A saline lock would work as well. Could use it for 3 days and remove until the next week. You have to be a wee bit careful, but if you're weak enough to warrant so much IVIG, that shouldn't be a problem.

Ports are best for long terms, however! It is a fairly invasive procedure to implant one, so probably not something you can schedule on short notice.

Good luck.

So they would leave saline lock in for 5 days?

They are good up to 7 days. You would have to self-flush (or have a helper do it) with saline twice a day. A hep lock would also work, and I think you could go all day without flushing it.

GET A PORT! I can't recommend it enough. I have very tiny veins and they were having to stick me anywhere from 2-5 times. I got a port about 2-1/2 years ago and have never regreted it.

Does the doctor have to order it or can the infusion center do it on their own?
Thanks for your help
Mike

Everybody on this site differs on the frequency of our infusions and most of us get 1 gm per kg of our weight but what your Dr. wants to do is way outside the realm. Please keep us posted if you decide to do this.

Tony

I would think the nurses at the center could do it. My home health nurse did. Ask for it and if they balk, tell them to call the doc, but I certainly wouldn't let them start poking around until it's clear what will be done. Also, have them use an inflated blood pressure cuff on your arm instead of a tourniquet---MUCH easier for them to find a vein.

Thanks for the tips.
Mike

Re: veins
 

Just a thought, If your veins are bad, and you need all these IV treatments, can't they put in a semi permanent one so that your arms don't get so beat up? I have heard that this is a possibility when this kind of therapy has to happen. ginnie

I had my port put in my a surgeon (can't remember exactly what type of surgeon). I told my neuro I wanted a port and he referred me to the correct doctor. As far as being invasive, it was done in the doctors office under a very light anesthesia (I was awake for most of the procedure). They used lidocaine to deaden the incision site and from there on, it was fairly easy. It hurt worse when I had a PIK line installed in my arm when I was in ICU. They used lidocaine for that also.

Good luck with whatever you chose.