Having had ME for around 10 years, I was only tested on my immunoglobulins for the first time this year as part of an appointment to see a gastroenterologist. I have to admit that this is a subject that I find quite hard to understand, (my science is pretty weak generally), though I have done my best to read up online and can kind of get the basics with regard to ranges etc.
Like many with ME, I have frequent feelings of colds pending, and sore throats, though when I was tested I was just getting over bronchitis. I usually treat myself with Oil of Oregano which seems to help quite a bit.
Anyway, my IgA was below range (not by a lot), and my IgG was only just in range, and IgM seemed OK. Also I noted that my liver globulin was below range (just) and had fallen by one point from the last time it was tested 3 years ago (I assume liver globulin is related to the other immunoglobulins but I don't really know).
My GP has agreed for me to have a retest now 6 mths later, and admitted though that she probably would not know how to do an interpretation. I thought maybe that I could be referred to an immunologist but we don't seem to have one for adults in the whole of Cornwall if Google is correct! I could ask for a referral just over the border into Devon as there is a department in the Plymouth hospital. However it's a hell of a hike from my end of Cornwall and I would maybe need to stay overnight to get there.
So....... is there any mileage in me doing this on the NHS? Would I get anywhere? Is it worth the hassle? Would I be laughed out of the surgery if ME got mentioned in my referral letter? I do have a history of autoimmune illness (hypothyroidism and Lichen Planus, and Thrombocytopenia in pregnancy), but have not had anything serious immune wise since childhood, other than getting whooping cough 6 years ago (gave me a relapse that still affects my function) and the bronchitis I had earlier this year. ie not had pneumonia since childhood.
Like many with ME, I have frequent feelings of colds pending, and sore throats, though when I was tested I was just getting over bronchitis. I usually treat myself with Oil of Oregano which seems to help quite a bit.
Anyway, my IgA was below range (not by a lot), and my IgG was only just in range, and IgM seemed OK. Also I noted that my liver globulin was below range (just) and had fallen by one point from the last time it was tested 3 years ago (I assume liver globulin is related to the other immunoglobulins but I don't really know).
My GP has agreed for me to have a retest now 6 mths later, and admitted though that she probably would not know how to do an interpretation. I thought maybe that I could be referred to an immunologist but we don't seem to have one for adults in the whole of Cornwall if Google is correct! I could ask for a referral just over the border into Devon as there is a department in the Plymouth hospital. However it's a hell of a hike from my end of Cornwall and I would maybe need to stay overnight to get there.
So....... is there any mileage in me doing this on the NHS? Would I get anywhere? Is it worth the hassle? Would I be laughed out of the surgery if ME got mentioned in my referral letter? I do have a history of autoimmune illness (hypothyroidism and Lichen Planus, and Thrombocytopenia in pregnancy), but have not had anything serious immune wise since childhood, other than getting whooping cough 6 years ago (gave me a relapse that still affects my function) and the bronchitis I had earlier this year. ie not had pneumonia since childhood.