CIDP – Rituxan treatment?

    • Anonymous
      May 28, 2006 at 5:44 pm

      I seem to remember that some-one (or more) wrote about successful treatment of CIDP using Rituxan alone and\or combined with some other medication. This was on the “old” forum sometime between January this year and the hacking of the forum.

      It would be very nice if that\those person(s) could retell his\her\their story(ies), because it is important information since so few are yet to get this option.

      Hopefully

    • Anonymous
      May 29, 2006 at 5:40 am

      Hi, Allaug.

      DocDavid used Rituxan and it worked wonders for him (he said: ‘It arrested my CIDP and the Americans are using it a lot. I wrote it up in “Practical Neurology” August 2005’), and there’s a comment on one of the threads on the UK forums that says that Eric Vance had good success with it as well.

      DocDavid also had a write-up on it in [I]Reaching Out[/I] No. 55, Winter 2004. I’ll need to sort out copyright, but if possible I’ll scan the text and post it on the UK forum.

      Deb

    • Anonymous
      May 29, 2006 at 9:04 am

      [QUOTE=eightplusfive]DocDavid also had a write-up on it in [I]Reaching Out[/I] No. 55, Winter 2004. I’ll need to sort out copyright, but if possible I’ll scan the text and post it on the UK forum.
      Deb[/QUOTE]
      I do have that text as a pdf file including a picture of DocDavid walking his daughter down the aisle. I could e-mail it to you,. Last year someone on the German GBS forum asked me to translate it into German. It was published in their quarterly magazine. No idea how they dealt with copyright.

      It took me a few months to realize that the person in the article was the same as our DocDvid. I told him about it then on the UK forum.

    • Anonymous
      May 29, 2006 at 9:33 am

      Yes, thank you, Norb;) and Deb – but I think I know all there is to know about DocDave’s recovery.

      What I’m after is to find out if there are more cases like him, and to hear their story – like Eric Vance for instance – on what indications they got Rtuxan, and, of course Norb, how they paid for it. I don’t remember if EV is British, American or what, but the economic question is easier solved in the UK than in the US, so experiences in this regard is of more interest with CIDP’ers from the States.

      I really hope this thread will get some answers:)

    • Anonymous
      May 29, 2006 at 10:24 am

      Allaug, I asked Eric a few months ago how he managed to receive Rituxan and how he paid for it. He sent me an e-mail in April telling me that his neurologist fought with his insurance company, BlueCross Blueshield, for over a year. They denied it because it was not approved by the FDA for CIDP. His oncologist then mentioned a program called SPOC (Single Point of Contact Reimbursement) with the drug company. He contacted the company and was approved for a one time initial treatment since he met all the criteria.

      I wrote to the drug company over a month ago asking about this program. I have not heard from them yet.

    • Anonymous
      May 29, 2006 at 1:57 pm

      Hi, Allaug.

      I wasn’t sure you had seen DocDavid’s thing in [I]Reaching Out[/I] since it was a couple of years ago, and I couldn’t recall if David had put the same info on the forums or not–my mind’s not as good as it used to be (I keep blaming that on the CIDP, since it couldn’t have anything to do with my getting older:D).

      At any rate, I checked Eric’s Web site ([url]www.ericvance.net)[/url], and couldn’t find anything specific about Rituxan.

      And now, back to those with answers!

      Deb

    • Anonymous
      May 29, 2006 at 3:02 pm

      sorry to have been out of touch for so long.

      Yes, I am continuing to have improvements with the Rituxan. next infusion this friday, 2 June 2006, i think it’ll be the eighth.
      Details of the financial aspects are as stated above. fought insurance for around a year. finally approved by SPOC, mysteriously approved by insurance 1 week later. never have been sure why/how that happened.
      rituxan schedule was 1 infusion each week for 4 weeks from mid august 2005 through mid september 2005.
      stopped all IVIG treatments (was on twice/week schedule) when we began the rituxan.
      began really getting worse within 2 weeks so we went back to once weekly IVIG at the beginning of september 2005.
      saw neuro 2 weeks after the last rituxan infusion and i was still losing ground.
      went to 3 times/2 weeks IVIG schedule.
      just before holidays i realized i was getting much stronger although i was on a less frequent IVIG schedule than before rituxan.
      oncologist and neuro convinced rituxan is working, saw oncologist again in early december 2005 when he put me on a rituxan infusion every 2 months schedule (that would have been the 5th infusion in december).
      neurologist drops IVIG back to once weekly.
      rituxan infusion february 2006 (6th infusion).
      rituxan infusion april 2006 (7th infuxion).
      awaiting this friday’s infusion which will be the eighth.
      so far, around 7 to 10 days post rituxan infusion i begin to feel stronger. i continue to gain strength for about one to two weeks and then hold steady until next rituxan infusion (so far).
      that’s about it i guess

    • Anonymous
      May 29, 2006 at 5:55 pm

      Thank you, Eric, very informative!

      You mention an oncologist – that’s a cancer specialist, isn’t it? As far as I know, CIDP isn’t usually connected with any form of cancer, except perhaps when you are dx’ed as having MGUS (Monoclonal Gammopathy of Uncertain Significance) too.

      Is this the case with you, or is the oncologist there for other reasons?

      If you please, I might have other question later.

      Norb, If I were in your situation, I would have called this SPOC, if it’s possible, and asked if they had received my letter, and what had been done about it so far – but then I’m not the patient patient type!:mad:

      Good luck:)

    • Anonymous
      May 29, 2006 at 7:07 pm

      Allaug, when we discussed Rituxan, my neurologist referred me to an oncologist/hemotologist. She told me that only an oncologist , a cancer doctor, could prescribe Rituxan, at least here in Colorado. It is considered chemotherapy and only approved for non-Hodgins lymphoma and some other cancerous diseases like Waldenströms macroglobulinemia. He checked for both and ruled them out. However, the blood tests did show a very small amount of monoclonal antibodies suspected to be MGUS – in addition to the PDN. But it probably wasn’t sufficient to justify the high cost of Rituxan.

      You are right, I should get off the pot and call the company.:o

    • Anonymous
      May 29, 2006 at 8:31 pm

      I had cidp symptoms that became worse over the years. The IVIG/cellcept treatment I was on for years was no longer working. I went through the same insurance fight as Eric, but luckily they didn’t take as long to approve Rituxan.

      I was unable to walk without help, and the atrophy in my hands and feet was also getting worse. I took my initial Rituxan once a week for four weeks, and then every 2 months maintanence dose thereafter. I felt improvement after the first week and by the fourth week i was walking again. That was a year ago or longer, and so far I have not lost ground except for the time I got pneumonia and the cidp kicked in to high gear.

      btw, rituxan is much less expensive than ivig longterm in my case. One would think insurance companies would jump at the chance to stop paying for ivig.

    • Anonymous
      May 30, 2006 at 2:38 pm

      John, how very nice to hear that Rituxan has worked so succesfully for you!:)

      But I have some questions:
      Do you still have some symptoms left?
      Do you still get Rituxan every second month?
      Have any of your doctors ever told you what might cause your CIDP?

      No wonder your CIDP kicked into high gear when you had pneumonia, because your immune system produced a lot of (mildly put) cells and\or protein that trigger the CIDP when it fought the pneumonia. The same thing happened to me once when I got food poisoning.:eek:

      I have a hunch that many more CIDP’ers might benefit from medications like Rituxan, Cellcept and Cyclosporine if the doctors bothered to have a cell-count performed. If the immune system has an abnormal number of B-cells, Rituxan might be the answer, if there is too many T-cells the two others might help. Of course things might not be as uncomplicated as this, but for some, maybe it is.

      And, of course, you are SO right about what is most expencive in the long run! The insurance business would save a lot of money if they opened their eyes and started calculating with some new numbers!:p

      All the best

    • Anonymous
      May 30, 2006 at 5:42 pm

      Yes the symptoms for me now are the atrophy and constant fatigue. I have permanent distal weakness due to the atrophy. I did have slight reflexes in my knees a week ago for the first time since 1996. I do not know if this means I am getting better, but maybe just not getting any worse. Either way I am happy.

      The doctors have offered no cause for my cidp. The thing I heard that makes the most sense to me is this: autoimmune diseases are hereditary. Not necessarily the same autoimmune disease, but autoimmune disease in general.

      I had strept throat during a very stressful time in my life. At this time I noticed the very tips of my pinkies were numb. So, likely the illness and the stress together worked on my predisposed immune system to give me cidp. Thats my theory anyhow.

      I am still getting my Rituxan every 2 months as a maintenance dose. My neuro feels that this is necessary as do I. I dont know if I stopped the Rituxan if I would be okay or not. I will not let a doctor or anyone else gamble with what I have left as far as useable healthy nerves and muscle.

      I asked about the B cell count and the oncologist told me that would be a very complicated test (probably expensive and they couldnt get reimbursed for it). They take counts of red and white, and both are normal and undisturbed with Rituxan.

      If you have any more questions feel free to ask, and I will give you any information I have.

      John

    • Anonymous
      May 31, 2006 at 10:30 am

      [QUOTE=JohnC] The thing I heard that makes the most sense to me is this: autoimmune diseases are hereditary. Not necessarily the same autoimmune disease, but autoimmune disease in general. [/QUOTE]
      John, one theory I found in the medical literature about auto-immune diseases is called molecular mimicry with a genetic predisposition present. It is pretty complicated but I’ll try to explain it: When our immune system looks at a foreign intruder (antigen), a microorganism or even immunization, it only looks at a small part of the long chain of amino acids. What part gets looked at depends on our genetic makeup. Since there are only 20 different amino acids that can be used as building blocks by the intruder as well as our own body, it is possible that one section of the intruder, the one that gets looked at, is identical to our myelin. And bingo, auto-immune disease starts provided it gets missed by another self-protection that is built into our immune-system (that part I don’t really understand yet).

      There has been a lot of research in this area. For example, researchers have been able to induce an auto-immune disease (encephalomyelitis) in rabbits by injecting them with parts of the hepatitis B virus which shares a section of just six amino acids with myelin.

      I am attaching a simplified picture that illustrates it. On the left you see the antigen with a sequence of 5 building blocks and on the right is the myelin with 5. The sequence for both is different. But if you look at the middle part, the part that gets looked at, it is the same on both sides.

      [IMG]http://www.ourbluemarble.us/forum/Autoimmunity.jpg[/IMG]

    • Anonymous
      May 31, 2006 at 11:29 am

      Allaug,

      Yes, the oncologist is the one who has to be in charge of administering the rituxan. Since rituxan was originally developed for non-hodgkins lymphoma and oncologists are more experienced at giving it, I guess they would rather have the oncologists administer it. 🙂

    • Anonymous
      May 31, 2006 at 1:50 pm

      Thanks for the great information Norb. You explained it very well. I now have a better understanding of the exact process that occurs. Can you point me in the direction where you found this info?

    • Anonymous
      May 31, 2006 at 3:39 pm

      It’s from a Scientific American special issue “Life, Death and the Immune System,.” The chapter is “Autoimmune Disease” written by Lawrence Steinman. The book is out of print but you can still get a new one for under $5 at amazon.com

    • Anonymous
      May 31, 2006 at 4:00 pm

      John, Glad I was clear enough. Sometimes I get carried away, you know.
      What I forgot to point out is this: There have to be at least two or three conditions for an autoimmune disease: Heredity alone is not enough. In addition there has to be a trigger like a virus infection and a malfunction of our immune system that stands on guard and destroys anything directed against our own body. The article doesn’t mention that last part, I believe. That is mentioned in another article in the book: “How the immune system recognizes the body”.

