Computer number 5 seems to be working! Reading this thread - its true there are pros and cons of IVIG - and if you get improvement from it -definatey worth it... but as Dahlek says - its an invasive procedure - every infusion is really a transfusuion of anit-bodies from thousands of people - so lots to consider.....
My insurance would not pay for the first 5 rounds as an inpatient (minimum 4 1/2 hours each - so I had to go to the hospital every other day), then was getting them weekly at home last year, miniumum 4 1/2 hours each - the rate may have to be slowed even more if side effects kick up during it.... there is an initial risk every time the infusion is started of shock - although rare - so the infusion is started slowly and increased usually every 15 minutes for the first hour.... the doctor will write orders for the rate... and almost always patients are premedicated wth benadryl and a pain killer.... again, while everyone differs, tiredness, dizziness, nausea, are common side affects and can last a couple of days -I much prefer them at home cause I go straight to bed afterward.
Some people feel immediate improvement - others subtle (I'm in the subtle group - even at a high dose) but the docs still arent sure of cause of my PN (which started as severe sensory and autonomic)... it has helped increase my energy level but has not helped the autonomic symtoms at all - (which the doc told me it typically doesnt unless it to treat inital severe onset GBS).... my treatments are on hold right now - I'm waiting for the amyloid specialist I saw to confer with my GP and order all the biopsies he wants done and thats my number one prority - but when thats done and if the amyloid is not found then I'm going to talk to my doc about a different brand of IVIG (each one may have a completely different effect on the patient) so that maybe getting thru them will be easier.....
The sites that Dahlek mentioned are very informative -please check up on them! If it works - its wonderful! Here's good thoughts that it will....
