So what's the story....... All my life I suffered through one sinus infection after another.  I have had five sinus surgeries, multiple allergy testing that always came back negative.  Then when I was forty two, I came down with a super bacteria sinus infection that cause me to  have IV antibiotics through what is called a central line.  The wonderful infectious disease doctor who treated me for the super bacteria infection sent me to an immunologist.  It was this doctor who diagnosis me with C.V.I.D. Or Common Variable Immunodeficiency. I was both depressed and happy. Depressed - because I was looking at treatments that would last the rest of my life, and happy because FINALLY I knew that my chronic infections was not some craziness in my head - well actually it was  - that is crazy infections in my head - but anyway - I felt that finally - there was a name to it   - so I could respond to all the  - "Oh - you're sick AGAIN..." comments. At first, I went into the hospital out patient center (of course located inside the hospital) for my infusions of IV-IGG.  But right from the start my veins became inflamed.  For six months I would be poked and prodded, while my veins blew one right after another.  Finally - some nurses called my doctor after eight sticks and seven blow veins during one infusion -  and pushed for the doctor to arrange for a Cather-Port, also called a Medi-Port. The very next week I had one placed inside me - in fact they had to start the procedure without an IV, because they could NOT find a usable vein.   Having the Medi-port placed in me was a sanity saver.   I highly recommend it to those needing it. Now I just have to worry each month is the nurse going to get blood return - which means the port is working fine.  I had it for over six years, and I had a new port placed in this past February. For the first few years I felt wonderful.  I could fight off even simple colds without it turning into pneumonia.   But in years 4 & 5 -  I started to feel run down again, and started having frequent infections so my month infusions would be boosted by oral doses of antibiotics.   Two years ago,  I was diagnose with diabetes and now need to take medicine. I am also struggling with Osteoarthritis mostly in my feet and have found Celebrex a wonder drug, and yes I know the risk behind the drug.  Like many others  - my prescriptions now total close to $300 a month.  Also my immune levels dropped this past year, and they never figured out why.  So now I am getting my infusions every three weeks  - instead of the normal four.  My immune levels have finally stabilized, but never reached the levels they were before. In the last two years I have been on IV antibiotics 9 times, have had MRSA Staph infection 4 times, and other super bacteria.  I long for the days were I simply took oral antibiotics.  I want so much to continue in the classroom because I love to teach and I love my students as if they were my own kids. At times I can find being ill a bit disheartening.  I must at times "make me lie down in green pastures" and "count my blessings" to put my life in perspective.   I have a MOST WONDROUS DAUGHTER,  a wonderful school to teach in and even better students,  tremendous family and friends that love and support me, and most importantly a belief in a caring and compassionate God. In many ways I AM truly blessed.  I just look at this as God's way of "making me lie down in green pastures".  Ever notice it doesn't say brown and rocky land, but GREEN pastures - sort of Him promising a comfortable rest. (:D) I try really hard not to let this part of my life influence the rest of my life.  Unfortunately it does as far as me being out of the classroom once a month - well now once every 3 weeks while I get my infusions.  I also have had to cut back on some of the extra-activities I use to participated in, but as far as being a teacher  - I do not think it affects my abilities as far as being a caring, responsible, prepared teacher. I hope my students and parents will agree. If you would like to e-mail me about CVID feel free to do so.  You might want to check out my other pages on CVID.  Basic Information on CVID and Suggestions on Living with CVID.