    • Anonymous
      June 1, 2006 at 11:39 am

      [QUOTE=Allaug]Norb, If I were in your situation, I would have called this SPOC, if it’s possible, and asked if they had received my letter, and what had been done about it so far – but then I’m not the patient patient type!:mad:

      Good luck:)[/QUOTE]
      Thanks, Allaug, for kicking me in the butt. I just called Genentech and got the information I needed on their Single Point of Contact Reimbursement program. I need to go back to the oncologist or find another one willing to precribe it and get involved in this program. They gave me a special website that explains it all. I printed out many pages to take to the oncologist.

      Basically, they don’t give you Rituxan for free. They assist you or your doctor in obtaining reimbursement through your own insurance or, if that fails, through some charitable organization. This is what I believe happened in Eric’s case. His BCBS insurance company ended up paying.

      The site is: [url]www.spoconline.com[/url]

    • Anonymous
      June 1, 2006 at 5:24 pm

      How nice to hear you’re “on the road” again, Norb! I’m crossing fingers and toes and everything crossable for you!

      I’ll have to get back to the scientific stuff at a later point, it’s past midnight and I have “Delight” to share on the UK forum. Do I see you there again soon?

    • Anonymous
      June 1, 2006 at 8:39 pm

      Allaug,

      My experience with Cidp/MGUS and Rituxan is this:
      I was diagnosed in June of 2004. My neuro began with Plasmapheresis and it helped a wee bit with strength. I heard from one of the Posters about his experience with Rituxan. I asked my neuro whether I could try it. He had never heard of it for my dx but he was willing to ask the oncologist. Subsequently I was treated with infusions once a week for four weeks with the intention I would get another series in six months. However, in six months I had moved from MD to IL and my currrent neuro would not refer me for treatment since I am holding and not worse. Upon stopping plamapheresis I began to lose ground. At that time I was put on Prednisone 80 mg. which picked me up well. I have been gradually and slowly tapered off of it.

      Over a period of time now I have not deteriorated and have some sensory return as to temperature and feeling (pin prick) in my feet and lower legs which I did not have before.

      Recently I saw a new oncologist for the MGUS oversight. She has heard of the Rituxan and is willing to do some research on the study that was running at NIH. If there are positive results, she will talk to the neuro and hopefully I can get the second series.

      Thanks for asking your question. I, too, was hoping to hear from more folks who have tried Rituxan.

      Peace,
      Pat

    • Anonymous
      June 2, 2006 at 9:11 am

      John, here is some more food for thought: Remember I mentioned earlier that they found that the hepatitis B virus shares a sequence of six amino acids with myelin. After writing that I remembered that I heard from a number of people on this and other forums that they either had hep B or had received vaccinations against, myself included, before they came down with GBS/CIDP. Coincidence? I don’t know. I suspect hep B is not the only one that has something in common with myelin given that there are only 20 different building blocks, i.e. amino acids.

    • Anonymous
      June 2, 2006 at 10:52 am

      Norb, I can not remember exactly, but I had some sort of immunization about a month before coming down with the symptoms. The Hep B thing sounds very familiar to me. I will try to get my medical records from the doctor that gave me the immunization. I am betting that I had a hep b vaccine.

    • Anonymous
      June 7, 2006 at 9:36 am

      I’m sorry it’s been a while, but I tried to check out something that suddenly seemed to confuse me concerning MGUS. I thought that the monoclonality referred to me having an abnormal number of B-cells that produced the IgM which is the culprit in my and Norbert’s case. When I was treated – 4 Rituxan infusions 28 days apart combined with 70mg Fludarabine orally for five days each time – this would kill off the surplus B-cells and ths also reduce the IgM that was “eating away” on my myelin sheat.

      I must have read something somewhere that made me think that perhaps the monoclonality referred to the high level of IgM, and I sent an e-mail to Pam Sherwood, who is an immunologist, and asked, but her answer really made me no wiser.:confused:

      I really wonder what makes Rituxan work for CIDP-patients, because as long as my dx was CIDP there was no mentioning of Rituxan as a possible treatment. It’s so good to hear that there are people who have benefitted from Rituxan when it comes to treating CIDP too, but we have to know a lot more before Rituxan can be a usual part of CIDP treatment. Perhaps if a lot of CIDP’ers wrote to the company that makes the drug and tell them there might be apossible new marked for Rituxan, they would do som research in the field!

    • Anonymous
      June 8, 2006 at 12:41 pm

      Hi Allaug,

      I cannot reply from experience, but as a caretaker of a daughter w/cidp, I research this topic in anticipation of future treatments to discuss w/neurologist.


      I really wonder what makes Rituxan work for CIDP-patients, …… but we have to know a lot more before Rituxan can be a usual part of CIDP treatment.

      Here’s a link to Neurology Journal containing the full article discussion of Rituxan/CIDP that you might like to take with you, next time you see Doc. It is one of several (sorry – don’t have links readily available atm).

      [url]http://jnnp.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/74/4/485[/url]

      Also, I came across a drug company that is actively working to patent a compound drug specifically for CIDP. Ceptor claims to develope drugs exclusively for orphan diseases, and has CIDP in their lineup. May be worth keeping an eye on.

      [url]http://www.ceptorcorp.com/[/url]
      One more thing – I don’t understand much about MGUS / igM, but I had saved some info – mabe it is of use to you or Norb. I found it on the FDA site while looking for gbs/cidp.

      Therapeutic Exchange Plasma Collection of plasma from patients diagnosed with Guillain-Barre and who have developed high titers of IgM antibody to Cytomegalovirus Community Blood Center of Greater Kansas City
      4040 Main Street
      Kansas City, MO 64111
      License 0302

      cd

    • Anonymous
      June 8, 2006 at 4:13 pm

      Thank you very much, CD, for the interesting links.:)

      I was, and I think Norb too, especially grateful for the first link. I have read the abstract earlier, but haven’t had access to the whole text. I didn’t take time to read it all before writing this, but as far as I know from the abstract, this is research concerning Rituxan treatment for what Norb and I suffer from:antiMAG IgM PDN, which has most symptoms in common with CIDP, but has a more closely defined cause.

      The Ceptorcorp site was very interesting, and gave more than just a glimmer of hope to those who suffer from CIDP.

      All the best to you and you daughter

    • Anonymous
      June 8, 2006 at 6:49 pm

      Thanks for the links from me, too, CD. Actually, the test indicating a high level of antiMAG IgM in my blood was done at the lab at the Department of Neurology at Washington U. This department is headed by Dr. Pestronk, the principal author of the journal article.

      While Allaug was able to get Rituxan in Norway, here in the US I’ve run into a wall so far. Rituxan here is only approved by the FDA for nonHodgkin’s lymphoma and similar malignant diseases. My insurance company, Aetna, considers it experimental for CIDP and won’t approve it.

      IVIG and steroids have not helped me much but I have not given up. I probably will see another oncologist willing to prescribe Rituxan as a medical necessity. Another route I mentioned on this thread earlier is to work with the Rituxan manufacturer directly. A third one is my effort to get the US Department of Labor in Washington to accept my claim under Workers’ Comp since my CIDP started while a federal employee as Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand. They rejected it earlier because they had no record of my complaint about numbness in my feet.

      This morning I filed for an appeal hearing submitting a sworn statement asserting that my current neuropathy started in 2001 in Thailand. I am hoping that it might be easier to get the right treatment through them instead of a private insurance company. If accepted I’ll probably be the first CIDP patient ever under Workers’ Comp.

    • Anonymous
      June 8, 2006 at 6:57 pm

      [QUOTE=Allaug] I thought that the monoclonality referred to me having an abnormal number of B-cells that produced the IgM which is the culprit in my and Norbert’s case. [/QUOTE]
      Allaug, I am still pondering what you said. Didn’t have much time to really think about it yet. We just returned to our house in Ft. Collins yesterday for a five day retreat from babysitting in Denver and the unusual heat wave. Sleeping in a partitioned garage without windows in 38 Celsius (100F) isn’t much fun. Here we have airconditioning.

    • Anonymous
      June 8, 2006 at 9:23 pm

      Allaug, here are my first thoughts. I think I did this before. Under normal circumstances, an antigen stimulates our immune system to generate [b]several different[/b] antibodies matching different sections of the amino acid chains of the antigen presented to them by (I think) macrophages via an MHC molecule. The structure of MHC differs from person to person, hence our genetic predisposition for CIDP or PDN.

      Each of these antibodies comes from a different B-cell. I don’t know how it is possible to determine that a particular group of antibodies goes together and thus make a determination that they are [b]polyclonal[/b]. That may be a question for Threads.

      Now, if there is a malignancy, just one single B-cell may get out of control and proliferate creating large amounts of monoclonal antibodies. My thinking is that in our case, antiMAG IgM neuropathy, there was an immune reaction to an antigen at one time, possibly a bacteria because they are the ones usually targeted initially by IgM rather than IgG. The immune system started to create a group of [b]polyclonal [/b] IgM antibodies. Only one particular one out of the group attaches to MAG. It still cannot be called [b]monoclonal[/b].

    • Anonymous
      June 8, 2006 at 9:30 pm

      Allaug, here are my first thoughts. I think I did this before. Under normal circumstances, an antigen stimulates our immune system to generate [b]several different[/b] antibodies matching different sections of the protein chains of the antigen. Each of these antibodies comes from a different B-cell. I don’t know how it is possible to determine that this group of antibodies goes together and thus make a deterrmination that they are [b]polyclonal[/b]. That may be a question for Threads.

      Now, if there is a malignancy, just one single B-cell may get out of control and proliferate creating large amounts of monoclonal antibodies. My thinking is that in our case, antiMAG IgM neuropathy, there was an immune reaction to an antigen at one time, most likely a bacteria because they are the onres usually targeted by IgM. The immune system started to create a group of polyclonal antibodies. One of them attaches to MAG. It still cannot be called [b]monoclonal[/b].

    • Anonymous
      June 9, 2006 at 5:44 am

      It’s still puzzling me, Norb.

      At one point, up until recently, in fact, I saw it this way: For one reason or another (not important here), my B-cells started to clone themselves i.e. making exact copies in a cancerous way. My haematologist said I could say that I had “a non-agressive cancer”. Monoclonal – the M in MGUS – means that all the cells have the same nucleus. The B-cells produce, among other things, the antigen IgM, which in my case has the flaw that it marks a protein in my myelin sheat (“nerve-isolation”) like it marks a virus or bacteria (antibody) for the macrophags (“killer-cells”) to take care of.

      An abnormal number of B-cells produce an abnormal amount of IgM – an IgM spike – which marks the protein (MyelinAssociated Glycoprotein = MAG) all the time, so the macrophags has been attacking my myelin constantly, destroying it slowly but surely until I ended up with very CIDP-like symptoms. This is called Proteinaemic Demyilinizing Neuropathy. So my diagnose makes sense:”antiMAG IgM PDN”.

      But from somewhere I got the impression that the IgM cells were the monoclonal ones. :confused: :confused:
      Rituxan takes out the B-cells, and it has helped me enormously, but as far as I know does nothing regarding the IgM, so that’s why I don’t understand how the IgM could be the monoclonality?

      What do you say, Norb – or anyone?

