Experiences with IVIG

erinhermes · 06-03-2009, 10:26 PM

Hello again! IV IG is usually done through the hand or groin. It requires a BIG needle cuz' it is so thick and gooey, that's why I went with the PICC line - plus, my veins "blow" quite often since the roids kicked in.

IV IG is pooled plasma from about 1000 donors. It "masks" your symptoms for about 3-4 weeks. The cost is approx 10,000-15,000 per bottle. I get mine monthly for a while - 5 days @ 500 mL. It takes about 4-8 hours, depending on the flow rate.

The plasma exchange (for me) is much harder. My line is placed in my jugular - after getting a lidocaine shot to "numb" the area - does not work!

Not for me @ least! Then when the line is placed, you are hooked up to this enormous machine that recirculates the blood in your body - pulling the antibodies out. It takes about 45 min- 1 hr. It costs the same as the IV IG and (in my case) you have to stay in the hospital the entire time - 5 days - same as the IV IG.

Of the 2, I much prefer the IV IG. It is much less invasive and (bonus) I get to go HOME every night!

Both last around 3-4 weeks. Some people get them every month. Others get
them done as "pick me ups" and are much less frequent.

In any event, they both make you feel amazing.

To date, I've had @ least 15 series of IV IG and 2 series of the plasma exchange. Once I had them back to back. After that, I was just tired........

My MG is pretty bad and I need the IV IG therapy more often than most. I am so thankful to be able to get it! I am lucky in the sense that my neuro fights tooth and nail to make sure I am able to get it as often as needed!
God has truly blessed me with an amazing neuro.

Hope this helps a bit. Sounds like your neuro wants to get you "back on track" - and these therapies should help quite a bit!

Big hugs!
Erin

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tbarney

I really don't know enough about either procedure. I stumbled across something before that said IVIG was done through your neck.

How often do people have plasma exchanges?
How often do people have IVIG?
What are the costs? How are insurance companies for covering these?

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