For those who receive IVIG treatments.

I have heard varying reports about what is the minimum size needle that can be used for IVIG. Does anybody know the actual facts on this?

Thanks for the help.

Lydia

I'm sorry that I do not know the size for IV IG cuz' I've only ever had a PICC line put in me. If you are afraid of needles and don't want stick after stick, perhaps you can ask about that option - especially since they will want to do lab work as well. Once the line is in, it's smooth sailing, and I'm the biggest chicken there is when it comes to needles.

You'll probably love IV IG - I know in my case it was truly a life saver - I've had 3 treatments for 5 days straight and felt like a champ once they were done - MUCH better than plasmaphoresis and MUCH less invasive - in my opinion - GOOD LUCK and let us all know how you are doing!

Take care!
ERin

Hi Erin.

Yes, I have had lots of IVIG treatments in the past. My veins have been the target of many attacks over the years, including very aggressive chemotherapy in 1999 as well as in 2006; and of course those drugs are very hard on the veins.

I hear the PICC lines are phenomenal. However, unfortunately it isn't a viable option for me at this point. If and when it does, I'll be RUNNING to get it done!!!

The problem being now is that I, along with my veins have shrunk considerably. After being warmed and poked and poked and poked (and yes, these are nurses with 25+ years of experience)......if they do manage to find one usable, it can't be threaded, will blow...you name it, it's gone wrong with me when getting my IVIG. Even the site-rite (the vein finding machine), can't see anything.

So the question had come up in the IV room about using a smaller guage needle, and there was a 'discussion' about it. I thought I would post to the most knowledgeable forum I knew when it came to MG and see what kind of light could be shed on the subject with everybody's experience and wisdom.

PS...how often do you get IVIG?

Lydia

I am so sorry you are having to go through this.......needles are probably my #1 phobia, and I haven't been through half of what you've had to go through. I have noticed that my veins are no longer "good" since the steroids. They used to be able to draw tons of blood and now they give out midway, so now I have them stick my hand......don't get me wrong, it hurts and sometimes my veins still "blow" (like they did 2 weeks ago), but for me it works most of the time............

I just wish I knew more, so I could answer your question, or that someone who does know would do so - it would be very beneficial........hint hint to everyone out there

As for my experience with IV IG - I've had 3 treatments 400mg for 5 days each time. The initial one was when I was in the ICU for a crisis (March 14), the second was right before my thymectomy April 22nd) and the 3rd was at the end of July. First they gave me plasmaphoresis (that was awful - they went through my jugular), then they "topped me off" with IV IG cuz' my eyes were giving me problems - needless to say, I have a very aggressive nuero, and I was mad as hell when I found out they were going in my neck, but I feel better NOW! Of course, I'm afraid to call my nuero b/c I'm afraid he'll stick me back in the hospital, but I know he is only doing it for my health.......

Hopefully someone who actually knows something about needle size will answer soon - when are you going in for IV IG? Everyone here has been really wonderful and helpful.........

Take care and let us all know how you are!

Erin

Hey, sorry, I haven't been around in a bit. The usual size needle is a 20G for IVIG. Is hard to explain the needle sizes. Ummm if you have been to the ER you probably have had an 18g needle inserted. *standard ER protocol in case you were to need blood* trying to think how to splain, LOL. Have you had your blood drawn with a vacutainer (a needle on the end of a plastic sleeve that they push the tubes into one by one) Well that is probably closer to 18 than 20 (0ddly the smaller the number the bigger the needle) and the size is not in length, that is a whole nuther thing altogether. The gauge is the diameter of the lumen or the inside of the needle. IVIG is very thick and sticky thus the need for a bit larger than usual. A good size for most people is a 22g but the 20 is better for the ivig viscosity.
Does any of this make sense or did I just confuse you even more??

Here I believe it is a 22 that they use on a regular basis (the blue one)...but with me they have had to use a 24 in a last ditch effort.

Any regular bloodwork done is always a butterfly needle with me.

Lydia