Has anyone tried the plasma exchange treatment, with steriods for 6 months followed with rheumatoid medication. designer 16

[designer16]

[Zaney3622]

Yes I have used plasma exchange several times. When I get a major flare this is the only procedure that puts me in remission. Usually I have 5 plasma exchanges - one every other day- The plasma exchange is followed by 6 weeks of rituxan infusion. 1 infusion a week. I had this done 5-6 times & I have been in "remission" for 3 years. Good luck & let me know if you have any questions.

I live in Ohio in the US.

[Zaney3622]

Forgot to add - I am still on 5 mg of prednisone daily along with my other meds

[MaryF Administrator]

Best of luck with this, I hope it makes things a little easier for you, Mary F x

[CanaryDiamond10]

Hi Zaney: Are you diagnosed with APS only? The reason I ask is a doctor I know has suggested this treatment (or similar to it). What convinced you to pursue this line of treatment as opposed to the usual treatment? Was this devised as a sort of "surgical" APS hit? Or was it meant to alleviate many autoimmune symptoms in your flares? I am a 60 year old female diagnosed 2 years ago with APS being treated with 325 mg. aspirin/day for APS

I am on other meds for separate diagnoses. Were you presented with several routes of treatment? I am highly interested in your case because if seems to be working! That alone would lend credence to the treatment if the rest of our case is similar.Did they give you any written material on this route of treatment?Thanks so much.

Smiles,

Canary

[CanaryDiamond10 in reply to CanaryDiamond10]

PS Live in Illinois. Northern Chicago suburb.

[annie330]

This was mentioned to me a few times in the early stages of diagnosis but then nothing happened, I brought it up and told it wasn't suitable (but I can't remember why). I'm keen to talk about it agin now guven that it works and I'm still having issues even with all the drugs and Rituixmab treatments.