Ann

For years, my son has been getting sick with URI's, much more often than the average person. He gets hit about 5 to 6 times a year with fevers, coughing, congestion, etc. I have been thinking about having him tested for CVID for a long time now, but just haven't said anything to him. He's sick again and it's creeping back into my head.

He's 26, so I can't just take him and I know he will fight me about it. What do you think? With all of the wacky things going on autoimmune-wise in our family, should I push it? Then we'll have to get the doctor to take him seriously which will be a chore.

I'd urge you to pursue it. You've got enough background and experience with the world of autoimmune disorders to know when something is worth investigating. Just how you convince your son of that is a separate issue, but I'm confident you can find a way.

I'm not Ann but that's my middle name

He's an adult - I'd give him your concerns and that it's a blood test & easy, but in the long run it is his decision. Know my niece was happy I mentioned it to her and told her she was too much like me to not be tested - sure enough she has primary CVID and is worse than me.

I used to get sinus infections that often and bad - that was before I developed a low IgG. Go figure.

When he was in elementary school, he had huge swollen glands on both sides of his neck for years. He was referred to Children's Hospital and they assured us that he was fine. No tests then. The glands have gone down but never went away. Flag #1.

In high school, he started getting sick with these URI's, so it's been a good 10 years of frequent URI's. His Ped at the time said it's a common adolescent thing and he'd grow out of it. He hasn't. Flag #2. I don't even get sick as often with all that I have going on.

I have an appointment with my PA in two weeks. I think I'll talk to her about it and explain why I would like him tested. It would sound better than him going in and saying, "My Mom wants it done". If he gets an appointment with her, she'll already have heads up. He needs a regular physical anyway. It's been years. I think I'm going to insist on this. It's been nagging at me for a long time. He'll thank me later.

Thanks for the advice!

If you say something to him when he's sick he might listen more than when he's well. CVID is under diagnosed mostly because it's difficult to get a GP to take it seriously. I had a colleague who had all the symptoms and I suggested she ask her GP for testing. The doctor told her that there was no point in testing because there's no treatment anyway!

So yes, of course you should suggest something and do your best to see that he actually gets the tests. You could tell him that each time he gets a URI his lungs are being damaged and the next stage is bronchiectasis which is permanent and serious.

Oh I really hate when doctors say that! "No point..." I've heard that before. Of course there is a point.

Since he is sick now, maybe I can just get him in tomorrow and go with him. He'll love that. He never goes when he is sick...just waits to get better.

Sandi wrote: Oh I really hate when doctors say that! "No point..." I've heard that before. Of course there is a point.

That's always frustrating. It makes me wonder how we're supposed to prevent or catch anything early. I like your idea of working with your PA and using your son's current illness to motivate investigation. I hope that helps overcome any resistance you may meet along the way.

"..no treatment anyway" - there is a treatment for it, expensive but a treatment.

Good luck Sandi!

PS - I had almost constant sinus infections for years and years and years - they are horrible. My niece with CVID is constantly sick with sinus infections, constantly.

I used to get sinus infections more than I do now. I have chronic sinus problems but I don't think it's infection. It feels the same but nothing I can do about it.

My son can only go to the Dr. at 3:00 because of his college schedule. He's been going because they have a strict attendance policy. It will be a miracle if I can get him in at that time, so it might not be possible.

Any luck?

There were times when I was on antibiotic for at least 3 weeks getting rid of a sinus infection. Mine definitely were/are infections - I know right when it turns from sinus problems to infection.

Yeah, I've been on antibiotics for weeks with sinus infections too. Most of the time though, I can't tell when it turns into an infection. It feels the same as it always does, but once in a while I can smell it.

No luck with the appointment. His fever broke last night, so that's good.

I do believe I have a sinus infection - may be calling tomorrow for an antibiotic. Ugh!

Glad son's fever broke - hope he is doing lots better!

And I've now got a cold. I have antibiotics at home for when / if the chest infection starts. I could do without this now. I've just completed two weeks training for a new job that starts tomorrow. I could do with being alert.

Hope tomorrow goes OK