Good results with IVIG and now new problem
 

I just finished 5 days of IVIG and I am feeling very good. My muscle pains are all gone and I can breathe comfortably. Before IVIG, my neuro ordered an EMG for some of my symptoms that did not fit MG - tingling, numbness, the sensation of being stuck with needles and knives. The EMG showed spinal damage. The neuro thought it was probably due to compensating when I walk due to the MG. I am waiting for the spinal MRI. I never felt the back pain before, probably because the muscle pain was much more intense. Now that the muscle pain is gone, I can feel the back pain.

My question is, did anyone else experience this? If so how did they correct it and what did you use for pain? Acetominophen, ibuprophen?

thanks, as always,
kathie

Hi Kathie,

I'm so happy you had such good results with the IVIG. I'm also sorry you're dealing with a new problem. :(

I'd say at this point knowing what exactly is "wrong" will have to wait until the MRI and any other testing is completed. "Spinal damage" is kind of a vague term without knowing the pathology or mechanism behind the damage. As for pain meds to use, I always prefer and recommend ibuprofen over Tylenol. It is anti-inflammatory and doesn't mess with the liver as much. Lots of folks like Aleve as well.

I have lots of back problems myself, and know what a drag it is. I'm needing to find out exactly what's happening with my back pain, too. Going to doctors just gets OLD after a while.

Just a thought--have you considered that the back pain may be a side effect of the IVIG, since you recently completed a series? I usually have some kind of back/neck pain a few days after an infusion. Since you mention never feeling back pain before, it makes me wonder.

Feel better soon!

Kathie - So glad you are feeling better in many ways from the IVIG! I agree with 4-eyes- any thoughts to this being a side effect from the IVIG? My back can hurt from compensating from my weak trunk and whole body.. but usually after IVIG my neck and back will hurt - especially when I walk- like the jolting of the walking motions hurts my back after IVIG.. when usually that's not the case..

At my last infusion the nurse was talking about how she has a patient who gets back pain with each infusion, especially if the rate is too high..

I am a huge fan of Motrin (600mg) if there aren't any contraindications! Good luck!