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Let's Talk: Robert Karp

Robert Karp is passionate about pursuing physical challenges, from paddle boarding, racquetball and tennis to scuba diving and skydiving. Diagnosed with X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) in 1971 shortly after birth in South Africa, the full-time academic advisor has been living with X-linked CGD for more than five decades. Despite numerous severe health challenges early in life, Robert is adamant his diagnosis need not be a factor that limits his pursuit of joy and adventure, and says he is happiest when living life to the fullest.… full article (pdf)

Product Guide

Device Your Way Out of Pain

TRYING TO get through the day while combating aches can be, well, quite a pain. Unfortunately, relief isn't always as simple as popping a few aspirin. And, while prescription medication can help, the side effects are too severe for some, and painkillers alone aren't enough for others. That's when medical devices enter the picture. When used either alone or in combination with prescribed medication and/or other therapies, many of these tools spell relief.… full article (pdf)

Ask the Experts

Reader: Is It Possible a CVID Patient Won't Mount a Response to a COVID-19 Vaccine?

Abbie: My immunologist performed the IgG COVID-19 antibody test a month after I received my second COVID-19 vaccine, and it showed I had no antibodies to the virus. Prior to my first COVID-19 vaccine, I also had no antibodies. I have common variable immunodeficiency, which means I don't always mount a response to vaccines. Is it possible I didn't mount a response to the COVID-19 vaccine? My immunologist said the spike test would only give a number and would be useless.… full article (pdf)