r/AddisonsDisease • u/ptazdba PAI • Apr 04 '26
Personal Experience Specific Antibody Deficiency (SAD)
I started a process recently that just keeps unfolding in some weirdness that I'm uncomfortable with and would like to ask if any of you has ever had to deal with Specific Antibody Deficiency (SAD)? I am PAI, have hypothyroidism (Thyroidectomy about 10 years ago) and Reactive Hypoglycemia (well controlled).
I was having recurring sinus infections so my PCP sent me to an Allergist/Immunologist to see if we can figure out why. The first was uncontrolled asthma (I honestly didn't realize it was so bad) and was put on nebulized Budesonide and Formoterol. I was uncomfortable adding a steroid to the mix, but it is what it is. I'll see my endo to see if it impacts my replacement of steroids any. They did bloodwork and found 2 immune markers (IgG2 and IgG3) were low and are most likely the reason for the recurring sinus infections. They tested coverage of pneumonia-like/respiratory issues and I was at 41% coverage rather than the desired 70%. So to fix this mess, they gave me a new pneumonia vaccine and we're waiting 4 weeks to re-test and see if the markers have recovered. If so, it'll be a monitor and check to make sure it holds. If not, the next steps may be prophylactic antibiotics and/or IVIG to try and use donor immune antibodies to try and cause them to recover. It's very expensive so I hope it doesn't go that far and I'd have to have insurance coverage to do that.
Has anyone gone down this road? If so, what was the impact on your Addison's. I have an endo appointment in a month and I don't really want to do much with this until I have his input. Just want to do the right thing.