Thanks for the welcome, Doug.

I've had IVIG a few times. The first time, it worked great for my MG, although the IVIG itself gave me horrible headaches. The next two times I received it, I only got modest benefit. Then the next two times, I got almost no benefit at all.

As an aside, this drug can be difficult to find. It is sometimes in short supply and I've been turned down before. Also, I've had battles with my insurance company over whether or not they would pay for this therapy.

Plasma exchange seems to work best for me when my symptoms get really bad.

Jen

i can only give this site 3 stars -- looks like a complete Devotee hang out and the fact that I saw Dave from Bromac was a member let me know anyone can join

i also was a memeber of that site.for about 3 day..as for myself i didnt like it..jeff

I did not know Bromac was on this site also, I do not usually look at membership list. With what I know now I would not have joined. Does anyone know how I can remove this recommendation?

you should have an "EDIT" option right next to the name on the top left. If you can't delete the entire post you at least can delete all the info and just end up with a "blank" recommendation.

Does anybody have any recent updates about IVIG treatment? If so, there is someone in the Neuropathy group that is interested in hearing from you... Please respond to the topic called "IVIG" at the link below.

http://dailystrength.org/groups/neuropathy

Thank you,
:)

For those of you who have had IVIG for MG. What were your symptoms that you received IVIG and how did it exactly help you or not. I am looking at receiving some sort of treatment and am wondering if IVIG would help me. Please give exact descriptions. That is most helpful.
Becky

I have IVIG treatments every 2 to 3 weeks. It usually takes a couple days to "kick in" and then doesn't last very long. The reason I continue taking treatments is that it seems to help with my double vision, which really drives me nuts! I know I am overdoing it when my vision starts to go. My energy level/fatigue is a daily struggle. IVIG helps me get a few things done each month, so I will continue it as long as I can. I usually get every side effect there is, but have been fortunate with IVIG. The only issue is it wipes me out for a couple days. I've had a Thymectomy and tried Mestinon which was no help at all. I am going to start Cellcept soon, so I am praying that works.

I've had IVIG as a treatment with no improvement of my symptoms. Though on either side of me were people who were helped tremendously.

IVIG is taken from 20 thousand doners.Each batch varies when a patient gets the infusion. The treatments with my sistuation takes atleast one full week to kick in. I do get the infusion every 30 days. This treatment is very expensive and runs about $16,000 per treatment. If I did not get this I wouldn't be able to function.

I started getting IVIG exactly a year ago. I started with 5 days in a row and then go back every 4 weeks. About 6 months ago I was taken off of IVIG and tried Rituxan and went down hill. The IVIG seems to work well for me. I also had a tymectomy on Sept. 5th. Still healing, but it seems ok so far... I felt awesome for the first 2 weeks after surgery and I hope that feeling comes back again.

I have been receiving IVIG since April 2006. First time, 5 consecutive days. Then one infusion every month until now. I do not have any side effects, no allergies at all. I feel energized after each infusion. IVIG is helping me.

Does anybody know whether ivg is available in new zealand?

Hi all,

IVIG has helped dozens & dozens of people, here. (Hundreds, probably.) They will fill up this topic for you, with their responses.
(It does not help everyone - but it seems to help a high percentage of MG patients.) (PLEX, as well.)

We have members here, from Australia, who have lived in NZ.
I'm sure there are also people from NZ, in our support group.
They can best tell you, about medical-facilities in NZ.

IVIG is becoming more mainstream everyday, a therapy used to treat many illnesses, neurological & otherwise.

A high-profile neurologist, who specializes in MG, treating many MG patients - is who you need to see (if you aren't already).
This is the type of medical-professional, that you need to see - for any possible treatment with IVIG.

I have not had IVIG myself (although I should have, years ago).
- Ross