How to get evaluated for an immunodeficiency

[annette]

My brother has been ill for several years and I strongly suspect he has some sort of an underlying immune deficiency. His problems are primarily digestive and he keeps suffering from recurrent infections. He has been labeled with a diagnosis of IBD, initially "diagnosed" via x-ray and later "confirmed" with a biospy that was taken after he was on immunosuppressants for 3 years.

He's had sepsis twice, multiple large skin abscesses from bacterial infections requiring packing and draining, and multiple intra-abdominal abscesses. He has also had multiple bacterial, parasitic and fungal infections of the bowel and has had a total of 7 surgeries, nearly all of which were related to abscesses and infections.

I don't know what kind of doctor to take him to who would evaluate his immune system. Any help on what sort of specialist we should be looking for would be greatly appreciated.

(Edit 7/3/14: He's found a doctor for this. Thanks to all for suggestions!)

[john]

Hello Annette, and welcome to our forum.
It's very hard to read your brothers story and not to feel angry that he's not being offered the right help.
In his position, with the facts you have already established, I would be seeking an Immunologist, preferably one with a good reputation, to comission some simple blood tests, which would establish whether the immune system was competant. The tests might also involve having a vaccination for a common viral disease and then looking for antibodies to that via a blood test later.
The poor man must be desperate for answers, and I hope you can get the proper help soon.
John

[s162216]

Hi Annette,

Welcome to the forum, like John says the sort of doctor that you need your brother to see is an immunologist. The "Jeffrey Model Foundation" (one of the national US support charities for those with primary immunodeficiency conditions) maintain a list of "experts" who specialise in this area on their website, see HERE. There are plenty of other immunologists around though who have not been accredited as part of their network, so giving them a call might be helpful. The "Immune Deficiency Foundation" (the other US national charity) do a similar "Locate a Physician" service as well which can be found HERE.

I really hope that you're able to find some help for your brother as it sound like he's going through a terrible time. If you or him need any help or support at all then remember that we're all here if you need us.

Thanks,

Sam

[annette]

s162216, thank you so much for the website links!

Yes, it has been very frustrating, beyond imaginable, but this is why we are staying with family in California over the summer so that we can hopefully get some answers. Thank you again.

[liverbird]

hi Annette, I have messaged you with information about my doctor who is also in Southern California. I hope you receive it.