So sorry about your son-in-law and his family.
The first time I took Rituxan, it worked almost immediately. I had two treatments four weeks apart, and got about 75% of my strength back. However, the effect only lasted two and one half to three months.

I had it again a little over a year later and it did not have any discernible effect that time. Long term, though,I'm thinking it has helped with not having to have plasmapheresis as often.
Hope it works well for you. It really helps a lot of people to get back closer to normal.

I had phersis for 3 or 4 Yrs monthly until last xmas permacath got infected. No spot in chest left so groin is only option .I like rituxan since it'seems not the up down every 3 weeks. I also had no infections of any kind for 9 months,no uti or ear infections or sepsis I have not been in hospital since last xmas vs 3 to 5 a year for 2 years! Sometimes I really wish I had a magic wand and could fix all of the snowflakes in the world especially the kids take care have a good w/e

I'm currently getting plasmapheresis every other week now ,and that keeps me fairly stable. Not running any races, but with careful planning, staying out of the hospital.
I've never gotten an infection from catheter use, but all the ins and outs have cause my neck veins to be scarred down so that I only have the one I'm currently using left. Surgeon wants me to consider an A/V fistula, but I'm hesitant because my veins are so weak and flaccid.

I had a vortex implanted port in that one remaining vein, which fractured and had to be replaced last Monday. It's been over three weeks since my last treatment, since the catheter failed, so trying to take it really easy till Monday, my next treatment date.
If you find that magic wand, please let us all know. In the meantime, hope your Rituxan keeps you feeling good.

I know the feeling my neck veins are gone,my rx center only uses permanent Catholic and I had only I possible a/v site in left arm due to clotted pic lines for other illness many years ago. One trauma surgeon tried a 2 step a/very fistula which clotted quickly. But it was a minimally invasive and hardly any scar since I only had 1st step. I watched Frozen movie with grandkids and wanted elsa's magic powers. I do thank whoever that it'should not my grandkids or kids or any family memeber.having multiple odd illnesses I adapted better. But it's Jan 2 2016 and the sun is shining here! Good thoughts to all of you as I roll around with walker. It could be so much worse! Enjoy the day!

Sorry for the odd wording. My new tablet has a mind of its own .I look at my fingers but not the screen too often so I had a Catholic permacath! Not too many people get that kind! Oh well

I also could only take Mestinon, Prednisone and Rituxin. The Rituxin worked great the first round, but only lasted 3-4 weeks! So they gave me another round, which lasted a little longer. I went for a 3-4 weeks without it, but really needed it. After 8 weeks they gave me the 3rd round. Medicare paid for all of it. I guess your Dr.'s office has to show medical need to get Medicare to pay more often. I was totally refractory with everything else.

Finally, a different neuro was tired of all the Rituxin, and she put me on Methotrexate. I went 6 months without needing Rituxin! And, I was able to taper my Prednisone from 25mg/day now to 12.5mg, and starting 10mg next week! Methotrexate was the life-saver!! She's hoping l"ll never need Rituxin again, and can get off everything else!

Good luck to you with the Rituxin. It can really work, and sometimes it takes time to build up in your system.

I will try to find out more medicare vs rituxan.I totally trust through nurse she is soo through and keeps track of any and all conversations with and about patient. She tried to get it early but no go. I do felt better 15% but want more faster. I also have failed at all other meds etc.any side effects from metho?is it not possibly toxic to liver or something? I'm loving the cold in northeast this week to come.

Yes, I agree, Xmas 25. Attitude is everything. I feel so blessed to have a loving and caring family. I'm also very thankful that I don't have a worse condition. I try to see the positive side of everything.

Nan, good to hear your getting good results from methotrexate. How long did it take to see results?
I ask because I also am refractory with LEMS. Does it have any side effects for you?
My brother just started it for psoriatic arthritis.

Xmas and limp noodle. I have no side effects from Metho. My neuro has me take 1mg of Folic Acid every day, which I believe is standard with Metho. I started on 10mg once a week and began to feel better within 2 weeks. Then I've graduated up till now I'm on 17.5 once a week. At the same time I'm reducing my Pred. I've not heard of liver problems with it, and I think I would have because I had Hep B long time ago and all docs are aware of it. BTW, I have a friend who takes Metho for something else and she has no side effects either. Good luck to you both!!!