      Couriously:rolleyes:

    • Anonymous
      June 9, 2006 at 5:12 pm

      Allaug, all different types of antibodies, IgG, IgM etc are produced by mature B-cells, also called plasma cells. Rituxan takes out [b]all[/b] B-cells thus reducing the number of IgM antibodies including the autoantibodies eating our myelin. Strangely enough, according to the article by Pestronk, IgG antibodies are not reduced. Therefore we are still protected against infections.

      I think the excessive “cancerous” antibodies produced by MGUS are [B]not[/B] the same as the antiMAG IgM antibodies attacking the MAG portion of the myelin sheath. The US in MGUS means “uncertain significance”, in other words we don’t know what it does. I’ve been diagnosed with minor MGUS [b]in addition[/b] to the antiMAG IgM neuropathy. To have antiMAG IgM’s does not mean these are monoclonal. Out of a range of polyclonal IgM there is one that happens to like our MAG.

      In fact, a monoclonal antibody in the serum, also called M-component (M for myeloma) does not necessarily indicate that a person has a cancerous condition like multiple myeloma. The M-component appears in people’s serum as they age. It is also called benign monoclonal gammopathy. (From “Case studies in Immunology” by Rosen-Geha)

      I also remembered again – seeing it in this book – how we can tell polyclonal from monoclonal antibodies. Polyclonal immunoglobulin shows up as a smear in electrophoresis. Monoclonal ones show up as a tight band. In the attached picture on the left shows normal serum, on the right a monoclonal IgG band of a person with multiple myeloma.

      BTW, in my previous post I was wondering how it is posssible to identify which polyclonal antibodies in one cluster of antibodies directed against a particular antigen belong together. I now realize that this cannot be done with simple methods like electrophoresis.

      Hope this helps and doesn’t cause more confusion.

    • Anonymous
      June 9, 2006 at 7:50 pm

      After I added the previous post, I came up with another puzzling question.

      My blood tests show that I do not have any monoclonal antibodies. However I do have a significantly larger amount of IgM antibodies (twice). A large number of these react to MAG (myelin associated glycoprotein), hence my diagnosis of antiMAG IgM neuropathy, also called PDN. Now, presumably, my immune system at one point reacted to an intruder, an antigen (virus, bacteria, immunization) and started producing a series – let’s say 100 – of differently shaped antibodies, each one targeting a different segment of that same antigen. One of the 100 happened to match the shape of the MAG. Bingo, my CIDP (PDN) started. Eventually my immune system must have gotten rid of the intruder, the antigen. Unfortunately, the MAG on the myelin is always there – at least for a while and my immune system eagerly continues producing the antiMAG IgM antibodies.

      My puzzling question is what happened to the other 99 kinds of IgM antibodies? There is no longer any use for them. But they apparently continue being produced or else the antiMAG IgM would show up as monoclonal – or not?

      Confusing? It is to me. Allaug, where is Threads?

    • Anonymous
      June 10, 2006 at 7:38 am

      Threads is Pam, the immunologist, I have her e-mail address, and I don’t think she’ll mind if you wrote her directly. Send me a mail if you’d like her address, Norb:)

      It seems that what you and I have in common concerning our dx, is the “twisted” IgM. The reason for the overproduction of this antigen is different, and one should think that the IgM that is faulty in me is another than the one in you, and this might not be so strange, since you know there are so many IgM’s. Perhaps that’s the reason why your motoric nerves are attacked, while “my” IgM destroys mostly sensoric nerves.:(

    • Anonymous
      June 10, 2006 at 9:39 am

      Yes, I would like her address. BTW, my CIDP/PDN also is mostly sensory.

    • Anonymous
      June 10, 2006 at 2:17 pm

      Norb!!

      Your bluemarble address didn’t work! Do you know why?

    • Anonymous
      June 10, 2006 at 2:22 pm

      Very embarassed, my mistake, sorry, but it’s OK now.

    • Anonymous
      June 10, 2006 at 11:55 pm

      This post is way above my head, also so much of the time I was at my very worst back in 2002 it was actually my husband listening more than me. But at Mayo where I was inpatient for 3 months after my very rapid decline, I remember having so many tests (bone marrow biopsies twice, nerve root biopsy which was actually a surgery on my back to remove spinal nerve roots, sural nerve root biopsy) all done just so they could rule out lymphoma & leukemia.

      When I switched care to the U of M after Mayo said they had exhausted all treatments (PP, IVIG, & steroids), I did ask my new neuro about rituxan. I remember him talking all about the B-cells vs. the T-cells, & he said that rituxan would not work for me. Then he proceeded to give me the large dose cytoxan protocol. I am very happy that it arrested my CIDP, but often wonder if the damage done those first 9 months would have been less had I been given this protcol much sooner.

      But I was given PP, IVIG, & steroids all within the first 3 months, PP right away in April while I was still fully functional, & IVIG once I has had deteriorated to a wheelchair. Why is it that some seem to suffer axonally damage so quickly, & others just myelin sheathe damage, even though their nerves can be attacked over & over again? I think I knew from the very beginning that my damage would be axonal, even though all of the neuros at Mayo were telling me that I would get back to normal. I guess only we truly know what we are feeling?

      Also, given a choice I would much rather have sensory damage as opposed to motor damage. I never minded being “numb” from the neck down, it is the lack of strength that I mind the most. Also, I assume the fatigue would be much less with sensory damage?
      Pam

    • Anonymous
      June 11, 2006 at 10:28 am

      Hello Pam, sorry you had to go through all this. I was wondering what your experience was with the cytoxan. Besides the rituxan, this seems to be the only other option vailable to me. IVIG and steroids just didn’t do it for me. So far I am very hesitant to agree to the cytoxan because I am afraid that the side effects are worse than the disease itself.

      I don’t have a clue why some people tend to have more sensory and others more axonal damage. All I know is that my variant, antiMAG IgM neuropathy, also called PDN, tends to be primarily sensory, progressing slowly. It doesn’t attack the myelin directly but MAG, a protein associated with myelin. From there the myelin gets damaged. How I don’t know. After five years of sensory damage, only this year am I experiencing the first motor impairment, so far not really serious. But if they can’t find a way to arrest the progression, I am afraid I’ll also end up in a wheelchair.

      an ex-Minnesotan

      P.S. what did you think of the neurology department at the Mayo clinic? We’ve been to Rochester several times but never inside Mayo.

    • Anonymous
      June 11, 2006 at 3:18 pm

      Norbert,
      I guess technically I was at St. Mary’s Hospital, which is affiliated with the Mayo Clini. But all of my neurologists were from the Mayo Clinic. I was not all that impressed, as I saw mostly interns at the hospital, although I did see my main neuro at like 5:30 every morning. After having seen Dr. Gareth Parry at the U of M I would never go back yo the Mayo Clinic. They are very good at diagnosing, but very conservative at treatments, at least for CIDP.

      The last neuro I saw there basically told me there was nothing more they could do for me & that the nerve destruction would just keep progressing & eventually I would die when it went into my diaphragm & lungs. It was Dr. Parry who put me on the cytoxan protcol & I really had no side effects. For me it was no different than the 44 IVIGs I had already sat through weekly.
      If you want details, just send me a private email.
      Pam

    • Anonymous
      June 13, 2006 at 5:20 am

      Dear friends, it is good to be back. I have been a little off colour in hospital intensive care for 8 weeks, all due to complications of kidney failure. I own the copyright of both articles please feel free to post them up if they are of any interest to others. DocDavid

      PS how do I add my avatar?

    • Anonymous
      June 13, 2006 at 5:42 am

      Doc David welcome. We can’t post an avatar; this forum didn’t enable that feature yet. But in your profile you can add your picture.

      Sue

    • Anonymous
      June 13, 2006 at 10:55 am

      [QUOTE=DavidBod] feel free to post them up if they are of any interest to others. DocDavid [/QUOTE]

      DocDavid, glad you are back. Since I have your article in pdf format, I thought it would be easiest if I copied it to my site and give the link here. It is totally separate ferom my website. Hope this is OK with you.

      [url]http://www.bluemarble.de/GBS_CIDP/DocDavid_Rituxan.pdf[/url]

    • Anonymous
      June 13, 2006 at 10:58 am

      [QUOTE=DavidBod] feel free to post them up if they are of any interest to others. DocDavid [/QUOTE]

      DocDavid, glad you are back. Since I have your article in pdf format, I thought it would be easiest if I copied it to my site and give the link here. It is totally separate from my website. Hope this is OK with you and the others on this forum.

      [url]http://www.bluemarble.de/GBS_CIDP/DocDavid_Rituxan.pdf[/url]

    • Anonymous
      June 14, 2006 at 11:23 am

      When I was going through it these also were on Rituxan
      John Crambes Tullahoma, Tennessee. 1999 Drug firm pay.
      Connie Connor Massecheusets
      Fweng Chapel Hill. IgG MGUS . ANAN 1:160
      ShellyW Rio Rancho. New Mexico. Dr. Ronnie Garner Albuquerque. New Mexico
      KathyC Illinois. Dr Ronnie Garner.
      Tona Huiner
      I have not heard from them lately and can only hope the improved suffiently to leave the forum. DocDavid

    • Anonymous
      June 14, 2006 at 2:56 pm

      I am still here doc. Glad to see you back. The only setback I had was when I got pneumonia. The cidp hit me fast and hard during that time. I lost some more hand function in a matter of days that has not returned. Other than that its been pretty steady with the Rituxan infusions every 2 months.

      John

    • Anonymous
      June 14, 2006 at 5:43 pm

      Hi Doc,
      I’m still here too. After 8 infusions of Rituxan I am definitely a little stronger. but I am now on Cytoxan, 3rd treatment two weeks ago. I haven’t gotten worse which I’m happy about we are going to try to go 3 weeks between ivig next month.{wish me luck}. I did not have to worry about payment for Rituxan as I joined a trial for the drug. I have lupus also.
      connie

    • Anonymous
      June 14, 2006 at 10:04 pm

      Hello , best wishes to all .
      I,m both a care giver as my wife has CIDP for more than 20 years and now myself a chronic polyneuropathy , under study. She was one of the first patient to receive IVG in Florida , it took a while to convince the neurologist . She does produce M protein , no sure yet if it is anti Mag
      I’m trying to collect as much information as possible on Rituxan , IVG and CIDP , I ‘m reading the reports of Eric, Dr David and others users.
      So far none of the local neuroologist are familiar with Rituxan and will not prescribe it, my wife also is afraid as she suffered complications (Acute Renal failure.(Acute tubular necrosis) , But now after 7 hemodyalisis renal function is back to normal…
      It was secondary to hemolysis during plasmapheresis , (rare occurrence, really unkown what event cause the breaking of her red blood cells during the plasmapheresis . the renal was not due to the IVG , ) . She use non sucrose (Gamunex) , I trying to convince her to use Rituxan , but we want and pin point thru a neuro panel the type of monoclonal she produce, plan to send the blood to Washington University in St Louis , to Dr Allen Pestronk . There are several articles in the literature about use of Rituximab , Dr Pestronk wrote one of them. If her polyneuropathy is definetly associated with IGM antibodies , and with experience of users and reports in medical literature , then it will be worth a try …I will be back in a few days…
      Wonderful people here , and we REALLY need to help each other . Forgive my english , as it is not too good..(As second language) ..lol Juan
      .

