The nurses have suggested I consider a port for my IVIGs (small veins) -- how long does it take to get a port? Do any of you have pros or cons I need to know about?

Ports are handy little things. I kept mine for 15 years without any problems. Having one installed is a quick day surgery.

Instead of going through all that, as easy as it may be, have you checked into sub-q- ig? It is super easy to do and you can do it at home, on your own schedule. I used it for 2 years and the side effects were less as well. Ask about it!

I infused, for autoimmune patients, IVIG for more than 13yrs. If you are going to have regular infusions for the foreseeable future, I would highly recommend it! Your prescribing doctor can order the port placement with your local hospital. Some can be placed in radiology, some by general surgeons. They can put it in one day and use it the next. Just make sure your nurse accesses your port successfully before giving you your infusion. Some nurses don't have PORT experience. I think they are awesome and so have every one of my past patients! It is so much better than being stuck multiple times!

thanks -I will ask about that.