i have been getting plasma treatments (5 every other day) when scheduled and even though they work for me, the treatment only last 2 weeks tops then my symptons come back. does any one have the same experience? is there anything i can do that would make them last longer? i always read people get a whole month till there next treatment. thanks and keep positive!

I've only had plex once (during a crisis). My understanding when discussing it with the nurses who were doing the work was that most people build up to having it last a month or more. Frequently when people are starting out with it they last much shorter lengths of time between exchanges. I doubt there is anything that you can do to make them last longer in the short term except the normal "take care of yourself and don't do to much". But you may want to talk to the nurse/technician who is doing your plex and see if they have any suggestions on how to make it last longer between exchanges.

Best of luck

Brian

Hi rockinroxy,
I fully agree with Brian, I don't think you can do anything in between, just don't overdo it!
I have had PLEX since 2.5 years now. Initially, ONE exchange every week, then every 2 weeks then 3 and now on a monthly basis, hoping to extend to 6 weeks and later to every two months.
Would it be possible for you to switch to one or two exchanges but every two weeks? Is this kind of schedule allowed in the States?
Good luck to you and be patient!
Maurice.

When I first started pheresis, August of last year, I went five times in a two week period. I then made it five weeks before needing another series of three. Since then, I have an order to go every three weeks. Every time that i hit the two week mark, I could feel myself getting weaker again and once I had my treatment, I bounced back quickly.
The last two months, I have been able to stretch my treatments out a little longer and I am now going every four. Obviously everyone responds differently, but with time, I am guessing you will be able to go a little longer between them.

When I was undergoing testing ,I had several plasma pheresis treatments in a row . Improvement was barely noticeable and lasted a lot less than two weeks . The good news was the long awaited diagnoses (turned out to be LEMS) which I have alot of success in treating with DAP. I wish you the best in the seeking of best possible health.