Nicky,
I think the chance are slim to none and catching any diseases with IVIG. From all that I have read, it is safer than any blood transfusions. Hope this calms your fears.


As for IVIG treatments, I have been having them since Oct 08. I took 5 the first month and 2 treatments every 4 weeks since then. The first five were hard, as I had a reaction the next week after the treatments. The treatments absorb the fluids from you body, so being well hydrated is the key. But sometimes, in my case had to be hydraded by IV for one afternoon to get my fluids back after the 5 treatments initially. The two days of treatments every four weeks has not been bad. I have had to deal with headaches and nausea for a day or so even with the pretreatments for these before the IVIG treatments, but in the whole scheme of feeling better for at least 3 weeks, it is worth it. I can tell when I need the IVIG though, as I start to lose the strength after 3 weeks or so. Only once did the treatment last for only a few days. I guess my body just didn't feel like cooperating that month! I take Mestinon and Cellcept daily and get the treatments, as I said two days every 4 weeks. This combination has worked for me. Hope this helps.
Simon

Hi Lois! I looooooooove IV IG!
My first experience scared the heck out of me, I was in the ICU with people trying to put tubes in every part of my body - so the PICC line was a pain in the butt!
That being said, I LOVE IV IG! It literally saved my life! Before it I was unable to to anything - even swallow ice chips! Once the drs had that going full speed in my veins I felt AMAZING!
I go in every month for another round of it......they have slowed it down to 144 mL an hour - I was up to 360, but my neuro was worried about kidney damage down the road.
I have never had bad side effects - ever! I don't even take the obligatory Tylenol or Benadryl b/c I do not need them! I do take my hosp mug and drink all day long! All day! In fact, that may be why I've gained so much weight - I drink juice, tea or oj all day long........
If your friend can tolerate IV IG then they are going to love it! I am so grateful to be able to get as often as I do!
Big hugs
Erin