Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate before and during the infusion. I usually take a bottle of water before the IVIG and at least one bottle of water and coffee during the 4 hr session. Also, bad headaches are usually associated with doing the "drip" too fast...My neuro doesn't want it faster than 3-l/2 hrs. and I usually do 4 hrs. As a result, no headaches or side effects. Results for my ocular mg have been very good...with each set of five day infusions keeping my asymptomatic for 2 to 4 months. Good luck!

Lots of water the day before and the day of. Also I premedicate with benadryl and tylenol. Don't let the nurses give it too fast....that can really bring on the side effects. I do mine at home...and it takes 5 hours total for 40 grams. Good luck!

How did your treatment go on the 7th? I know that the first time can be scary, it was for me. One problem I had was nausea and bad constipaption. So I take a small dose of Zofran and also prunes and this has soloved the problems. What is the Dr. prescribing the IVIG for? What are your main symptoms?

I'll be interested to hear how you feel now, Don't be discouraged, it may take time.

I am having the IVIG for 3 days, for 7 hours each day. I am having surgery on Monday to take my thymus gland and tumor out. Im really scared about the surgery. The IVIG has went well the last two days. will see after tomorrow how it goes.

Hey Cassy, I'm on Prednisone now but thinking about IVIG treatment due to the MULTIPLE side effects I've been getting! I had my thymus gland removed a couple of months ago. The surgery is quick, only an hour to an hour and a half and hospital stay should only be a couple of days. Recovery was the hardest part for me, so be prepared to feel yucky for a while. Otherwise, I'm positive you're surgery will go well and I'll keep you and your recovery in my prayers! Good luck :)

Sade...My neuro started me on IVIG treatments because he said the side effects of prednisone would be harmful (raising blood pressure, aggravating diabetes). The first couple of IVIG sessions--four hours a day for five days--worked very well and kept me symptom free for up to four months. I just got another round of IVIG--four hours a day for three days--and that seems to be kicking in (I hope for at least a couple of months). No side effects. My experience supports IVIG therapy as a very effective treatment for mg. Good luck!

Thanks for all of your advice. The IVIG did kick my butt. They had to stop it early for the head aches. Im just a little stress about the surgery. I hope things work out and I hope the tumor is not cancer. I know I will be feeling crappy but I cant wait til it is all over and I am at home recovery. Thanks again everyone for your support.

I would encourage you to get a copy of your pathology report. My surgeon first said no worries, all is benign as did 1st oncologist. Upon further examination, is was decided follow up radiation was needed. 2 opinion are needed for thymoma.
Good luck and God Bless