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Senior Member
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Shenandoah Mountains, VA
Posts: 1,250
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Shenandoah Mountains, VA
Posts: 1,250
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IVIG has been used in many cases of SFN with good results. If you have a positive skin biopsy, then you should not have too much of a problem getting approval for it's use. However, whether it would be as helpful for traumatic type of neuropathy vs autoimmune or even idiopathic, I don't know. But I think trying it would be logical if all other treatments have failed.
In cases of autoimmune and some idiopathic (since the cause is unknown), the IVIG actually heals the nerve to some degree, because the fiber density actually increases. This has been documented by repeat skin biopsy after a course of treatment with IVIG. Most patients receiving IVIG for SFN, get relief in regards to pain, and burning sensations...and sometimes the electrical shocks (I know some people that have report it helping this, but not everyone).
Personally, my neuropathy is past point of healing, so we only expected to slow progression (which it appears it is doing). However, I can report that my pain level is "a little" better for 3 of the 4 weeks between infusions. I know this, because that last week right before my next infusion is horrible with pain. Overall, It does NOT take even half of my pain away (like I said my damage is permanent), but any improvement is something and slowing progression is very important to me.
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