#cvidiva

I was diagnosed November 1, 2017 by my son's asthma doctor, who also specializes in allergies and immunology. I had quite literally drug myself out of bed that afternoon to take my son to his appointment. It wasn't until I mentioned something about myself (I don't remember exactly what) in an attempt to help the doctor treat my son, that the doctor froze, turned and looked directly into my eyes and started firing questions one after another at me.

Then, an army of nurses entered the room at his beckoning and began drawing blood, taking vitals and writing furiously fast. Soon, the doctor began telling me what he thought the blood test would prove I had - a Primary Immunodeficiency called Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID). I began IVIG immediately and unfortunately suffered from numerous side effects.

After three years, I was stable enough to try SCIg. Of course, it was intimidating at first, but I immediately knew it would be a better treatment option for me with less side effects and the freedom to receive my medicine in smaller doses each week at home. I even crafted a zebra-themed rolling cart that houses all my SCIg supplies, including my Koru Freedom Pump! One tip: I use a lidocaine patch to numb my infusion area before inserting the needles. Lidocaine cream also works well!

- Susan D.