I don't know why your doctors think that taking a steroid will tell them whether IVIG will/will not work. The steroids will tell you whether your SFN is inflammatory based...that's it! If it helps, then, yes your SFN is inflammatory based. If not, then it isn't.

IVIG doesn't work based upon whether you have inflammation. It works by modulating the immune system...primarily if you have an autoimmune condition. Your high ANA is a good indicator of this, so IVIG should be considered...without having to try the steroids. But it also wouldn't hurt to try the steroids. You don't have to do so for 8 weeks though...you'll know in less then a week if they are going to work or not.

I don't know why doctors say some of these ridiculous things. IVIG is VERY expensive and maybe they are trying to discourage you from costing the insurance company a huge chunk of money. Who, knows. But glad you getting info here so you can go to your next appointment better armed for some of their comments.

You really do need to know your 'pattern' of your ANA. This is important information, as Kiwi stated.