ZANNA ~IVIg or cytoxin

[Guest guest]

Gosh Zanna.... that's tough one.

Cytoxin is THE heavy hitter of all the drugs and used when all else

fails.

Here's how it works.... Cells in the body divide and grow at varying

rates. Cytotoxic (cyto=cell, toxic=damage) drugs work by targeting and

damaging cells which grow at a rapid rate. Cytotoxic medicines have

their greatest effect against rapidly dividing cells and, therefore, can

be beneficial in the treatment in the hyperactive immune system. The

effect is a reduction in disease activity.

IVIg on the other hand is human gamma globulin. If you're lacking the

antibodies necessary to fight infection, IVIg replaces the lost

antibodies.

Talk with you doctor and ask exactly what he thinks about the two

procedures. He may have a good reason to try either one but one or

more reasons may outway the use of one or the other. Lynn is right,

this is a very good time to let your new doctor know you intend to ask

questions an want to be kept informed. Don't forget to tell him you

want copies of everything he dose... BEFORE you leave his office. Most

times, it's on the computer and they just have another sheet printed out

for you.

Take care,

Vicki