C’mon needlephobes—you know who you are! Every family has one—and it’s okay. Breathe… Whether or not you or your loved one is a die-hard needlephobe, you’re probably not reading this article for kicks—especially if you’ve been diagnosed with a primary immunodeficiency like Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID).
Hopefully, you’ll soon be discussing treatment options with your healthcare professional, which is important. The good news is that your chronic condition can be treated, the bad news, which really isn’t that bad—unless you are a needlephobe, is you’ll have to receive your treatment from a some type of needle.
Breathe…Your treatment options will depend on the kind of PI disease you have. If you have the most widely known type of PI, which are antibody deficiencies, the typical treatment is immunoglobulin (Ig) therapy. In that case, the most common Ig treatment options are intravenous (IV) Ig and subcutaneous (Sub-Q) Ig; they differ by the way the treatment is administered.
Your healthcare professional administers an IVIg infusion in your vein in an infusion center, medical office, or hospital (outpatient) setting, which can last for several hours and requires travel time, etc. The Sub-Q Ig treatment, however, can typically be self-administered by the patient or caregiver at home.
The Sub-Q treatment is given just below the skin with a small needle accompanied with an infusion pump and can last for several hours, too. The good news is both types of Ig infusions have been shown to be effective in preventing infection in various studies, but remember, both options have potential side effects.
Be prepared the next time you talk with your doctor, bring a list of questions or concerns that you’d like to discuss together—especially if you are a needlephobe. Your doctor can help with suggestions about how to best manage stress or needle-related anxiety, too. After all, with your diagnosis, you have more important things to think about. You need to take care of yourself or your loved one. It’s really important to feel calm, to get the most benefit from your treatment.
Remember: When it comes to your health, making informed decisions is key; together with your doctor, you can decide which route of Ig administration is best for you.
If you know any needlephobes, assure them that the few moments of terror are all worth it in the end.
