[Anonymous May 27, 1997 at 9:49 am Post count: 93172]

#1055615

A question Denise:

Did your doctors indicate the plasmapharesis would “suppress” the immune system? The way I understood this procedure was that it was a way of temporarily getting rid of the antibodies that are attacking your eyes. Are they also giving you immunosuppressive drugs?

Wishing you luck,

Bobbi

[Anonymous May 27, 1997 at 8:17 pm Post count: 93172]

#1161377

Bobbi,
Thanks for your e-mail. In response to your question, yes
the plasmaphoresis is suppose to suppress the immune sys
ytem. Everybody is different and for this treatment right
now it is too soon to tell. I just ent for my fourth today
and will receive one more on Thursday. They can only leave
the catheter in for two weeks or it can cause an infection.
So far I have not had to worry about that. There is also
part 2 of the treatment and that is the immunosuppressant
drugs. I spoke with the doctors today and it looks like I
have no choice to go ahead with this. My optic nerve is
threatened in my left ey after two three wall orbitals and
the graves does not want to calm down even with prednisone.
I received a high dose of solumedrol today too 1000 mg’s
I will go for a visual field tommorrow to see how the
treatment is working. I will keep you posted.kk

Have you had radiation treatments that would be my last
choice left to save my eyesigt. I have diabetes and the
doctor’s say I could have complications with this.
Please write I enjjoy hearing from you. You offer a lot of
good information

Denise

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