Myasthenia Gravis Support Group

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disease leading to fluctuating muscle weakness and fatiguability. The hallmark of myasthenia gravis is muscle weakness that increases during periods of activity and improves after periods of rest. Although myasthenia gravis may affect any voluntary muscle, muscles that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, and...

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IVig or plasmapheresis: experience of procedure

HopethroughFaith
HopethroughFaith
Hi all,

I just spoke with my MG specialist about potential treatment to strengthen me before surgery. He mentioned IVig and plasmapheresis. I see threads that talk about how some of you have responded after these treatments, but my question is what to expect during the procedure itself. I am anxious by nature and very sensitive to feeling weird or off, so I think if I know what to expect I'll be less likely to panic.

Thank you all. I am so thankful to have found this community.

Best,
Hope
annkemp
annkemp
Why do you feel you need it? How are you feeling?
When I was preparing for my surgery it was mentioned but when I felt pretty good they didn't do it.
If you are doing ok couldn't you just have the surgery?
I had reaction to IVIG the first time and it was fine another time when they gave me benedryl.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I get IVIG on a regular basis. It's a simple procedure. They start an IV and then premedicate you. The standard "as far as I can see" is Benadryl and Tylenol. I also get solumedrol and zofran. Then they hook up the IVIG and let it drip. The length of time it takes depends on your dosage. It does make me feel like my brain is a little fuzzy but that passes within an hour or so after I finish. I hope that helps. If you have any questions feel free to ask.
Michele
Bamboolilly
Bamboolilly
I've been receiving Ivig for a year. It's super important to drink lots and lots of water. I feel flu like for a couple of days, but others don't. The per meds help with the anxiousness . Benedryl puts me to sleep so I only take an Advil. All the best to you.
newmugg
newmugg
I had a course of IVIG before surgery for strength post-op. Be sure to hydrate well a week before, during and after. Tylenol and benedry are usually given before each infusion.
You tube has videos of plasmapheresis. I had to have calcium for hypocalcimia with mine. Due to a calcium shortage, I now chew tums throughout my procedure and do fine.
Good luck with your surgery!
-sherry
HopethroughFaith
HopethroughFaith
Thank you all. It definitely relieved my anxiety to know what to expect if either treatment is recommended. Ann, I am weak from a combination of MG and thyroid symptoms, but it comes and goes. If I am up to it, we will just proceed with the surgery without either of these treatments.
Hope
newmugg
newmugg
I think it's always good to get the extra protection before a surgery, especially if your neuro recommends it. Better safe than sorry.
Good luck with surgery!
-sherry
limpnoodle
limpnoodle
I had plasmapheresis before my peg tube placement, and wasn't even thinking about it, but was only thinking about being at my strongest. I got an infection which was very stubborn because of along with the bad antibodies, I lost my good ones that help fight infection. I should have had antibiotics before and immediately after the procedure, but wasn't thinking and neither were my doctors.