There’s a saying in medicine that when considering a differential diagnosis, you should “think horses, not zebras.” Meaning, look for the most likely. The most common. Does a Zebra occasionally trot in? You bet. But, horses are more common.

I’ve often thought about this over last two years and how it applies to me and all immune suppressed patients. We’re NOT zebras. But, for some reason, during this pandemic we’ve been treated as if we’re actually not just zebras but the even more rare, black footed ferret.

We.Are.Horses. There are millions of us. Millions. And the medical community knew we existed when this pandemic began. Yet, we have been treated as an inconvenience. A “well, what ARE we going to do about THOSE patients?”

ONE major study was/is following these patients and their response to the vaccine. ONE institution. ONE!

ONE drug was FINALLY approved to treat these patients who, surprise, surprise, didn’t respond to the vaccine. Two years into the pandemic! Was there previous information to indicate these patients would not respond to the vaccine? Yes. Was there simply what I like to call “scientific common sense” indicating they wouldn’t respond? Yes. No immune system, no response to a vaccine. Particularly with B cell therapies.

All of that information and one drug receives EUA. And then, the Federal Government only orders 700,000 doses! For the nation! For millions of patients that need it! They estimated 7,000,000 patients need it. That’s 1% of patients being treated!

Today, it was announced that the FDA recommended doubling the dose of that drug. Now, you’ve cut the 1% in half. And those that have already been dosed (me) need to receive an additional dose as soon as possible. Will it be available?

I was thrilled when I received Evusheld. I felt relief, finally. I had my first dinner out with actual humans in two years. Now, I’m back in limbo. Now, I wait again to find out if I can receive the medication I need to protect me from this virus. And so do millions of others.

We are NOT zebras. We are horses. And much like the wild mustang, we have been failed by those who should have been protecting us.

It’s time for the medical community and the Federal Government to put us equally at the forefront of any public health crisis.

And for those who still don’t want to vaccinate? Who think public health initiatives are somehow infringement of your freedom? You’re petulant children. And I sincerely hope you never have to face a significant health crisis. But, if you do? You’ll find no sympathy here.

#TheForgotten #Evusheld #Vaccinate #Immunesuppressed