No, not the kind that dogs get. Who knew that there is a Human Parvo virus? I sure didn’t.

Long story short, although this virus usually affects children as a mild flu-like infection with a rash, it can cause the sort of problems that I’ve been having for the past several months in some adults. When the infection becomes chronic, or there is an aberrant reaction to it, symptoms can manifest as everything from neurological to arthritic problems; as well as cardiovascular ones (stroke).

Naturally I’ve been doing my own research on it since getting back from my doc, and have come up with these as the most informative. The case cited in the second link really rings a bell with what I’ve been experiencing.

Neurologic Manifestations Associated with Parvovirus B19 Infection: Oxford Medical Journal – Infectious Diseases
http://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/48/12/1713.full

A Case of Persistent Parvovirus B19 Infection with Bilateral Cartilaginous and Ligamentous Damage to the Wrists
http://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/41/4/42.full

My PCP is checking with my neuro regarding using IVIG as a treatment. If that is a go, it will likely set me back pretty hard financially because our government health care plan probably won’t cover it. Cost is $2000- 4000/infusion, but that treatment is only possible if our Blood Services approves use of it in my case.

My doc would have to apply for it to be used, and he says that I’d need at least two infusions. He also said that even with the IVIG, there is the potential that this joint & neuropathy (if that is being caused by the virus), could remain progressive or become chronic.

The alternative treatments are symptom control through continuing with Ibuprofen or biting the bullet and trying prednisone or some other heavy hitting drug, none of which agree with this body of mine. Symptom control is not a long term solution; but the hope would be that the body will kick the infection on its own, given time.

My doc is contacting the neuro to see what he thinks and will also be getting hold of a rheumatologist to get their opinion. Until they all have a chat, I’m in waiting mode...but at least there is some sort of a cause of all of these symptoms, to go after now.

My poor brain is working in over drive as I try to figure out how to deal with the financial end of things, while anticipating the potential benefits of IVIG. How I will deal with it if the application for it is denied has also been on my mind, especially since some of the more recent "MS symptoms" might actually be due to this virus or a reaction to it.

I sure would rather be sitting on a beach in Mexico instead of being cooped up in the house thinking about this stuff, while waiting to hear back from my doc. He said that it might take until next week before he gets back to me.

With love, Erika