    • Anonymous
      June 15, 2006 at 10:19 am

      Juan, welcome to the forum. I am sure you”ll find it very helpful. Your English is fine.
      As far as I know, there are only two on this forum with antiMAG IgM, Allaug in Norway and I. I was diagnosed with it at Dr. Pestronk’s lab at Washington University last August. I received IVIG’s with only small improvements. I had to stop taking Prednisone two months ago because it had bad side effects. Now I am getting IVIG again. I am still hoping to get Rituxan some day. The main problem with it here in the U.S. it is only approved for cancerous conditions like nonHodgkin’s lymphoma. Insurance companies normally will not pay for it and it is difficult to find a doctor who is willing to fight for you.

    • Anonymous
      June 20, 2006 at 11:48 pm

      Allug,
      Can you or someone explain to me new to GBS forum, wht is CIDP and how is it related to GBS?
      Thanks for the info.
      TMR’s Mom, Nancy

    • Anonymous
      June 21, 2006 at 6:04 am

      Very quickly, then: One may say that CIDP is the chronic “cousin” of GBS. CIDP stands for Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinizing Polyneuropathy. Of course there are a lot to say about the similarities and differences of these two. My illness is another “cousin” of the two others.

    • Anonymous
      August 28, 2006 at 11:38 pm

      Greetings,

      I have got back to reading this forum as life forced me to concentrate on other things. I have had a chance to read the Rituxan posts tonight and I also have an IgM Lamda form of monoclonal gammopathy. This forum has answered and created more questions for me. I glad I read it.

      My Neurologist has directed to my Oncologist that he wants me to take Rituxan, to see if I will benefit from it. I have a bad infection in my left foot and am on IV anti-biotics, that seems to be working. I will have to wait until the infection is eliminated. The Drs. are trying to get the insurance or anyone else to pay for the treatments.

      We’ll see what happens…Paul.

    • Anonymous
      August 30, 2006 at 1:41 pm

      Just realised that I missed these posts about Rituxan and Norb and Allaug’s discussion and questions about the excess of antibodies and so forth.
      We had been in Germany and I returned with another wearing health issue so I missed out on the forums a lot.
      Must read some of it again and think!

      Paul the Pastmaster. Try reading my PDN site at [url]www.pdn-info.co.uk[/url] about neuropathy with monoclonal gammopathy or paraprotein. There are some parts I need to update when I find the time and freedom from pain. That’s been bad recently, inflicted by mini-lows. 2 other neuropathy associates in our area have been similarly affected. Carolyn B described herself as zombified by it! I recognised the accuracy of the description.

    • Anonymous
      November 9, 2006 at 1:59 pm

      I just finished a second round of Rituxan – once a week for four weeks.
      Now my neurological problems are worse. I don’t remember this happening with my first round. However, at that time I was also on Predinsone. Has anyone who has received Rituxan experienced this exacerbation?
      Peace,
      Pat

    • Anonymous
      November 14, 2006 at 7:19 pm

      I’d Suggest Doing A Search On Google For Retuxan For Cidp. Quite A Bit Of Useful Information Will Come Up.:)

    • Anonymous
      November 15, 2006 at 6:02 pm

      Hi Everyone,
      Sorry to have kept away for so long. I was the first person to try Rituxan through my doctor back in April 2003. I currently receive Rituxan avery 12 weeks. It has kept my symptoms at bay and I have hit a plateau, which I am o.k. with since I can now function at about 92%. During the winter months, I also have IVIG treatments every 6 weeks to keep me from getting all the bugs that circulate at a high school of 2800 students! My first treatment I went into anaphaltic (sp?) shock about 45 minutes into the treatment. It was really scarry, but I got through it and have never had another reaction since. They now give me everything under the sun before the treatment to prevent a reaction. I do not have paraproteinaemia. If I can answer anyones questions, flee free to e-mail me. By the way, the last time I had a treatment the nurse mentioned a new drug called Orencia that targets T-cells.
      Shelly

    • Anonymous
      November 20, 2006 at 5:29 pm

      Dear Shellyw.
      Sorry I’ve taken so long in commenting on your post, which I find very interesting. Is more of your story to be found anywhere else on the Net? I would very much like to know how you became the first one to get Rituxan for CIDP.

      About this new drug Orencia, – is this an option for you? And if so – alongside Rituxan or instead of?

      Hope you are quicker in responding than I was:o 😮 !

      All the best

    • Anonymous
      November 20, 2006 at 6:37 pm

      Shelly, your post got me interested since up to this point I have not been able to get Rituxan because it is not approved for CIDP. I just looked up ORENCIA hoping it might be an alternative for me. What I found out: it is a drug used for rheumatoid arthritis, “a biologic that works at the T-cell level, blocking one of the signals that causes a T-cell to become active”.

      Because Orencia affects T-cells, it does not appear to be an option for me in my opinion. With my variant of CIDP, antiMAG IgM, my problems are B-cells. “Threads”, an immunologist who used to post on this forum, even was concerned that in my case suppressing T-cells with Prednisone may be counterproductive. There are some types of T-cells, so called T-Suppressor cells, that keep B-cells under control, she explained. Orencia might in the end just have the same effect as Prednisone.

    • Anonymous
      November 21, 2006 at 5:58 pm

      Hi Allaug & Norb,
      I was diagnoised in June, 2001 with CIDP. After reaching 80mg of Prednisone daily and receiving IVIG treatments without any relief of symptoms that were spriling downhill quickly, my treating doctor began giving my Cytoxan treatments along with the IVIG. It began to turn the disease around, however after 15 months of that grueling regimen my doctor suggested trying Rituxan along with Cellcept. I was hesitant for several months but after becomming depressed about all the time I was spending hooked up to an IV, I decided to try it. I got pneumonia about a year after being on Rituxan and Cellcept. I stopped taking the Cellcept and have not taken it ever since. The Rituxan seems to be keeping me on the up side by itself. (so far, knock on wood!) My doctor is Dr. Ronnie Garner. I believe I saw someone reference him earlier in the post. Norb-maybe the new drug I mentioned earlier is just for rheumotoid arthritis – I was on my way out from a treatment and the nurse mentioned it to me. They treat a lot of people there and she may have thought that’s why I was there. I’ll check into it more for you when I’m there next week and let you know.

    • Anonymous
      November 22, 2006 at 10:19 am

      I have been missing out on this thread having been distracted by a family death and supporting 2 new CIDP cases, one having a difficult time.

      Reading through again I was reminded of an article ‘Management of Inflammatory Neuropathies’ by Dr Robert D M Hadden and Professor Richard A C Hughes of London. It appeared in Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry 2003;74:ii9.

      It is online at [url]http://jnnp.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/74/suppl_2/ii9[/url]

      Of interest to this thread is:’About 10% of patients with an acquired demyelinating neuropathy have a paraprotein. When a paraprotein is detected, the patient should be investigated with a skeletal survey looking for an isolated plasmacytoma that may be surgically excised, and a bone marrow biopsy looking for myeloma, etc. Treatment of the cause of the paraprotein may improve the neuropathy. Most paraproteins are monoclonal gammopathies of uncertain significance (MGUS), and not usually treated, but the paraprotein concentration should be monitored regularly looking for a rapid rise that may herald malignant transformation. Paraproteinaemic demyelinating neuropathy is a heterogeneous group of conditions. The following may be distinguished.’

      It continues:’The best defined and most common syndrome is a slowly progressive, predominantly sensory neuropathy associated with IgM paraprotein, in which the paraprotein is a monoclonal antibody to myelin associated glycoprotein (MAG). Electron microscopy shows characteristic widely spaced myelin. There is often a postural tremor. The disease usually progresses slowly over years and is rarely disabling. Nerve conduction studies usually show uniform symmetrical conduction slowing and with notably prolonged distal motor latencies. Treatment is difficult. Mild slowly progressive disease is best left untreated. In more severe cases, IVIg has a transient beneficial effect (level 1b evidence). Fludarabine and rituximab have seemed effective in small series of severely affected patients.’
      Norb and others we should note: “the paraprotein is a monoclonal antibody to myelin associated glycoprotein (MAG)”. paraprotein/monoclonal gammopathy!:rolleyes:

    • Anonymous
      February 9, 2007 at 4:03 pm

      This thread has been dormant for a couple of months, but it seems to be the right time for it to be reawakened.

      There is much relevant information here for you, Grant, and perhaps forr other newcomers too.

      BTW Norb, when looking through the posts I saw our discussion about where the “clonicity” was – the B-cells or the IgM. Last time I saw my hematologist, he explained to me that the IgM was a protein and thus not consisted of cells, just molecules, so it certainly was the B-cells that cloned themselves – or itself, if you like.

    • Anonymous
      February 11, 2007 at 9:54 am

      During the last six and a half years, my husband John has had PP, 80mgs. prednisone, and Avonex. Last winter, under the care of a new neuro, he started Imuran and IVIG. Small improvements, but in early summer, he started Rituxan…he was able to get it since he also has MGUS. Four treatments, a week apart, then another last month. Skin biopsies and a whole gamut of other studies showed objective improvement with the Rituxan. The oncologist is willing to treat him every 4 months, but neuro wants every 6 months. He also suggests a monthly IVIG as a bolster.

      I have to say that John has felt much better, both physically and mentally, since the Rituxan. He still has pain in his feet, but not the excruciating pain he had prior. I hope that more people will be able to benefit from Rituxan.

    • Anonymous
      February 16, 2007 at 11:19 am

      just skimmed this – great thread, I have to sit down and read this whole thing now

    • Anonymous
      February 24, 2007 at 10:22 pm

      What side effects did you get from Rituxan? It seems that a lot of ppl are willing to try this drug for CIDP and the ones that already tried it are very happy with the results. My husband had an EMG done on Friday, after 7 months of azathioprine (100mg a day) he can’t show or feel any improvement but he could feel some electric shocks in his lower legs with the EMG which he did not feel 7 months ago. We’ll see the neurologist on Monday for a full report from the EMG and we are thinking to suggest Rituxan. Please it is very important for me to know from your experiences what to expect with Rituxan. thanks for any input

    • Anonymous
      February 25, 2007 at 6:26 pm

      Dear Daniela & Hubby

      First round of Rituxan (+fludarabine) made me queazy for a couple of days, after that I had no stomach trouble. My worst side effect was that the nerve-pain, especially in my hands got very much worse from about a couple of hours after the infusions (4 in all – each a month apart), and lasted a few days before going down to normal. Pain is still my worst symptom, but it’s much better – if I remember my Neurontin 4 times 600mg a day – than pre Rituxan.

      Good luck to you!

    • Anonymous
      February 25, 2007 at 6:36 pm

      I have had two infusions of rituxan now and experienced some fatigue the following day after each, but no other side effects. A few days after the second infusion I sensed some increase in energy and overall well-being for several days, which was then completely reversed by my regular infusion of IVIG, which completely wiped me out.

      My question to those who have received rituxan: Did you continue on IVIG and did you experience any similar problem? This experience is way too limited to draw any conclusions, but it has me a bit concerned. Any thoughts from anyone?

      Grant

    • Anonymous
      March 3, 2007 at 1:33 pm

      This may be old news for most but for other newbies like myself this may be of interest. Mayo Clinic is conducting clinic trials for patients with neuropathy associated with paraproteinemia(also called MGUS neuropathy). I guess I am not to post web addresses but the info can be found by searching Mayo’s clinicaltrials.edu site. It is IRB Number 1191-04. The rituxan is supplied free of charge. Along this line, has anyone ever posted the cost of rituxan? Is it more than IVIG?
      GREAT FORUM!
      Morris

    • Anonymous
      March 4, 2007 at 9:20 am

      [B]Morris[/B], thanks so much for posting the info about the Rituxan trial. I am definetely going to contact Mayo to find out details. I’ve been trying to get Rituxan for some time without success because it is not aprroved for CIDP. I think one of my diagnosis says I have MGUS but I have to wait to check my records as soon as I get back to the US later this week.

