Update on JB

In December of 2007 Janey Beth was diagnosed with IgA Deficiency, and we were referred to Dr. Christie Michael with LeBonheur's Pediatric Allergy, Immunology and Pulmonology Group in Memphis. We went a couple of weeks ago for a 6 month recheck on her immunity levels. The results were her IgA deficiency has gotten worse, and now her IgG level (immunity found in your blood) is very low. They had us come back last Monday, and they drew 6 more tubes of blood for extensive testing on her white blood cells maturity and the cells within them. They are also trying to see if her tetanus and pneumoccocal (sp?) immunizations as a child worked. We have been off and on the antibiotic Biaxin since January, and now HAVE to stay on it to prevent her from getting an infection of some sort since her body cannot defend itself right now. Depending on the results from these tests, we will either go back to Dr. Michael to get a "gameplan" together for JB, or she will refer us to St. Jude's Immunology Department for further help. There is a treatment for this, Praise the Lord, and it's called IVIG. Basically, once a month an IV would pump immunoglobulins into JB to help build up her immune system. The problem is once you start these treatments, they are lifelong. Janey Beth does NOT act sick since she has already gotten three spankings today and is jumping on my bed as I type!haha Her activity level and appetite are great, and she even weighs 35 lbs. which is very good for her age and having this immunodeficiency! We walked the dog 1 mile yesterday, and she was ready to go another. She doesn't seem sick, but there is definitely something wrong with her little defenses inside her body. We would very much covet your prayers during this next week and a half. Our prayer is that we can diagnose and quickly start treatment for JB depending on the test results. We do NOT want to start the IVIG unless we have to but are thankful that it is available. I will definitely update as soon as I know more.