I enjoy being involved with a support group to help other people cope with their disorder and give them courage. It’s something that’s very important to me.

Siegrid's Story

Siegrid, 66 years old

Siegrid was diagnosed with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) when she was 47 years old. Her blood lacks the capacity to produce antibodies, which leads to frequent bacterial infections.

 

Prior to immunoglobulin treatment, Siegrid was frequently ill. She suffered from countless infections, often caused by opportunistic germs and viruses. For years she was treated with antibiotics but still felt increasingly sick and was forced to give up her job as a teacher at a school for the disabled. Nineteen years ago, an immunologist diagnosed CVID: her IgG1 (the most abundant antibody molecule in healthy humans, found in blood and tissues) and T-lymphocyte (CD8, a white blood cell key to coordinating and regulating immune responses and directly attacking infectious cells) counts were significantly decreased. Siegrid started an intravenous immunoglobulin therapy which was administered in hospital every 3 weeks. For 5 years she has been administering gammanorm® at home every 4 to 5 days. The biggest benefit of this subcutaneous immunoglobulin therapy is that the risk of hospital infections with various pathogens and viruses can be eliminated. The stable serum levels in her blood mean that Siegrid’s health has greatly improved. An irreversible progression of her lung disease (bronchiectasis) was avoided and she is able to lead a normal life most of the time.