[amm34]

So I just finished my 2nd session of plasmapheresis. I started to get SOB again and weakness in my hand, so much that it started affecting my work.... so I gave in and tried. So far I don't feel any better, and it is so difficult to do. I'm a pretty small person so I have tiny veins and they keep collapsing. I have a tight turnicate on the whole time... it takes 3x as long b/c they have to constantly re-start and adjust the needle. I am pretty frustrated b/c IVIG was so simple and effective and I am doing this with no improvement so far. My doctor is convinced IVIG is too dangerous for me to use again. How long did it take for any of you to notice improvement w/ pheresis? Do any of you use it chronically? I need to pass an Army physical (they have already placed me on LOA), as well as need to keep this a secret from my peers and faculty, so I will deal with anything if I get results, but I have yet to see them. They have me signed up for 3 more sessions next week (5 total) but I was hoping for 3 total b/c scientifically there is very limited difference. Any anecdotal evidence in favor of one or another? Thanks- amm34

[amm34]

Well, I ended up getting all 5 txs, and I did notice improvement after all of them. I still hate pheresis, but it did work. It looks like this will be my new crutch until the imuran fully takes effect. I have been on cellcept for 1 yr now, but according to my neurologist who is always up on the newest research, neurologists are moving away from cellcept now in light of new data. I was wondering if anyone is on cyclosporin? I have read extensive data on the drug, however there is not too much out there about cyclosporin's side effect profile at MG doses. I can deal with the hairgrowth (that's why we have wax), but the tremor is more of a concern given my life of work. Any anecdotal-based opinion? It's relative quick action makes it appealing given my disdain for pheresis. Thanks.