    • Anonymous
      March 7, 2007 at 1:50 pm

      Norb, sure hope this works for you. I wanted to take part in it also but had to decline for now because of time requirements to be off of IVIG and heavy steroid treatment. Maybe later. Lots of luck. Morris

    • Anonymous
      March 7, 2007 at 3:37 pm

      Morris,

      The cost of rituxan is about $5,000 for 1000 mg. In the long run, the therapy costs less than IVIG because fewer infusions are needed.

      Grant

    • Anonymous
      October 10, 2007 at 3:30 pm

      Hi friends,
      This is my first posting to this discussion board so I don’t really know exactly what I am doing. Nevertheless, I’ll give it a try because I would really love to find someone else with the same thing as I have recently been diagnosed with: IgM MGUS. I drew the short straw in the statistic of 1 out of 5 with MGUS having peripheral neuropathy, which was the reason I went to see the doctor in the first place. After about a year of blood tests and EGM tests, etc. they narrowed it down to IgM MGUS.
      I can still walk (albeit a bit awkwardly), but I had to give up running. It is in both my feet and hands now.
      The hospital has prescribed Rituxan and Roche has agreed to lower the cost a bit. However, Mr Roche will still be able to afford a fine new car after a couple of series of injections. They are quoting about $16,000 less 10% for a one month series of four injections.
      First though, the hospital took a blood sample today for the Antimag test (anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein). The results should be available in 3-4 weeks.
      I have spoken to the Mayo clinic about a trial they have specifically for this. Surprisingly there are only 6 members in the trial. (I thought these trials were with hundreds of people). There is another trial underway in France, but that is not quite so easy for me to get to (I live in Canada).
      I’ve done a lot of research into all of this stuff, along the way thinking I had CIDP or Charcot-Marie Tooth, etc. Other worse self-inflicted diagnoses have guaranteed more than one night without sleep.
      The Mayo clinic mentioned people with various stages of neuropathy damage, and I am wondering how bad this can get. At this stage, I have to hold on to the wall when I close my eyes in the shower so as not to fall over. And I am not too good on the roof anymore cleaning the gutters. I fell with a chainsaw in my hand a few weeks ago so my wife stays clear of me when I am cutting wood now. Also, no more water skiing and I almost killed myself trying to skate backwards last winter on the ice.
      So….if anyone out there has IgM MGUS, it would be great to share stories and learn as we go.
      Good luck to all.
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      October 11, 2007 at 11:42 am

      Hello Andrew. Welcome to the family. Several of us on the forum have AntiMag IgM including myself. As you probably know, this variant of CIDP ( sometimes called PDN – paraproteinaemic demyelinating neuropathy ) is a very slowly progressing form.

      Mine started with slight numbness in my toes back in 2001. Now, I can no longer drive. I have to use a rollator to walk and balance because my feet are totally numb and there is some numbness up to my knees.

      About a year ago, my fingers started going numb too. Today, I can only hold a cup if I use both hands. I drop things all the time. I cannot put caps back on medicine tubes, type, or do any fine motor work at all. For typing, I now use a dictation program called Dragon Naturally Speaking. In addition, my tongue is getting numb.

      I’ve been trying to get Rituxan for about 2 years but insurance would not pay because, here in the U.S., it is only approved for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma or Rheumatoid Arthritis.\

      About 2 years ago my neurologist sent me to see an oncologist in Denver to rule out Waldenstroem’s, a slow growing form of lymphoma. This can sometimes be the underlying cause of AntiMAG IgM. Back then, the oncologist could not find enough evidence to confirm it, but suspected that evidence would develop.

      Just a few weeks ago, I saw another oncologist here in Fort Collins where I live. After many blood tests, he did a bone marrow biopsy and found lymphoma…not significant enough yet to be Waldenstroem’s, but enough to show that cancer is my underlying culprit. After that, he ordered a PET scan to check for any metastasized cancer.
      It came back negative.

      He was then able to get approval for Rituxan which I will be starting on Monday. I am really hopeful that the treatment will bring an end to my now quickly worsening symptoms. I am aware that there are a number of reports of success with Rituxan but it doesn’t work all the time.

      It may be too late for my feet. If the nerve axons are damaged they may or may not grow back. I am hoping that at least my tongue and hands will improve.

      So, hope this gives you some information you were looking for. If you want to read more of my story in detail, there is a link below with my signature. Keep us posted about how you are doing.

    • Anonymous
      October 11, 2007 at 5:00 pm

      Andrew,

      Im not sure if you know that your post has been moved by Pam, which was a really good decision – Now you have your very own post in the CIDP section with a few answers. 🙂

    • Anonymous
      October 13, 2007 at 2:34 pm

      The strange thing for me is, I have no MGUS. The rituxan works better for my cidp than any other drug previously taken.

    • Anonymous
      October 14, 2007 at 11:43 am

      [QUOTE=JohnC]The strange thing for me is, I have no MGUS. The rituxan works better for my cidp than any other drug previously taken.[/QUOTE]
      John, actually this does not surprise me all that much. Rituxan gets rid of B-cells which in many cidp cases create, when activated, the antibodies which damage the myelin.

      Since Rituxan is not approved for cidp, there probably are only few or no reports about its effectiveness for this disease. How did you manage to get it?

    • Anonymous
      October 14, 2007 at 4:27 pm

      Well, I was in a self funded group insurance plan when I began Rituxan.

      Im on medicare now, and they will under no circumstances pay for rituxan for cidp. The reason I was allowed to continue on it is because the makers of rituxan have a program called spoc. The main requirement is you make under 80k a year. No problem there since being on disability. [url]https://www.spoconline.com/spoconline/rituxan/SPOC/index.jsp[/url]

      I am not quite sure about if I so easily flipped over to spoc because I have previously taken the medicine and had good results or if they will do it every time a doctor sees potential for the drug off label usage.

      edited to say I love my doctors and nurses for many reasons, but maybe the biggest is they never stopped fighting for me when I became bedridden and could no longer walk, or even feed myself.

    • Anonymous
      October 16, 2007 at 6:13 pm

      [QUOTE=JohnC] Im on medicare now, and they will under no circumstances pay for rituxan for cidp. elf.[/QUOTE]

      I finally received copies of all my medical records yesterday. There I read that my doc actually tried Medicare with my original CIDP diagnosis and they said NO. I also was told that Medicare never pre-appproves anything. If charges are submitted with a non-approved diagnosis they just reject it. Good thing you have found a different way.

      Yesterday I had my first Rituxan treatment with the new Medicare approved diagnosis of “B-cell lymphoma” which appears to be the underlying cause of my CIDP with antiMAG IgM. Everything went well, 3 more weekly treatments to come.

    • Anonymous
      October 16, 2007 at 7:51 pm

      Norb
      Congratulations on the Rituxan treatment! From everything I have read in connection with treatment of MGUS IgM, the drug seems to have positive effects. I also read your web site which was really interesting and informative. Most of all, it highlights to me the need to do things as quickly as possible because there seems to otherwise be no way of stopping the relentless nerve damage and progression of the neuropathy.
      I am still leaning towards enrolling in the Mayo clinic trial even though it means almost commuting between Toronto and Minneapolis. It would at least cover two series of injections (approx one year) before I would be subject to costs of about $30,000 per year.
      You know all those wonderful things you hear about the medical system in Canada? They are true if you drive drunk headfirst into a wall on a motor cycle…but forget about medication for IgM MGUS.
      Let me know what the side effects are like with the Rituxan (if any). I am most interested to hear. Also, how soon you can notice any improvement. Good luck with it, Norb. I sure hope some sensory nerves recover.
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      October 17, 2007 at 10:59 am

      Andrew, I’m glad you found my website helpful. About the trial at Mayo Clinic, it was my understanding that they’re only looking for patients with MGUS unless they have two trials going on. From another CIDP patient I heard that they only have six patients in the trial. I don’t know how they’re doing this trial but normally half of the patients get the medication and the other half get a placebo. So you never know what you’re going to get. By the way, Mayo Clinic is in Rochester which is about another 1 1/2 hours from Minneapolis.

      The treatment with Rituxan on Monday went well. I had no reaction at all during the treatment except the double dose of Benadryl make me sleepy. Only at home did I get a little bit of a temperature and very mild body aches much less than what I often get from IVIG. The next day I felt normal again. There will be three more treatments during the next three weeks. At this point I do not know what the further treatment plan is. I have no idea how long it would take to see improvements if any. Nerves grow back about one millimeter a day. I’m not sure if this also applies to the myelin. It will take a lot of patience during the next weeks and months waiting for results.

    • Anonymous
      October 18, 2007 at 8:08 am

      Dear Andrew!

      I haven’t been in here for a while, so I haven’t seen you posts until now.

      I’m happy (and sorry) to be able to welcome you to our rather exclusive “club”. You might have read some of my posts, so you know perhaps that I was diagnosed with antiMag IGM PDN about three years ago, and got Rituxan\Fludarabin (another chemo) in the spring of 2005. My protocol was a little different from what’s usual in the US – and Canada. I also had four treatments, but 28 days apart. After the last treatment, I started to improve almost at once, but it has been a slow process (I believe, Norb, that myelin grows somewhat faster than the nerve-axion itself), and my motoric disability (walking, hands\arms tremor) have improved fastest and best, while the nerve pain is still there, more managable now, but if I forget my pain-killers (2400mg a day of Neurontin + some extras: paracetamol, codein, amitriptyline) I am really reminded of the fact that my nerves are not healed – yet. I can also have days that are quite painful even if I remember to take all my medication, and then I feel like I’m bruiced all over my body while my hands and feet are burning like h e l l.

      Perhaps I should mention that my neurologist does not agree to my diagnose, because he says they haven’t found any antiMag, but my hematologist, who is the one that found out enough to give me the right treatment, says that either the amount of antiMag is too small to show up on the tests, or there is another aspect concerning my IgM that does the damage. He and I agree that the important thing is that when the chemos killed off the huge amount og IgM in my blood, I started to recover almost immediately.

    • Anonymous
      October 18, 2007 at 11:52 pm

      Allaug, if the anti-MAG IgM did not show up on tests, do you have any idea how your hematologist determined what you have? My neurologist two years ago had my blood tested for anti-MAG IgM. The titer was 140,000 compared to less than 1500. So there was no doubt about it. I have no idea why she suspected it to begin with. I don’t think the test is routine. Perhaps she based it on the slow progression and the fact that my symptoms were only sensory.

    • Anonymous
      October 19, 2007 at 3:56 pm

      The thing about my diagnose was that after having discussed my symptoms with you and “Threads” on the Forum and by e-mail, I found out from among other sites KenS’ homepage on the Internet that what seemed the most obvious diagnose for my condition was antiMAG IgM PDN. I can’t remember what or if my hematologist had mentioned any diagnose, except that my bone-marrow looked very similar to a condition called Cryo-globulinemia (or something like that) and he had treated this illness using Rituxan+Fludarabin, and thought that it might be worth a try to see if he could use the same medication in my case. As you know, his theory worked!

