Common Variable Immunodeficiency Support Group
Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a group of 20-30 primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) which have a common set of symptoms but with different underlying causes. CVID's underlying causes are different, but the result of these are that the body doesn't produce sufficient antibodies in response to exposure to pathogens.
I was recently diagnosed with MRSA. I am a Radiation Therapist and deal with cancer patients daily so my ID doc decided to attempt decolonization protocol(Muciprocim ointment 2 times a day and Hibiclens baths for 10 days) for me( I am colonized and infected) and my family. I was given a nasal swab to start and received the news the next day from my hemotogist/oncologist and was in to see the ID doc in 2 days(I'm very lucky). I was referred for possible hidradenitis suppurativa but that was secondary to my MRSA infection. We were on the protocol for 10 days with Zyvox(after failure on Keflex and Augmentun) for myself for 10 days to coincided with it. I had 7 boils under my left armpit and 2 on my right and an stye in my right eye. 5 days after stopping the meds and nasal ointment, I had a new boil emerging under my left armpit. We are still doing the hibiclens showers. I have leukocytosis and thrombocytosis of unknown origin for about 7 years and low immunoglobulin G so I am considered immunocompromised. I went back to the ID doc and started Bactrim DS. 4 days into Bactrim DS treament I got a new boil that is now as big as a golf ball and a pea sized one that is just waiting to pounce. Now I will be starting another round of Zyvox for 14 days in a couple of days-the pharmacy has to order it because of the cost they don't keep it on hand. My ID doc told me that the hope was to reduce the MRSA levels but I would probably always battle this disease. I wonder if IV immunoglobulin with the antibiotics would work? But that only boosts the immune system for a few weeks so I'm not sure about it. Does anyone else have Staph or MRSA and if so does the IVIG help? What about antibiotics...I've been on Keflex, Augmentum, Bactrim DS and Zyvox (starting the second round). I also have been on Z-packs a couple of times this past year for sinus infections. Thanks everyone...even if your reply is just to introduce yourselves.
In my own experience, before starting IVs, I had chronic staph infections of the skin, and it sometimes spread to other organs, which can be dangerous. I was tested for MRSA a few times, but it was always run-of-the-mill staph, so not as bad as what you are experiencing. Once I started on IgGIV, the infections have become very infrequent, and are never as severe. I have had to take antibiotics a couple of times, but the infection is much more easily controlled now.