, but on the other hand, since ivig, Kevin knock on wood has not been sick. Good luck!
Dawn -
November 10, 2007 at 9:35 pm
Solumedrol (methylprednisolone) affects lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are the main fighters of viral infection (and fungus so this is why people are also at risk of thrush in the mouth sometimes). Granulocytes (PMS, poly, polymorphoneutrophils) fight bacterial infections. The B lymphocytes make antibodies and cause inflammation. Solumedrol is used to reduce the lymphocytes to control the CIDP, but also will affect the ability of the body to protect against viruses as well.
Definitely people can have a weak cold and have little if any symptoms and yet pass it on. This is called a “subclinical infection”. People are also contagious with colds/flu for a few days before it has built up enough to make them sick. Dell could have gotten it from someone outside the family. The cold virus/flu virus also will last a little on inanimate objects like doorknobs, staircases, phone receivers, etc–lots of places. These viruses were designed to be passed on and so to make more of themselves (smart for them, a challenge for us).
With Hope
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November 10, 2007 at 11:28 pm
Lori, Have you changed his toothbrush? I would put his current toothbrush in some listerine for about 15 mins then rinse and start brand new after he recovers from his illness. Thats what I do after we get sick around here, it seems to halt it for abit-until the next time the virus makes it around the school classrooms that is. Check with Dell’s dr about giving him D3 supplements, might help abit also. Give Him Big Hugs for me!
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November 11, 2007 at 8:02 am
Thank you all for your posts. Last night, he coughed and coughed until we gave him vaporub. We also put the humidifier on.
What is D3?
Thanks, Lori
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November 11, 2007 at 8:33 am
lori,
D3 is the good part of vitamin D. take care. be well.
gene gbs 8-99
in numbers there is strength -
November 11, 2007 at 8:35 am
The steroids will lower his immune system & make him more susceptible to illness. Emily was sick just about the whole time she was on the ‘roids earlier this year. But she was in kindergarten where germs seem to constantly fester.
A person can still get sick while on IVIG. Emily is fighting a cold right now, as a matter of fact. There’s a nasty cold that comes with headache, runny nose & a cough going around here.
I would continue with the VapoRub, humidifier & look into getting him a decongestant & expectorant medication. The expectorant will help break up any mucous so he can cough it up. I know you’ve been worried in the past about Dell not being able to cough up phlegm.
How is he doing otherwise? I was thinking about him the other day.
I hope he feels better soon.
Kelly
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