      On my first consultation with my hematologist after I had found the diagnose, I asked him “I do have antiMAG IgM PDN, don’t I?”, and he answered “Yes, you do.” Even though my neurologist doesn’t agree, I think the hematologist knows more about these things than him, so I stubbornly stick to my PDN diagnose, especially because when the IgM spike went down after my treatment, my symptoms gradually subsided too!

      I can’t wait to hear how your body reacts to Rituxan, Norb, and I wish you all the good luck in the world!:) 🙂 🙂

    • Anonymous
      October 28, 2007 at 1:20 pm

      Tomorrow I’m going to have my third Rituxan treatment and the fourth and last one the week after that. Except for a very slight temperature after the first infusion I had no reaction whatsoever. Last week they did a blood analysis and my white blood cell count had not changed at all. I don’t know if that really means anything but I expected it to go down. Rituxan is supposed to get rid of B-cells which make up around 5% of the white blood cells in serum. There is no change in my symptoms so far but I think the myelin needs time to regrow. So I have not given up hope yet.

      I wonder if it was a good idea to get the IVIG so close to the Rituxan. The oncologist thought it would give me extra protection against infection but what if it interferes with the Rituxan.

      [B]Allaug[/B], somewhere you said that you noticed improvements pretty quickly. Was that after the first of your 4 monthly treatments or after the last one. What was interesting is the fact that you also received Fludarabin at the same time. This seems to be a chemo drug used for B-cell lymphoma which is my diagnosis for the underlying condition.

    • Anonymous
      October 28, 2007 at 6:15 pm

      Norb,
      I don’t know the reasoning behind who gets rituxan & who gets chemotherapy, but I know that the reason that Dr. Parry prscribed cytoxan (chemotherapy) treatments for my CIDP was to wipe out my immune system. In other words, he kept me on monthly cytoxan infusions until my white blood cell count was down to almost 0. Then we stopped & waited to see if the CIDP was arrested (it was) & then it was a waiting game to see what nerves I would get back.

      I finished chemo in Sept of 2003 & could feel more strength in my arms & legs by that winter, but didn’t get in to rehab to actually try walking until the summer of 2004. So for me it was very slow. The nice thing is that it was my last treatment of any kind. I was left with residual numbness below the knees, foot drop, lack of balance, & some weakness & numbness in my hands. But I do go out a lot, can drive again, go to water aerobics twice a week. I guess I lead a pretty normal life for someone of 54, but I do need a lot of sleep still, & guess I always will.

      I hope your improvement comes faster, as we all know this illness is different for everyone. Best of luck…
      Pam

    • Anonymous
      October 29, 2007 at 7:14 pm

      Norb,
      I think that it’s not a coincidence that to be a patient and to be patient is the same word in English;) ! I can’t remember noticing any improvement in my condition until after the last round of medication, and as you say that was more than four months after the initial round, so the drug had had all that time to work on my B-cells. My hematologist who was in charge of my treatment, told me that he had given me Fludarabin too, because he had noticed that this combination gave better results when administered to his Cryoglobulinemia patients than Rituxan alone. I am his first patient with “our” disease, so he had no experience to help him in my case, but the origin of both diseases are very similar, so he thought it was worth a try to give me the same treatment.

      I guess you have an “IgM-spike” (lots of IgM made by the B-cells) too, Norb, and the hight of this spike, or the amount of IgM, has been the focus of my blood-tests since. Half a year after the termation of the treatment, the IgM value was normal, and it has been on the same level ever since.

      Pam,
      Rituxan is also a chemo-drug, but as far as I could find out, it works against T-cells (who seem to be, at least one of, the culprits when it comes to CIDP), while in Norb’s and my case it’s the B-cells of the immune-system that need to be “done in”. We would probably get worse if given Cytoxan, just like we get worse if we are treated with steroids. We need our T-cells to keep the over-multiplying B-cells in check, if the T-cells are knocked out, our B-cells behave like the proverbial mice on the table!

    • Anonymous
      October 29, 2007 at 7:26 pm

      Pam, most likely it’s the fact that it is only approved for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and rheumatoid arthritis plus the very high cost that people with CIDP cannot get it. Also I don’t know if it’s appropriate for typical CIDP since it only targets B-cells. I understand that T cells also play an important role. Cytoxin depresses the entire immune system and can be pretty rough on you. I don’t think I could handle it since I am 20 years older than you. It sounds like it worked pretty well for you.

      Today I finished my third round of Rituxan without any reactions. I compared the new blood analysis with last week’s. This time the lymphocytes went down 14%. That sounds like good news since the B-cells take up between 11 and 16% of the lymphocytes. The rest is T cells and many various others.

      One more treatment to go.

      Take care

    • Anonymous
      October 29, 2007 at 9:54 pm

      Norb

      That does sound like great news…congratulations!!! This really sounds like
      it will help you greatly…I’m so happy for you.

      Tap…tap…tap…sigh…tap…tap…tap…still waiting on the mouse-ears pic.

      😀 😀 😀

      Miami Girl

    • Anonymous
      October 30, 2007 at 11:10 am

      [QUOTE=Miami Girl]Norb
      Tap…tap…tap…sigh…tap…tap…tap…still waiting on the mouse-ears pic.
      Miami Girl[/QUOTE]

      It did happen. You missed it. Check out this thread:

      [url]http://www.gbs-cidp.org/forums/showthread.php?t=3307&page=2[/url]

    • Anonymous
      October 30, 2007 at 11:24 am

      Allaug, yes, I need to be a patient patient. It is difficult sometimes after having struggled with this disease for so long and now finally seeing the [B]possibility[/B] of light at the end of the tunnel. You noticed I emphasize “possibility” because I still don’t want to get my hopes up too high. I am glad you clarified [U]when[/U] you actually saw results. Somewhere long time ago you said you saw results soon after. So I kept thinking this is the third week of getting Rituxan and nothing is happening — Allaug saw results quickly — that means it is not working for me. I know we all are different but our minds aren’t always rational.

      BTW, we just got a new supply of delicious Jarlsberg imported from Oslo. It was $10 for 1000 grams.

    • Anonymous
      October 30, 2007 at 12:58 pm

      I got fast results Norb, but Eric took over a month if I can remember correctly. Do not give up on it yet.

    • Anonymous
      October 30, 2007 at 4:43 pm

      Norb

      What a fantastic picture…and you love cheese!!! See, you do have some
      side effects…lol…

      Miami Girl

    • Anonymous
      October 30, 2007 at 5:58 pm

      Norb
      I sure hope that the Rituxan soon shows improvement for you.
      Update here is that they took the Antimag blood test and sent it to Missouri for testing and I am waiting the results, which will determine whether I can take the Rituxan. I have had numerous emails back and forth with the Mayo clinic about their trial, but it is now sounding like it would be more expensive to join the trial than to stay home here and pay for the drug. It all boils down to the cost for the testing at Mayo. Although the drug would be paid for by Mayo, I would have to cover the cost of the testing (EMG, bone marrow, spinal tap, etc). Cost estimates are close to the cost of the Rituxan. Here in Toronto, the testing is all covered by medicare, but not the drug. When you factor in the travel costs, it ends up costing less to take it here. Too bad..because it would have been good to get a second opinion from the Mayo clinic and in addition, they have such a good reputation.
      I’ve written the Ministry of Health here in Ontario to plead my case regarding coverage for the Rituxan.
      Otherwise, am heading with my wife tomorrow to Australia and NZ for three weeks (combination work and some days vacation). The flight is awful because my feet swell up like balloons – numb balloons. It is really uncomfortable but as long as it does not do further harm, I guess I can live with it.
      I have an apointment with a physiatrist when I get back. Could be that they will make an evaluation on disability. Driving is becoming a bit scary now because I can’t feel the pedals any more, unless I push hard…which is not wise in city traffic!!
      Good luck with the Rituxan.
      Best regards
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      October 30, 2007 at 6:17 pm

      Dear Allaug
      I am sorry that I did not reply to your message before this. I am still learning how to use the forum and had not noticed that there were other pages before page 9! Also, hello to others who wrote in reply to my first message.
      I was thinking that emails would appear every time there was a posting but I guess not, so I will check the forum more often.
      Thanks for your patience.
      Kind regards
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      November 9, 2007 at 5:56 pm

      Hello Andrew, I hope you had a good trip to down-under. When you get back let us know how you’re coming with your treatment.

      I finished the last of four weekly Rituxan treatment November 5, again with no side effects. The oncologist wants to repeat the treatment every six months over a period of two years. So the next time we’ll be in May 2008. He could not tell me how long it might take to see improvements with my neuropathy – if the Rituxan worked. I have an appointment with my neurologist on Monday and will ask her. She will do an exam and EMG to establish a new baseline.

      My hands are as numb as ever. While Carol my wife was in Denver for a few days babysitting, I kept busy fiddling with our computer. I managed to mess up the monitor cable bending one of the pins and had to get a new one after she came back. I’m not sure she really understands why it is so difficult for me to stay away from things. Sometimes it’s just hard to be patient.

    • Anonymous
      November 9, 2007 at 7:01 pm

      That seems conservative considering I get mine every 2 months. I am curious to know why he chose this schedule. If you know, or could possibly find out, that would be great.

    • Anonymous
      November 9, 2007 at 8:25 pm

      [QUOTE=JohnC]That seems conservative considering I get mine every 2 months. I am curious to know why he chose this schedule. If you know, or could possibly find out, that would be great.[/QUOTE]
      John, I won’t see the oncologist again until early next year. I don’t know how he came up with this schedule. Basically, he is trying to treat the lymphoma and not so much the neuropathy. The protocol is probably the one for lymphoma. Of course my priorities are just the other way around especially since the lymphoma seems to be minor at this point.

      Are you getting Rituxan to treat CIDP?

    • Anonymous
      November 10, 2007 at 9:47 am

      Norb, is that a side effect of Rit?;) you better behave, next time Carol will have no choice but to take you along!:D

    • Anonymous
      November 10, 2007 at 10:43 am

      [QUOTE=angel2ndclass22699]Norb, is that a side effect of Rit?;) you better behave, next time Carol will have no choice but to take you along!:D[/QUOTE]
      Cheryl, it must have been a last-ditch effort of the mouse in me to keep control.:D

    • Anonymous
      November 11, 2007 at 5:52 am

      [QUOTE=JohnC]That seems conservative considering I get mine every 2 months. I am curious to know why he chose this schedule. If you know, or could possibly find out, that would be great.[/QUOTE]

      Hi John
      The schedule that Norb mentions is exactly the same as the one I heard from two other sources…one the neurological department at my hospital in Toronto and the other from the Mayo clinic. I should qualify that though by saying that that rythm is for starting treatment and they would evaluate the performance of the Rituxan to make sure it is working and likely to decide if every 6-months is the appropriate timing. Could it be that tests you took showed that it works, but that the effects wear off after 2 months?

      With Rituxan not covered by Canadian health care for the treatment of IgM MGUS, your comment that a treatment every 2 months is what you require is kind of scary. That works out to almost $100,000 a year. Way more that I can afford!!

      Would your doctor be able to comment on how the 2 month interval was arrived at?

    • Anonymous
      November 14, 2007 at 9:47 am

      It is pretty simple for me. Over the last several years I have shown a steady decline. My cidp is always there. The doctors intent is to slow it down, and if they over do it in the meantime, they feel its worth the risk (as do I). I have had remission of proximal symptoms, but never any sensory symptoms.

