Drawing passes time during IV treatments

By Chris Jones

Published: April 15, 2008

Janice Pruitt and her parents, J.C. and Louise VanBuskirk, often sit for hours as they work on assembling 1,000-piece puzzles. Once a month, Pruitt, 45, goes to OU Physicians in Oklahoma City for intravenous gamma-globulin infusions, often referred to as IGG.

The puzzles keep her occupied during the treatment.

She takes time away from her family and her work as a dietitian at a dialysis center to sit quietly while she receives the IV treatment that has restored her life.

"My parents are always with me,” Pruitt said. "I have a lot of family support. I love to draw, and I discovered my talent for drawing while I was forced to sit still and be at OU for four hours. My dad was an artist, and I had always wished I could draw.”

The enjoyment her art brings her is a positive aspect she has gained from several years of poor health.

Pruitt said she began feeling sick five years ago with recurring sinus infections that left her exhausted. Antibiotics failed to help her recover, and she said she made frequent visits to her ear, nose and throat doctor. The doctor recommended surgery. Despite several surgeries, the infections continued.

She was shocked to learn she had mold in her sinus cavities. She believes her health problems were related to moldy wallboard from a leak in the roof of her home.

She and her husband, David, and daughter Shelby, now 10, moved out of their house for a year while the flooring, walls, and heating and air-conditioning system were replaced.

During that time, Pruitt was referred to a rheumatologist, and four years ago, she was diagnosed with common variable immune deficiency. It is a primary immune deficiency disorder characterized by low levels of antibodies and an increased susceptibility to infections.

"Prior to this, I didn't have any health problems other than mild asthma and allergies like many people have. When I was tested for the immune deficiency, the level was around 400, and it should be approximately 700. I had never heard of IGG, and I was pretty scared.”

Pruitt said she was busy caring for her daughter, who was 6 years old at the time, and working at a rewarding job. She wondered if she would be able to keep working.

"The very first infusion, I could feel myself getting stronger,” Pruitt said. "My appetite and energy started coming back, and I was very pleased and encouraged. IGG is like fuel for my body. Without these treatments, I couldn't fight off infections.”

She said that, during her years of treatment, she has met many people who have compromised immune systems due to various health problems ranging from lupus to rheumatoid arthritis, and they have been referred for IGG treatment. Many people suffer recurring infections, including some that are potentially life-threatening before diagnosis.

A survey by the Immune Deficiency Foundation, a national organization devoted to research and education for the primary immune deficiency diseases, found that a significant number of patients are only diagnosed after multiple hospitalizations.

Pruitt said she is acquainted with a woman who had been sick almost all of her life. The immune deficiency finally was diagnosed, and she received treatment.

Information is available from the foundation. Pruitt said she receives quarterly newsletters, and telephone buddies and conferences are available for patients or family members who want to stay in contact with others who understand what they are experiencing.

Pruitt said she is grateful she was diagnosed and that she has insurance to pay for the expensive monthly treatment.

"It sure makes me appreciate the life I have,” Pruitt said. "For the most part, I lead a normal life now.”

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