My llmd has suggested IV/IG therapy for my pain. It is very expensive and I need to get a neurologist to sign on
Does anyone have any experience with this?
Thanks
Posted by Anneke (Member # 7939) on :
I have experience with IVIG. I have been on it for almost 3 years now, primarily because I was diagnosed with an immune deficiency.
What type of pain do you have? It is supposed to help with neuropathic type pain, like burning in the hands and feet.
I don't think I would use it unless I had a diagnosed immune deficiency. It is not risk free, and it is not a miracle cure. We all know that there are many species of Lyme out there that are not yet being screened for in blood supplies. Gamma is a live blood product.
My pain is usually exacerbated initially by the Gamma infusion. It is a herx-like response - an increase in inflammatory pain. Then I usually get increased energy for several days, but sometimes I don't notice a benefit at all.
I did the treatment protocol suggested by Dr. Katz in CT, discussed in a Newsweek article a couple of years ago. I did 40 grams of gamma over two to four weeks. It did not result in a cure, or even a long term significant improvement. Bottom line, I think it helps overall, but if you are looking for a cure, or a push into remission, it did not work that way for me.