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Let's Talk! Mindy Bedrossian

At age 70, Mindy Bedrossian lives with multiple chronic illnesses, including chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). But that didn’t stop the Ohio resident from catching eleven flights, enduring hours sitting in multiple airports and essentially circumventing the globe for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to India and Thailand this past December. Here, she shares highlights from her fearless journey and tips for others who want to push past boundaries and see the world on their own terms… full article (pdf)

Product Guide

Practical Ways to Support Chronically Ill Friends, Family and Neighbors

When people we care about are sick or suffering, it’s natural to want to help them. We almost can’t help it! But wanting to help and knowing how to help are two very different things. Last year, a friend’s son was diagnosed with terminal cancer. I wanted to help, but I felt stuck: What could I say or do to help ease the burden even a little bit? Providing comfort and encouragement is one thing; providing practical help is another. An encouraging note doesn’t make dinner for someone who is too tired or emotionally wrung out to cook… full article (pdf)

Ask the Experts

Reader: Can Prolonged Use of IVIG Cause Large Granulocyte Lymphatic Leukemia?

Abbie: I spoke with Leslie Vaughan, RPh, CSP, IgCP, and Michelle Greer, RN, IgCN, chief operations officer and executive vice president of sales, respectively, at Nufactor, a specialty infusion company, and they said they are unable to find anything that would support IVIG as the cause of elevated lymphocytes. They did say there is information on transient neutropenia following high-dose IVIG, but it generally resolves within 14 days of IVIG administration… full article (pdf)