Abnormal Immunoglobulins

[jjean]

The immunologist ordered blood tests for immunoglobulin and lymphocytes.

I feel ill all the time. Really tired and get fatigued.  I also have leg pain and leg swelling when walking.  
The rheumatologist said I had venous insufficiency.
The podiatrist said I have lymphadema.  
(My lymph glands are swollen and hard in my neck.)  And the immunologist ignored it.

My CBC was normal, with slightly low lymphocytes.

My other abnormal tests are posted below. Does anyone know what they mean?

Thank you to anyone who can help me.

Imunoglobulins:
IgG1=455 (Low).  Normal Range: 456-1110 mg/dL
IgG4=170 (High).  Normal Range:  11-112 mg/dL  

Lymphocytes:
T-Cells:  CD3/CD8 Absolute Count=178 (Low).  Normal Range:  394-1150cell/cu mm
T-Cells:  CD4/Cd8 Ratio=5.3 (High).  Normal Range: 0.9-2.1

[elbamom]

I don't know if there is a law about explaining medical testing, but there should be :)  I hate it when a doc won't answer questions, or explain options or whatever. I understand their time is valuable, but I want to work with a doc as a team player, not as just a patient. If I understand what and why I am doing something I can do a better job. I will research things if I don't understand them. More knowledge is always good in my opinion.

Have a good week-end
Elbamom

[jjean]

I will keep trying...and take your advice, and get the booklet from IDF.  And ask for a doctor they recommend.

I really appreciate your support, and understanding...my doctor does not seem to care, and I can not get answers from him.

Is there any law that doctors must explain abnormal tests...???

[elbamom]

Jeanne:
At this point I would suggest that you get a copy of your labs and any other blood work he did and take it and your questions elsewhere! The IDF can recommend an immunologist in your area and there is info at their web-site about diagnostic testing.  Look at the publications section for a booklet called "Diagnostic and Clinical Care Guidelines" they will send you a copy for free on any of their publications. You can read it on line too.
The booklet suggests blood work to confirm or deny medical conditions. Also someone who is familiar with the IDF should be a more caring doc.
It always hurts when a doc is uncaring or won't explain. Thank heaven there are still some great doc's out there. It takes time to find one, but is well worth the search. I personally would rather have an" I don't know, or I can't fix you" then a uncaring doc. If he doesn't know he should refer you to someone who does!

Hang in there, Keep looking for answers.
Elbamom

[jjean]

Sorry so slow in replying...I do not have a computer and use the library computers...

My immunologist replied to me and said all my tests are normal...and I do not believe he is telling me the truth...

He said my x-ray was normal...and is was NOT...it said I had a hiatal hernia...

And this is what he said about my other tests:  THIS IS A QUOTE:
"You only have 1 slightly lower value of IgG1 subclass which is barely 1 point below the normal range. These values do fluctuate with time and I will be keeping a close eye on this. I will repeat your blood levels every year.
You also have low values for CD 8 cells which can be seen in variety of conditions."

This is not right...because although my IgG1 is ONE point below normal...
My IgG4 is 58 points below normal...

AND>>>He did not tell me why my CD 8 cells were low...he said "a variety of conditions..."

I have to do more research on these tests...and I really appreciate your help with giving me the Immune Defficiency Foundation...

Bless you and all the people on Med Help who are all trying to help each other...

Jeanne (My real name!!!)

[jjean]

Thank you...I will keep searching and did get some Vitamin D, and took it yesterday

I will also contact the Immune Diffiency Foundation for answers and see if I can get help from them...my immunologist told me to come back in ONE year and will not answer my questions...about my abnormal tests...


IMMUNOGLOBULIN G SUBCLASSES - Details
Component/Standard Range Your Value
IgG 1 456 - 1110 mg/dL 455
IgG 2 125 - 630 mg/dL 252
IgG 3 25 - 113 mg/dL 47
IgG 4 11 - 112 mg/dL 170
Result rechecked.

T4/T8 T-CELL SUBSET PANEL - Details

Component/Standard Range                                    Your Value
CD3 % Lymphs                                      70
CD3 Absolute Count 980 - 2393 cell/cu mm 1179
CD3/CD4 % Lymphs                                      56
CD3/CD4 Absolute Count599 - 1662 cell/cu mm 944
CD3/CD8 % Lymphs                                       11
CD3/CD8 Absolute Count394 - 1150 cell/cu mm 178
CD4/CD8 Ratio 0.9 - 2.1                                      5.3
CD16/56 % Lymphs                                       14
CD16/56 Absolute Count96 - 241 cell/cu mm 227
CD19 % Lymphs                                        14
CD19 Absolute Count 141 - 448 cell/cu mm                     238

[elbamom]

Hi Jean:
I don't know what your results mean, but I was concerned the immunologist ignored all of it and your symptoms too. Since I'm not a doc. just a consumer, I would suggest starting some vitamin D3 right away. It will help your immune system and the rest of your body while you are looking for answers. The recommended daily dose is 5,000 IU . It is cheap and easy to get at Costco, Walmart. etc. For more free  info about vitamin D go to www.vitamindcouncil.org. Your D3 levels should be between 50 and 70ml to be "optimal" The next blood work you have ask the doc to add on a D3 and get and keep copies of all your blood work.

I would suggest you also contact the Immune Deficiency Foundation at www.primaryimmune.org.  They have lots of info about immune deficiencies which are the other side of the coin of auto-immune. They can also recommend an immunologist in your area that is familiar with immune deficiencies and can suggest tests that rule out or confirm a diagnosis. They will send you info for free or you can look at it on line. They are a wonderful support group and have helped many people.

Good luck,
Elbamom