Hey everyone,

I know this subject has been pounded to death on this forum but I have something I'm confused about.

First of all, I was approved for IVIG this afternoon! Yay! Finally some progress in treatment. My neuro wants to tease out which symptoms are autoimmune since she now thinks that I have mg and rippling muscle disease (The second I'm not convinced of. I do have a strange, electric rippling in my leg muscles that no one has ever seen before, but it's set off in a different way).

Anyway, my question is: should I take tylenol and benadryl before I get to the hospital or is that something they will give me there?

Thanks!

Ally

they should give them to you the meds about a half an hour before they start the IVIG....while they are putting in the IV and running a 5% dextrose line for a few minutes (it's like a saline bag, which they use to clear the line at the end too). if they don't, ASK for it! be very vocal about going slow too. you want to make sure you are tolerating it well. IVIG is amazing for me--it's an absolute miracle when it is the right med for a person. . .good luck, debra

Thank you! Great advice and information.

If this helps me it will be a miracle. It's so unimaginable that anything could make me feel better after all these years that I'm not even hoping. Well, my heart doesn't feel much hope but my head says, "wouldn't that be nice?".

A.

Ally, I've never had IVIG, so I can't help you with that. I have, however, had numerous experiences with hospitals. I actually had an allergic reaction to their "generic" IV Benadryl. Beyond that, I wouldn't depend upon them to have Tylenol and Benadryl at the ready for you. Also, I use the liquid Benadryl. You can titrate the dose and it goes to work faster than the tablets - at least for me it does.

What I do know from others who have had IVIG is that you need to continue with the Tylenol and Benadryl for 2 - 3 days later. At first, you will have an overload of fluids. Depending upon how quickly your body gets rid of the fluids, you will then need to stay well hydrated. I know that staying well hydrated is something that people have said to do all the time after IVIG but being too hydrated is a bad thing too. It can cause an imbalance of your electrolytes, as can being dehydrated. Electrolytes are essential for muscles to be strong too!

I hope you won't react badly, it makes you feel awesome and that they can ferret out some more answers for you.

Annie

My first 5 infusions included tylenol and benadryl given prior to infusions as part of the prescription. The next 2, at a different infusion center and from a different Dr. did not.

The next day I broke out in shingles. Horrible pain.

Would never think of having an infusion without them.

I bring my own benadryl to avoid the shots.

Bring your own or make sure they are included in Rx.

Good luck;
Tony

I am Maria and I have Miasthenia years ago I was in remission for 6 years but after the delivery of my daughter 3 years ago, I now take cellcept 500 2 times a day, pregnisona 18 mg, mestinon 180 mg night time and 60mg 5 times a day but now I have double vision, my neurologist suggested me immunoglobulin but I have no insurance someone can help me with information I am from tampa florida.


am sorry my english is not good
Thanks