      We have discussed scaling back when I felt I could. I have gone 3 months before with no bad result, but then again there have been times when I went 2 months and felt little positive change. In the overall picture, it seems best to get the infusion every 2 months.

    • Anonymous
      November 14, 2007 at 12:44 pm

      Two days ago I saw my neurologist in Denver to establish a new baseline before — hopefully — the Rituxan kicks in. The neurological exam and the EMG showed what I already knew: my symptoms have gotten a lot worse during the last few months. If it works, with the anti-MAG IgM neuropathy symptoms should be getting better in a few months rather than weeks, she told me. Progress depends on the extent of myelin and nerve damage. Normally, improvements happen in reverse order. My tongue was the last to be affected. It should be the one to get better first. After that the hands and then the feet. In the meantime she wants me to get an electric scooter because she was concerned about my safety watching me maneuver with my rollator.

    • Anonymous
      November 15, 2007 at 1:00 pm

      Mouse on Wheels!:D That will make you really hard to catch Norb! If you get one, watch out for Carol’s feet!!;) And you know you better order a wagon to attach to the back for Sydney!!:D

    • Anonymous
      November 15, 2007 at 4:09 pm

      Norb, A power chair is great, I have a Jazzy 600. I can go anywhere independently for a change, and you dont get so tired out. I can really hit the Mall in Sioux Falls, leaving hubby on a bench watching girls.

      One warning, unless its just a lady driver. Your walls and woodwork may take a beating!!!! I had it a year last July and no problems. It is a heavy duty to get around outside. Now if I could just figure out how to get it and me down the river bank to our pontoon. I had several bad falls and I feel very safe with the chair. Good luck and hope you meds work. I am still waiting to hear from Mayo. Patience“““““Regina

    • Anonymous
      November 25, 2007 at 8:59 pm

      Norb,

      I can’t believe you got approved and have already finished the treatments, that is great.

      Dell’s dr. sent me an email saying Dell’s b/w still showed high lymp. and elevated SED. He wants him to take Rituxan.

      Of course, my husband and I are very nervous. Dell is 3-1/2 years old. I am going to post the question to the dr. regarding b cells or t cells. What other questions should I ask????

      Dell has been doing quite well for the past few months. Our new regiment is ivig every 3 weeks, solumedrol each week.

      Another question, since I have 2 other school age children that can bring home all kinds of yucky things to Dell, if ivig is increased to every 2 weeks while on Rituxan, will that help?

      Also, have the ppl. that have taken Rituxan gotten sick with flu/colds easily? Out of all my concerns, sickness and the fact that the first 2 treatments are dangerous are my main concerns. I know those are just minor things, lol.

      Thanks for any help ya’ll may be able to give.

      Love, Lori

    • Anonymous
      November 26, 2007 at 10:14 am

      Lori, I’ll answer tomorrow. We are getting ready to go to the Detroit airport, goimg home from family reiunion.

    • Anonymous
      November 26, 2007 at 9:15 pm

      Good news on the completion of the Rituxan treatments, Norb. I just learned today that my anti-mag test came back confirming that I have elevated IgM levels in the blood – 30 times normal. Small wonder the peripheral nerves are taking a beating. So I am booking Rituxan treatments ASAP. They say that there are some openings available here in Toronto in December.
      Unfortunately I have been unable to find anyone who will cover the cost…neither the Ontario Ministry of Health nor my insurance company Sun Life. I guess that what is needed is enough success stories to reach a point where the drug is approved as a standard treatment for antiMAG IgM.
      That’s the latest from here.
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      November 27, 2007 at 7:02 pm

      [B]Andrew[/B], the good news about the anti-MAG results you received is that Rituxan may actually help. The bad news as we both have found out is that insurance won’t pay for this kind of neuropathy unless there is an underlying disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In my case there are no obvious symptoms for the lymphoma and only a bone marrow biopsy provided the evidence. My neurologist already indicated two years ago when the anti-MAG was first found, that there may be an underlying disease of lymphoma. Since the oncologist I saw then could not find any obvious symptoms and was not willing to do the biopsy, I never got the Rituxan then. I’m wondering whether this path might be something for you to pursue.

      [B]Lori[/B], according to an immunologist who posted on this forum a couple of years ago, B–cells are not always involved in CIDP. Since Rituxan only removes these cells, it may or may not help for usual CIDP. I hope it helps Dell. The primary task for B–cells is to destroy bacteria, fungi etc. It is not involved in the fight against viruses. For these T cells play the major role. So if Dell catches a cold from his siblings after Rituxan treatment , he still will be able to fight it as he normally would. You need to watch out for bacterial infections like sore throat, ear, unusual sores on his body or in his mouth. My oncologist believed that the IVIG would provide me with extra protection. I received one just before the Rituxan treatment. Since the immunoglobulin has a half-life of four weeks or so and continues to provide protection for some time, I did not receive another one during the Rituxan treatment. My neurologist I saw afterwards decided I should not receive any IVIG for the time being to see if I show any improvement.

    • Anonymous
      November 27, 2007 at 9:06 pm

      Hi Norb
      Thank you for the replies you sent to Lori and me.
      I have a couple of questions/comments as a result of both replies.
      I looked up non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma on the internet and it showed that Rituxan has had encouraging results in the treatment certain types of B-cell lymphoma. That is good news. You make a good point that a bone marrow biopsy should eventually be taken to determine if there is non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. But for the first Rituxan treatment, I can’t wait any longer because the rate of nerve damage seems to be increasing and I am keen to stop the progression ASAP. I am going to continue lobbying for financial coverage, especially if the treatment is successful. Some day, somehow I believe that coverage will apply.
      I found your comments on the B-cell versus T-cell effects to be interesting too. Question: if one were to pick up a bacterial infection while treating B-cell CIDP, would antibiotics still be effective? Clearly one must be more careful washing hands, etc in the first place to avoid bacterial infections, but sooner or later it will probably happen and hopefully it is not something untreatable or serious like pneumonia.
      Another question I have been asking myself for a long time is “How did I get this?” I have thought back to the days when I loved the smell of gasoline when my Dad refilled the car, or getting new shoes in the shoestore where they had an xray machine for viewing the foot bones to see if the shoes were too tight. Or the summer job up north where they sprayed a mixture of DDT and deisel fuel each morning to get rid of mosquitoes. Or rubbing mercury into a nickel to make it shiny. Something must have triggered the mutations to start the MGUS. Do you know of any surveys or work that has been done in this area?
      Take care
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      November 28, 2007 at 7:40 am

      Andrew,

      I’m so sorry your Rituxan will not be covered. I need my drs. nurse to start the process of calling the insurance co. in case we do decide to do this. We are not totally convinced yet.

      Do you have private insurance?

      After Dell got this disease, it made me realize how wonderful insurance is. Poor children in Mississippi get medicaide but the your state and only the neighboring states take it. When we went to John Hopkins for a 2nd opinion on treatment, they would not take the medicaide. Although we have private insurance, we have that too since Dell is disabled.

      In our state, and all states are different, you could make a million dollars a year but if you have a disabled child, you still qualify. They pay for everything the insurance does not and we NEVER get a bill for anything. They are even paying for his diapers. At least bills is something we don’t have to worry about with his disease because I have lots to worry about without them.

      Lori

    • Anonymous
      November 28, 2007 at 2:56 pm

      Like I have said in other posts. I have the chronic progressive form of cidp, with no elevated protien levels or other abnormalities in blood or spinal fluid.

      Medicare recently decided to pay for my Rituxan citing the drug has been found helpful in cidp. I am assuming the other insurance companies will follow suit, but it may take some fighting and time.

    • Anonymous
      November 28, 2007 at 7:03 pm

      [B]John,[/B] if I remember correctly what has been posted before, Medicare in some regions refused to pay for Rituxan. It seemed that not all are on the same page.

      [B]Andrew[/B], antibiotics should work independently of B–cell levels. I have no idea how severe a bacterial infection can become if the primary defense provided by our immune system is missing.

      I don’t think there is any clear link identifying a cause for lymphoma. However, if you google lymphoma and toxins you come up with a number of hits. “A study published in last week’s American Journal of Epidemiology reveals a link between hair dye and lymphoma risk.” This is one of them. Between the ages of 14 and 25 I was exposed to toxic fumes from my father’s leather work. I don’t see how it could be the cause for the lymphoma 50 years later. But then again it could have been low grade for many many years.

    • Anonymous
      November 28, 2007 at 8:44 pm

      Could be Norb, I know they finally began after 2 years of appeals. You would think the cost of rituxan being much less than ivig would sway some suit into trying to save the taxpayers some money, but that would make sense.

    • Anonymous
      November 29, 2007 at 9:05 am

      I was supposed to see MY hematologist yesterday, but unfortunately he had to go to a meeting, so I talked to another blood-specialist. He was very nice and fortcoming, and gave me serious answers to all my questions, which were among others that MGUS (Monoclonal Gammopathy og Uncertain Significance) was a “benign” lymphoma that only involved B-cells piling up. It could develop into Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma or Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia, however, so all MGUS patiens ought to be monitored twice a year. Not all MGUS patients get nerve-damage, but the doctor said that IgM that the B-cells produce, could have other properties than anti-MAG that destroyed myelin. He promised to get back to me on that.

      A few weeks back I saw my neurologist (just down the corridor from where I was yesterday) at the same hospital. It had happened before that he refused to listen to me concerning the diagnose the hematologist and I agree upon. The same thing happened this time. When I mentioned it he said rather dismissively “It’s not in your medical journals!”. I tried to explain how we had reached this diagnosis, but he repeated that it was not in my journal. Yesterday I got the chance to see what HE had written in my journal and here is what it said (from memory, and a bit falteringly translated into English): “She (I) had been reading quite extencively and had a lot to say about B-cells and T-cells.” Full stop and finish! I’m not quite sure if he is sarcastic here, or just plain ignorant; perhaps the former to mask the latter. No wonder he never sends me a transcript of my journal after my visits with him, something that my hematologist always do.

      Medical journals are supposed to be open to the patients too, so I’ve asked for transcrips of my papers from my consultations with my neurologist – I’m looking forward to reading THEM!

    • Anonymous
      November 29, 2007 at 9:52 am

      Allaug,

      That was funny. He’s probably scared you are learning more than he already knows, lol.

      Yesterday, I spoke to Dell’s immunologist/allergist and he explained more about Rituxan. He said the B cells regenerate at a very fast pace and he would hope that if Dell did get sick, he “thinks” he would be able to fight it off.

      He recommended getting a CAT scan before the Rituxan is started, to mke sure there are no hidden infections that will go crazy once the B cells are killed off. Dell has been fighting colds for about a month now. He just can’t seem to get rid of it, even though he’s on ivig.

      If you have anything to add to my understanding of Rituxan before we meet with the neuro next Thursday, pls post something. I am leaning more towards it but still am very scared.

