Nk Cell Test????

[jpjd59]

Has anyone else had their Natural Killer (NK) cell level tested and has it come back low? My daughter j(who has POTS) ust got her test result back and it was 4 (normal between 30 and 170). Apparently this means the immune system is not working correctly.

[Ht888]

Hi, I'm sorry to hear that her test is abnormal, it's always so hard when your kids are involved. I am suspecting that my daughter has problems with her immune system too. Can you please share what lab does this test and what kind of doctor orders this test? Thank you.

[jpjd59]

Ht888:

After seeing over 20 different doctors our new PCP referred my daughter to an immunologist/infectious disease specialist who was the doctor who ran this test. He is also testing for different viruses to see if one of the viruses is the cause for this problem.

How old is your daughter and how long ago did her symptoms start?

Pam

[HopeSprings]

Pam-

Was it an NK function test or NK count? They say NK function is often low in CFS. My CFS Doctor sent me for both tests - NK function was fine, but count was very low which she said is also seen in CFS. I was also tested for all kinds of viruses with Epstein Barr showing as chronic and active and a few others also showing positive. Not uncommon in CFS either. Is this a CFS specialist she's seeing?

[jpjd59]

Pam-

Was it an NK function test or NK count? They say NK function is often low in CFS. My CFS Doctor sent me for both tests - NK function was fine, but count was very low which she said is also seen in CFS. I was also tested for all kinds of viruses with Epstein Barr showing as chronic and active and a few others also showing positive. Not uncommon in CFS either. Is this a CFS specialist she's seeing?

Naomi:

Yes, the immunologist/infectious disease doctor that she is seeing is a CFS specialist.

May I ask what treatment you are doing regarding your NK count and chronic and positive virus results?

Pam

[HopeSprings]

I tried the anti-viral Famvir, but started feeling much worse so stopped. I might re-visit this, possibly a different a/v. She also recommended low dose naltrexone (I think it boosts the immune system?). I haven't tried it. I seem to recall her mentioning Imunovir too - I'm not sure what that one does. I need to go back and follow up with her - just hard because she doesn't take insurance and finances aren't great here. There are CFS patients who have had success with anti-virals, so maybe if she comes back positive it's something to try.

[Ht888]

Ht888:

How old is your daughter and how long ago did her symptoms start?

Pam

[Ht888]

Sorry, learning how to use a quote...

My daughter is almost 13. She has the most trouble gaining weight, very, very skinny and has very frequent strep infections and viruses. We got back from a doctor's appointment yesterday and learned that she is gluten intolerant and it has been haulting her growth. She also has very high thyroid antibodies and tons of environmental allergies. Thank you for the info, I will make an appointment with the immunologist.