This month’s patient highlight features Aubrey, a college student living with CVID. After being diagnosed at age 19 due to extreme sickness during her freshman year of college, Aubrey began biweekly SCIG infusions. Her treatment has allowed her to live a fulfilling and happy life, and she hopes to inspire others living with Primary Immunodeficiency to do the same. Read on for her story!
Please share a few sentences about your overall experience living with PI.
I have been living with CVID for almost 5 years now and I get biweekly SCIg infusions. I have had many health complications over these last few years, but I have managed to continue to live a fulfilling and happy life!
How and when were you diagnosed? Which specific PI disease do you have?
I was diagnosed at age 19 after being extremely sick while living in the dorms my freshman year of college. I was so confused about what was happening to my body, so I went to an immunologist, who diagnosed me. I have CVID.
How has treatment impacted your life? How did you decide this was the correct treatment for you?
SCIg has truly given me my life back. It has allowed me to get sick less often and bounce back quicker. My immunologist suggested it, and I have been doing it since my diagnosis. It is a good, flexible treatment for my lifestyle.
Do you share your story with others online? If so, tell us what made you decide to do so.
Yes! I wanted to inspire others with PI and show them they are not alone. I was apprehensive in the beginning, but it has been an amazing experience. I created my website, Aubreywithgrace.com and I speak on podcasts.
If there's anything else you'd like to share with us, please do so below.
To hear more about my story, check out some of my podcast appearances on my Instagram (@aubrey.johnston)!