You should do fine. They will monitor you during the procedure. Take it easy after.
--Kerry

When I had my first plex I came in to work I lasted about an hour and went home. It makes me very tired so I don;t ever go to work the same day after I have treatment. I go on Monday, and I know the day after I am also tired. I will go to work Tuesday but will lay down at breaks and lunch so I can make it through the day.

good luck to you,
Annette

It is the same for me. I do not work the day of my plex because it is very draining and I usually lay on the couch and nap for several hours afterwards.

Eat before you go and
I would not plan on going in to work afterwards.

I usually feel good the day after and the symptom relief is amazing for me with this. I hope you have great results!

Jeannie

Hi Karla,
You should feel much better after your 5 treatments!

How are your treatments being scheduled?...daily or every other day?

Are you going inpatient or outpatient? If outpatient, definitely have someone drive you. After a 1 1/2 years of getting plasmapheresis, I don't get as tired and can drive myself to and from treatment.

They will first have a look at your peripheral veins to see if they are strong enough for plex. If not, they will most likely place a vas cath like Jeannie has. If they use peripheral veins, be sure to be well hydrated so your veins will be nice and plump. Be sure to eat a light meal before treatment.

I was totally wiped out after the first couple of treatments...so tired. I also had calcium depletion problems so after the first treatment, calcium is added to my albumin (...what they replace my plasma with. I think Kerry has fresh frozen plasma replacement)

FYI...Hypocalcemia symptoms start out with tingling of the lips and quickly move to tingling of your whole body. It's important to let them know immediately if you have these symptoms. It is easily and quickly remedied by chewing on a few Tums. Even though I now get calcium with my albumin, I was still having some problems. They now pause my procedure mid-way and afterwards and give me fluids to help give my blood a chance to adjust to the shifts and also slow my rinse-back (when they clear the lines of your blood). No problems now!

I've probably given you too much information but I like to be prepared and don't like surprises :-)

Good luck and let us know how it goes.
hugs,
sherry

Hi Karla

I'm not sure how your xchanges will be done but like Sherry mine are every alternate day and sometimes even 2 days between each. I also have calcium depletion issues which can progress fro tingls to severe muscle cramps and so calcium has been added to my replacement fluid which does help. Slowing down the procedure has also helped. The treatments do take alot out of you so you can expect to be very tired afterwards. Think it would be wise to take a few days off if possible. I have my treatments through a femoral graft but even so I find drinking alot before, during and after the procedure definately helps with the side effects. You may get very cold during the treatments so wear something warm and I find it great to take a warming pad or bean bag I can warm and use during. You asked about the Mestinon. I do carry on using the mestinon after the treatments but you will have to see how you feel. Some people find that they don't need the mestinon as much after the treatments. One bit of advice is just don't take any of your meds less than 2 hours before the procedure or they will just be washed straight out of your bloodstream.

I know the treatments are scary the first time around because you don't know what to expect but I am hoping that all goes smoothly for you and that you get a great redution in symptoms afterwards. Best of luck Karla and please let us know how you do.

Hugs Ange