CIDP (Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy)

Posted by sherlock @sherlock, Jan 6, 2019

I have been in treatment for CIDP going on 3 years. The treatment is IVIG infusions 2days a month. I also have small fiber neuropathy. I don't take any meds for this condition except CBD. CBD with lidocaine and some THC at bedtime. I can't take any of the first tier drugs like lyrica. Here's my question: Have any of you been treated for neuropathy with IVIG infusions?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Autoimmune Diseases Support Group.

How did you all get diagnosed with CIDP?
I have been trying to get help for my husband's peripheral neuropathy for 7 months!
He has had the nerve test and he does have PN but I need to know WHY!!
He needs to get better with his pain and walking!
I cannot find a doctor to do a nerve biopsy.
He already had a spinal tap that shows elevated protien.
MAYO in AZ is not taking new neuro patients!

REPLY
@twinkie23

I just finished my second IVIG treatment for multi-symptom SLE and small fiber neuropathy. I am having difficulty with the side effects , mainly debilitating migraine (6days), nausea and weakness. I have not had any positive results yet but understand it can take several months for any relief.

Jump to this post

Don’t forget that you can regulate the drip rate. I insist on 110 for my drip rate. It may take longer, but I have fewer migraines. I remind the nurses every time because they might miss it on my chart. I know someone thatndoes the IVIG over 2 days. Good luck!

REPLY
@harley22

I will be starting Rituxan infusions in a few months with a new neurologist in a new state.
I have had IVIG in the past over an 8 mon period
It did not help me at all.
My new neurologist seems to think it will work for me.
I sure hope so as I’ve been dealing with this over past 11-12 yrs
Now it’s in my right hand, both feet are numb, balance is awful, and I have alot of other issues
My lips have been numb since the beginning

Jump to this post

My hands are numb! I understand what you are going through. I keep cutting them while cutting carrots and onions to look down. And blood everywhere. Then go to ER to get stitches. IVIG does not cure the neuropathy but it slows down the progression of the disease. According to the medical journal of neurology takes 8 months to one year for it to work. . You have to remain on it for life. If you go off of IVIG it can fast track your symptoms. I have heard of Rituxan being used to treat RA and Lupus and other diseases but not neuropathy. You are not the first person trying it for neuropathy it’s an off label use my understanding.

REPLY
@debbiewave

How did you all get diagnosed with CIDP?
I have been trying to get help for my husband's peripheral neuropathy for 7 months!
He has had the nerve test and he does have PN but I need to know WHY!!
He needs to get better with his pain and walking!
I cannot find a doctor to do a nerve biopsy.
He already had a spinal tap that shows elevated protien.
MAYO in AZ is not taking new neuro patients!

Jump to this post

Try looking for a neuromuscular neurologist. That’s what I was told along with immunologist. These doctors don’t like to order test. I am talking to my neurologist about testing by spinal tap for CIDP. This is mainly a men’s disease. 96% are men very few for women. That’s according to statistics

REPLY
@debbiewave

How did you all get diagnosed with CIDP?
I have been trying to get help for my husband's peripheral neuropathy for 7 months!
He has had the nerve test and he does have PN but I need to know WHY!!
He needs to get better with his pain and walking!
I cannot find a doctor to do a nerve biopsy.
He already had a spinal tap that shows elevated protien.
MAYO in AZ is not taking new neuro patients!

Jump to this post

Try Mayo in Rochester MN my understanding larger clinic. I don’t know where you live but Dr Anne Oaklander practices in Boston, Florida and one other state. It’s frustrating trying to get medical treatment for this.

REPLY
@debbiewave

How did you all get diagnosed with CIDP?
I have been trying to get help for my husband's peripheral neuropathy for 7 months!
He has had the nerve test and he does have PN but I need to know WHY!!
He needs to get better with his pain and walking!
I cannot find a doctor to do a nerve biopsy.
He already had a spinal tap that shows elevated protien.
MAYO in AZ is not taking new neuro patients!

Jump to this post

Has he had the skin biopsy? Had it done twice progressively worse second time.
There are several different causes for neuropathy. Chemo,
Medication induced like statins, idiopathic and autoimmune.
Go to the list medications. Gives other information https://www.foundationforpn.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Medications-that-Can-Cause-Peripheral-Neuropathy.pdf

REPLY
@artemis1886

Try Mayo in Rochester MN my understanding larger clinic. I don’t know where you live but Dr Anne Oaklander practices in Boston, Florida and one other state. It’s frustrating trying to get medical treatment for this.

Jump to this post

Thank you. We live in Southern New Mexico.

REPLY
@artemis1886

Has he had the skin biopsy? Had it done twice progressively worse second time.
There are several different causes for neuropathy. Chemo,
Medication induced like statins, idiopathic and autoimmune.
Go to the list medications. Gives other information https://www.foundationforpn.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Medications-that-Can-Cause-Peripheral-Neuropathy.pdf

Jump to this post

He had a spinal tap but no skin biopsy. He needs a nerve biopsy but I cannot find a doctor to do one in Las Cruces, NM or El Paso, TX

REPLY
@artemis1886

Try looking for a neuromuscular neurologist. That’s what I was told along with immunologist. These doctors don’t like to order test. I am talking to my neurologist about testing by spinal tap for CIDP. This is mainly a men’s disease. 96% are men very few for women. That’s according to statistics

Jump to this post

The neuro washed his hands and said it was hereditary. It is not hereditary- he had a genetic test from a different doctor. He has had so many deep dive blood tests. It is not a lack of vitamins, he does not have diabetes, it is not his spine, he has not had chemo.

REPLY

Mine is autoimmune.
My sed rate, esr, crp and Complement C3 all elevated.
I have a list of labs Dr Anne Oaklander sent me that I had to have ran before I saw her.. I can send them to you. My rheumatologist ran the labs for me.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.