Does anyone know what type of symptoms a patient typically would exhibit for their doctor to consider treating lyme with IVIG?
Due to complications from treatment, I probably won't be able to go back on antibiotics for quite a long time, if ever.
My symptoms are mostly neurological, with extreme fatigue...I don't know if IVIG is something I should look into or not.
Posted by losferwrds (Member # 19741) on :
PM lymetwister, no bed of roses IMO
Posted by Parisa (Member # 10526) on :
Some patients can get it for CIDP (chronic inflammatory demylenating polyneuropathy). You need to find a neurologist who is versed in IVIG and will prescribe it.
Some autoimmune conditions also qualify.
Posted by TF (Member # 14183) on :
There's a great lyme doc in my area who treats patients with IVIG. I don't know what his criteria are.
If you want to try calling his office and see if the staff can tell you, send me a private message and I'll give you the name.
Posted by lou (Member # 81) on :
Apparently about half of the lymies respond well to IVIG, the other half don't. So, someone needs to characterize these groups; otherwise it is just an expensive gamble.
Even if insurance "covers" it, the co-pay is likely to be huge.
Posted by davidx (Member # 8326) on :
I am currently on IVIG for neuro symptoms possibly/probably/maybe due to lyme.
Treatment length varies from person to person but overall I have not had a bad experience with it.
I have not faced any co-pays for treatment as it seems to be covered by insurance.
[ 09-09-2009, 03:04 PM: Message edited by: davidx ]
Posted by MY3BOYS (Member # 17830) on :
i want davix's insurance !!!!!!!!!!!
my neuro stuff is bad, and was wondering also about IVIG. seems i have good mix of MS and Parkinsons type symptoms...no fun at all
Posted by SoSublyme (Member # 15185) on :
Thanks so much for the replies everyone.
David,
I hope it works for you...how long have you been doing it? Have you had improvement of some of your symptoms?
Posted by Beautiful Disaster (Member # 21882) on :
David....can I ask what insurance you have? You might not see this post though. Just wanted to ask. I heard it's realllllly hard to get IVIG and always wondered about it helping Lyme.
Posted by lightparfait (Member # 22022) on :
My neighbor was on it for 1 year, with no help! Very expensive too!
He has now been diagnosed with MS, as his symptoms worsened during this past year.