Aubree and IgA deficiency

Update on Aubree....  As most of you know, Aubree was diagnosed last year with an immune deficiency disorder known as IgA deficiency.  This means that her body does not produce the immunoglobulin A.  Some people with this disorder have no symptoms, while other have many symptoms.  Aubree seems to be in the category where she is going to have the symptoms.  When she was one, before we were even aware that she had IgA, she was hospitalized at Santa Rosa Children's hospital with RSV and Pneumonia.  The following year we had MANY ear infections and lung infections.  Her ENT recommened a second set of tubes and blood work to find out why she was suffering from so many lung infections.  They tested her for everything from cystic fibrosis to immune deficiencies.  The tests came back showing that she is IgA deficient.  We were sent to a pediatric immunologist in San Antonio.  At first, I wasn't too concerned....I thought that she would just get sick more often.  Unfortunately, the more we live with this and learn about this, the more aware we are at how serious and scary this can be. One thing that we learned is that she needs a medical alert bracelet.  Her blood does not contain the immunoglobulin A which means that she can not have a blood transfusion without the A immunoglobulin being "washed" out because it could cause her body to go into shock. The Fall, Winter and beginning Spring seem to be the hardest times for Bree.  She was a very sick girl this year.  It all started with Mono...she then suffered from strep, flu type A, and numerous ear infections.  We were going to the doctor twice a week.  I can't stress to everyone how important it is to get the flu shot...if not for you, please do so for people with compromised immune systems.  Right now, she is doing well!!!!  We have pulled her out of day care and she is staying with a wonderful woman named Sandy.  Her long term prognosis is unknown.  We worry about her developing disorders such as Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes etc...that she is more likely to develop because of IgA.  What we do know is that Aubree is a fighter and a very strong and resilient little girl!!  We are very blessed to have her in our life!!!  What a blessing she is!!!