Treatments and whether to return toe mployment

HI all,
As a quick recap I was diagnosed some 8 years ago, had varying success with treatments getting nearly 4 years of remission after Rituxan in 2013, falling afoul again in Oct last year.

Good news is they gave me another round of Rituxan which appears to be holding (counts holding stead in the 70 - 80k range), but now my immunoglobulins are too low so I am on monthly IVIG (Kiovig) treatments.

Treatments aside I have now been off work since September which means my pay will be affected shortly (half pay then state pay!)

I work in Law Enforcement so I would tend to come into contact with people with just about every illness you can imagine - does a low immunoglobulin count have any play in that? From what I understand a low count makes you more susceptible to infections?

I was wondering if anyone has any experiences of working whilst on IVIG treatment? Is it risky / pros cons etc? I asked my consultant and he was of the opinion its my choice and he'll sign me back to work or off work either way (Doctor sitting on the fence, who'd have thought lol)

thanks
Richard

Hey Richard,
I also have low Ig levels and have had IVIG several times. I work Security in a Hospital, (straight nights). Are you off work due to low Ig levels? Immunoglobulin levels do put one at greater risk for catching stuff going around. Immunoglobulins are a major part of our immune system, antibodies. They help fight off bacteria and viruses. I caught what was going around back in Oct and I am still trying to get rid of it. Whatever it is gave me my worst bout of low platelets in 14 yrs. I was off work for almost 2 1/2 weeks due to low platelet count. I had no issues working while doing IVIG for low Ig. I guess if you are feeling ok, I do not see why you could not return to work. Handwashing is a very important part of preventing from getting sick. Hope this round of Rituxan gives you an even longer remission. I just finished my 3rd round of Rituxan in 10 yrs.

Richard - that is definitely a question for your doctor. None of us know enough about your situation to give you that advice. Platelets, yes.

Thanks Sandi, as always I follow what the Doc says without question but I just wondered how others might be doing in similar situations. Low immuneglobins is a new one to me I have consultant checkup on the 19th, hopefully they will return me to work after that.