NeuroTalk Support Groups - Plasmapheresis

NeuroTalk Support Groups (https://www.neurotalk.org/)

- Myasthenia Gravis (https://www.neurotalk.org/myasthenia-gravis/)

- - Plasmapheresis (https://www.neurotalk.org/myasthenia-gravis/253263-plasmapheresis.html)

Hi my name is Sandra.
I was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis in 2015. I take Mestinon,Cellcept and get IVIG infusion every 3 weeks. I am still weak all the time. My neurologist mention during my last visit with her, that we might have to think about plasmapheresis.
I have done research on plasmapheresis, but I still have questions.
1. How long will I have to do this for?
2. How often will I have to do the treatment?
3. Will I have to have a port put in?
4. Will I still get my IVIG infusions?
If you have any information you could share with me, I would greatly appreciate it.

Hi Sandra

Welcome to NeuroTalk :).

Plasmapheresis involves removal of some of your plasma (which contains the antibodies which lead to MG) and then replacing it with plasma from a donor who does not have MG.

The effect of this is to decrease the levels of those antibodies in your blood so in essence it is similar to IVIG treatment.

Best wishes.

Thank you kiwi for responding to my post