Welcome Carol. I was diagnosed in December. Have had three IV IG infusions. I'm coming to terms with it though. I also have an autoimmune disorder. There are good resources out there to help you. www.IDF.com, IG living (magazine which is free to subscribe to). And is also online. Does your Dr. Want to start IVIG?

We all process it differently. I was never overwhelmed I just wanted the medicine STAT so I wouldn't lose my job LOL

Here's what I can tell you. With optimal treatment, it will reduce the number and severity of infections and you go on with life FOR THE MOST part. Sometimes treatment takes a lot of tinkering around to get it right for YOU. I am a single mom, 44, have 2 cats and a dog, work 9 hour days, own a home and bake cookies on the side. I am BUSY and let me tell you I was sick sick sick before. You find a new normal. I am not a germ freak, I don't wear a mask (and I have a potentially fatal lung disease). It does get better, the overwhelming feeling goes away. Life does go on I promise. Please ask any questions.

It also might help to talk to an advocate. Baxalta has MyIGSource - free to all, with advocates who either are Immune Deficient or have family members who are: 855-250-5111, they also offer a ton of free resources. Primaryimmune.org also has advocates and free resources.

I am waiting for my insurance to OK Hizentra. So of course while I am waiting I now have another sinus infection. Changing my job around at work since I "can't be around sick people." It really sucks to be a nurse and not do what I love which is emergency nursing. Probably got exposed last week end at work so back on antibiotics and the dreaded Prednisone! Thanks for the resources I will check them out.

I'm also an RN so I understand completely, I worked in post op and then an ENT dr. Office. Not working right now as I'm staying home with my little one. Looking forward to going back soon though. It's hard being on this side of it. I like taking care of others hard to be the one who needs to be taken care of.

Hi Carol,
I've been off this site for quite awhile. At first when I was diagnosed I was actually relieved. I hadn't felt like myself in a number of years. I had always been one with a lot of energy. At first I was given gammagard. Their personal individual support offered by Gammigard was truly heartwarming. The thought of doing my own subq infusions felt overwhelming. If you're going to do subq infusions, video the nurse teaching you. It can demystify the process.
I personally couldn't tolerate gammagard. I was nauseated day in and day out for five months. My doctor finally changed my meds to Hizentra. The minute I switched I had no nausea at all. I found it is possible to become a pro at giving yourself infusions. I do it every Sunday morning. I've even brought it on vacation to Europe with me.
I'm a psychologist. I'm as busy as ever.
Once you get it under control and you feel better, you should be able to return to the work you love.
I returned today to this site in appreciation to everyone who helped me when I was struggling.
I hope you feel better soon.

Thank you so much for you input. Currently doing my third infusion by myself and not near as bad as I thought it would be! First one gave me more energy and hope to get some this week also.

Glad your feeling better Carol!