Quote:
Originally Posted by KateKline
Ok.....what is IVIG? I'm seeing my THIRD neuro doc on Oct. 14. I've learned more on this board than from ANY neurologist I've seen. They tried to tell me I had anxiety!! I have SFN and I believe I may have autonomic neuropathy too....2 phys therapists (1 is a Dr) have told me something is affecting my diaphragm. .......????????
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IVIg is Intravenous Immunoglobulin. It is antibodies from blood donors. It takes about 2000 donors to make ONE dose of IVIG. That is why the cost is so high. My treatments run over $30,000 each (once a month).
The reason it is helpful for autoimmune based neuropathies is that IVIG is believed to help modulate the immune system...that is attacking its own body. The exact mechanism of action is unknown, but this is how they believe it helps the patient.
Hopes this helps.