plasmapheresis
 

Had crisis first week in July. Was on vent for three days and had 3 days of plasmapheresis. Did pretty well on mestinon, prednisone and cellcept. Although, not sure cellcept has taken affect yet. (other than the initial side effects which got better when my neuro suggested taking it with food). Anyway,feeling that squeeze around my ribs again and getting pretty weak again. Face, eyes, hands legs etc.Going for PE tomorrow. My question, since I was unconcious for the other PEs, is how long before I see a difference?

Hi draggin´
PE is a physical process (blood filtering) which should be effective within a couple of days. However it only removes circulating antibodies (circulating within the plasma), there are also fixed antibodies which of course are not removed.
It depends also on the effectiveness of the other medications you are taking since the production of antibodies is not reduced by the PE process, only the built-up is reduced.
I have now one PE every two months which means the my rate of antibody generation is low and that PE adequately controls my AB level.
Maurice.

Thank you. After PE he Dr decided to do it monthly. Hopeful that once Cellcept kicks in, I can spread the treatments out more.