Plasmapharesis and IVIG in my future

[tyefly]

  I had a meeting today with my donor and my transplant team and I am still good to go with the transplant but I need to do the plasmapharesis and IVIG treatments before the transplant....  my donor is only  a 1/6 match and I am sensitive to him.......  they said it cause we had kids together.....  yes my ex hubby offered me his kidney.....  I was so surprized....   what a great christmas present...      I dont know anything about the plasmapharesis and IVIG  treatments  but I am going to do some research on here and on the net.....   

[paris]

I've been through IVIG and Rituxin infusions to try to lower antibodies.  There are several members who have done the plasmaphereis and IVIG and I am sure they will share their experiences with you.   The IVIG caused me to have high fevers for a few days after: 103.  Just plan on being good to yourself and rest.  This is exciting and I hope it all works out beautifully for you.  My antibodies is from having children also - so I react to all of them and my husband.  I just react to everyone!!       Good luck   

[mk]

it worked for me and my donor, my husband, my hero. I was highly sensitized (from having children too), had a positive crossmatch transplant in February. Before it,  I went through one IVIG treatment every month for four months, then two weeks of 5 plasmapheresis and 3 more IVIG. The IVIG's were comfortable, just take a long day. The plasmapharesis was a little tougher. We were a match after the treatments! After transplant, I immediately started to feel better. I did have one rejection episode about 2 1/2 weeks after the transplant which the doctor had warned was likely and he treated with high dose steroids, then 3 IVIG's and 3 plasmapheresis over 8 days. Those plasmapharesis were easier. Now I can't begin to describe how much better I feel. i know it's really true - a transplant is a new lease on life and very possible when you are sensitized and need a little extra to get through it. I'm very impressed by the wonderful relationship you have with your ex-hubby for him to donate to you. what an amazing thing for you both and particularly for your children. Hope it all goes well. Cheers. Mary

[willowtreewren]

You can do this, Kathy!

 

Aleta

[Wenchie58]

Congrats on the opportunity!  I had plasmapheresis, IVIG and Rituxan post transplant, since I got a kidney off the list we didnt know I was sensitive to it until after.
Plasmapheresis was no biggie for me, made me feel a bit weak for an hour or so after treatment. I had 12 of these.
IVIG made me tired the day after, but no other side effects.  I had 12 of those too.
Rituxan made me just a bit ill during reatment, they pre treated me with benedryl and tylenol.  I ran a low grade fever the following day. Did this one 5 or 6 times.
Its all worth it to have a little kidney inside of you doing what kidneys do!
Best of luck!  If you have any specific questions feel free to PM me or ask here and I will try to keep checking!