      Love, Lori

    • Anonymous
      November 29, 2007 at 10:46 am

      Allaug.[QUOTE]A few weeks back I saw my neurologist (just down the corridor from where I was yesterday) at the same hospital. It had happened before that he refused to listen to me concerning the diagnose the hematologist and I agree upon. The same thing happened this time. When I mentioned it he said rather dismissively “It’s not in your medical journals!”. I tried to explain how we had reached this diagnosis, but he repeated that it was not in my journal. Yesterday I got the chance to see what HE had written in my journal and here is what it said (from memory, and a bit falteringly translated into English): “She (I) had been reading quite extencively and had a lot to say about B-cells and T-cells.” Full stop and finish! I’m not quite sure if he is sarcastic here, or just plain ignorant; perhaps the former to mask the latter. No wonder he never sends me a transcript of my journal after my visits with him, something that my hematologist always do. [/QUOTE]

      I think that the problem may be that even a neurologist or whatever consultant can get to be out of their depth. For many of them both CIDP and our PDN are something entirely new. In our area of West Yorkshire with a rather large population there is only one neurolgist who has a very special interest in and is an expert in CIDP and PDN. Other neurologists must/should contact him for advice/support, if they are wise. After all the inflammatory, demyelinating neuropathies are very rare.

      I have been in hospital recently, partly because I had been getting excessive neuropathic pain and along with another problem had become worn out. I tell this to illustrate the point about rarity even for a neurologist. A charge nurse (male = of sister) told me a junior doctor had gone to the trouble of checking on my PDN and discovered it as being 1 in 6 million. About right I believe.

      The wise consultant who meets something new seeks advice from someone else. The unwise is dismissive and does not get the help that the patient needs.

      Oh, a consultant (for the geriatrics that includes me) did work out a probable explanation for my extra nerve pain. That’s another story.:rolleyes:

    • Anonymous
      November 30, 2007 at 10:49 am

      [QUOTE=Dells mom]
      Yesterday, I spoke to Dell’s immunologist/allergist and he explained more about Rituxan. He said the B cells regenerate at a very fast pace and he would hope that if Dell did get sick, he “thinks” he would be able to fight it off.[/QUOTE]
      Lori, I’ve read in several places that it does take quite some time for B-cell levels to return to normal.

      Here is one of them:
      [url]http://www.lymphomation.org/rituxan.htm[/url]

      [QUOTE]How long does it take normal b-cells to recover?
      Rituxan kills both normal and malignant b-cells that express CD20. Precursor cells from which new b-cells are generated do not express CD20 and are not affected. B-cell recovery begins at approximately six months following completion of treatment, and median B-cell levels return to normal by 12 months.[/QUOTE]

      They do not explain why that is. I suspect it has to do with the half-life of antibodies. After four weeks there still should be one half of the Rituxan antibodies in circulation killing B-cells. After four more weeks it would be one fourth etc.

      Bottom line, in my opinion it would be wise to watch out for infections for several months after treatment.

    • Anonymous
      November 30, 2007 at 11:08 am

      Norb,

      I posted a new post on the main forum about Rituxan. Look at if you can.

      Thanks for the info on the infections.
      Lori

    • Anonymous
      December 1, 2007 at 6:48 am

      Norb –
      Thanks for enlighten me\us on the half-life of Rituxan antibodies, it explains why I had my treatments exactly 28 days apart. (Four rounds, from January to April.)

    • Anonymous
      December 5, 2007 at 2:19 pm

      Norb, Allaug, Dell’s Mom, JohnC, kenspdn, and everyone else on this Forum…
      Thank you!! The knowledge which one can gain from reading the postings on this forum goes far beyond what most doctor’s, drug companies, insurance companies, etc. are willing to share. I have learned a lot in the short time since joining and am extremely appreciative.
      Unfortunately I don’t have much to add to the common knowledge right now, but am happy to report that I will get my first infusion this Friday at 8:30 am. WAHOO!!! Next three are one per week finishing up on Dec 27th.
      Coverage: my corporate health and dental care plan administrators (part of the corporate benefit package) have indicated that they do not cover drugs which are normally administered in a hospital! What a joke! My benefits administrator is appealing to them on the basis of this being a “drug of exception”. (knowing the cost, I doubt that she will have much success).
      Still no reply from the Ministry of Health. Bureaucracy at it’s best!
      At least it is deductible from income taxes (here in Canada where we are overtaxed to begin with) and the drug company has given a discount under their patient assistance program.
      Never mind…if it works…then it is worth every penny to me.
      I am off to rejoin the YMCA this afternoon so that I can get some cardiovascular exercise at the same time as the treatments. The physiatrist at TGH has also prescribed a balance clinic to help improve my balance. I feel that the three (Rituxan, YMCA and balance clinic) should provide a good combination toward recovery.
      I’m not going to sign up for the Boston Marathon yet (ha ha), but I’m really optimistic about the Rituxan, even more so after reading Norb’s posting about half-life and effectiveness.
      Andrew
      PS. New sensations in the last few weeks: pushed both gas and brake pedal at the same time in a rental car two weeks ago – no damage; dropping things a lot these days including my blood test request form that blew all over the parking lot before I could finally grab it; have now quit curling because it is getting a bit dangerous.

    • Anonymous
      December 5, 2007 at 3:29 pm

      Andrew,

      Please let us know how things go. I’m excited for you.

      Tomorrow we go to the neuro. for our regular 3 month appt. and to talk about the Rituxan. I have some questions written down. My husband will come to the appt. too, it’s too hard to explain things to him if he’s not there. He always asks the questions that I did not ask, lol.

      Lori

    • Anonymous
      December 6, 2007 at 12:20 pm

      Hi Lori
      When you get this, you will have probably already had your family appointment with the neuro. I hope it went well.
      One question you may have asked, and this also goes back to a post by Norb on page 9, is how many Rituxan treatment sessions one can take. Norb mentioned 4 infusions per month, every 6 months, for two years…so that is 4sessions total (16 infusions). I also saw something to that effect in the literature published by Rituxan on one of the links suggested by Norb.
      Does anyone know if there is a limit? Could one conceivably take it for the rest of one’s life? Otherwise, after the last session, I would think that the same old B-cells would start to build up again as usual resulting in the IgM concentration growth (and peripheral nerve damage again in some cases).
      Take care
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      December 6, 2007 at 2:40 pm

      As far as I know I will be taking it the rest of my life if I can afford it.

    • Anonymous
      December 6, 2007 at 5:16 pm

      [QUOTE=JohnC]As far as I know I will be taking it the rest of my life if I can afford it.[/QUOTE]

      Let’s hope it costs a LOT (as a function of the years you have to take it)!!
      Surely the cost will come down when a generic equivalent becomes available someday, or the patent runs out and there is more competition.

    • Anonymous
      December 6, 2007 at 5:53 pm

      [QUOTE=Andrew]Surely the cost will come down when a generic equivalent becomes available someday, or the patent runs out and there is more competition.[/QUOTE]

      I’m afraid that’s never going to happen. Rituxan is not a chemical that can be duplicated by other companies at lower cost. It’s an engineered antibody and the process to make it is very complicated.

      As far as taking it for life is concerned, there’s always the hope that the B-cell (cells) producing the auto antibody is a rogue one and we’ll be eliminated by the Rituxan for good. But regardless, it’s considerably cheaper than getting IVIG on a monthly basis and also makes it less likely to run out of good veins.

    • Anonymous
      December 6, 2007 at 6:03 pm

      [QUOTE=Allaug]Norb –
      Thanks for enlighten me\us on the half-life of Rituxan antibodies[/QUOTE]
      Allaug, I need to add one caveat. I don’t know if and to what extent our immune system tries to eliminate the Rituxan. After all it is half foreign. I’m not sure if it is possible for our antibodies to attach to other antibodies and mark them for destruction. If this was possible it would, of course, reduce the half-life I mentioned.

      It is known that our immune system produces millions and millions of B-cell’s each one with a different shape of antibody matching a different antigen including compounds that don’t even exist in nature. Rituxan is one such compound.

    • Anonymous
      December 6, 2007 at 8:33 pm

      Norb,

      You sound like you need to get your degree in B-Cell production or something like that, lol.

      Andrew,

      We had the appt today and we did talk about maintenance. He said he’s never had a child on a maintenance dose but I don’t know how long he’s been using the Rituxan.

      Some questions and comments we talked about:

      He has had a child younger than Dell (3-1/2 years old) on Rituxan.

      He had one child, I can’t remember the disease, it starts with an M, he said he is doing “remarkably well.”

      No one has had a bad side effect yet and no one has gotten real sick with cold, flu, etc.

      We talked about if we should go on it when the summer starts because of the other 2 children bringing stuff home to Dell. If summer was a couple of months away, it would be great but I don’t want to wait 6 months to start.

      We asked if any of his other CIDP patients (I know of 2 others with CIDP) has gotten on Rituxan. He said all of the others are doing good and don’t need the drug. He said Dell is doing good but not where he wants him.

      We asked a question that he did not know the answer and I appreciate that he tells us he doesn’t know. Since he’s on solumedrol each week and that is bringing his immune system down, should we come down from the steriods.

      Has anyone talked to their dr. about that? If Rituxan is destroying your B-Cells and your immune system could be in trouble if you get sick, should you start tapering off of the steriods before you start the Rituxan treatment?

      Something he said that was very interesting. He said not to let Dell play in the mud, garden, plant anything. He said cats could urinate and poop on the bushes and ground and that would not be good for Dell. So…….if any of you clean a litter box, you need to speak with your drs. about this.

      Thanks,
      Lori

    • Anonymous
      December 7, 2007 at 5:46 pm

      Back from my first infusion today. The nurse was super and there was one other patient in the room also getting a Rituxan infusion so we could compare notes and have a few good laughs.
      All went extremely well although I feel a bit zonked right now…tired and lethargic. I had a slight allergic reaction about 1/2 hour into the infusion and started sneezing with runny nose – but the nurse cut back the pace a bit and the allergy cleared up and the rest was fine. She monitored temperature and blood pressure regularly.
      Next infusion is Thursday. Watch out B-cells! The Rituxan mercenary is coming to do battle!!
      Have a good weekend
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      December 9, 2007 at 11:20 am

      [QUOTE=Dells mom]Something he said that was very interesting. He said not to let Dell play in the mud, garden, plant anything. He said cats could urinate and poop on the bushes and ground and that would not be good for Dell. [/QUOTE]
      that makes a lot of sense. These places are full of bacteria.

      Looks like my immune system is still able to handle viruses as I expected. I’m just getting over a cold with a runny nose. There was nothing unusual about it. It was rather mild and took about a week. I probably caught the virus during a family reunion in Michigan over Thanksgiving. There were three children under 10.

      I definitely would be concerned about being on steroids the same time he is receiving Rituxan. Ask your doctor about it.

    • Anonymous
      December 9, 2007 at 5:16 pm

      Andrew look at this Canadian website. I don’t understand the lingo but you might. It’s about Rituxan and one area talks about which province covers it or not.
      [url]http://www.lymphoma.ca/rituxan.htm[/url]
      ON Covered Rituxan is covered according to eligibility criteria by Cancer Care Ontario.
      [url]http://profiles.drugcoverage.ca/en/default.asp?DrugID=93[/url]

      Sue

    • Anonymous
      December 9, 2007 at 8:41 pm

      Norb,

      I’m amazed that you are handling the cold. That is good news.

      Dell’s neuro. does not know the answer to the question if he should get off the steriods. I think I will call the immuologist tomorrow and talk with him.

      Thanks, Lori

    • Anonymous
      December 10, 2007 at 12:22 pm

      I don’t think it’s that amazing, Lori. Like I said earlier, Rituxan does not interfere with our ability to fight viruses. It’s just the bacteria we have to watch out for.

      Some lymphoma patients are getting a combination treatment of Rituxan and chemo. I don’t know about CIDP. I also don’t know if the effects of steroids on the immune system are as severe as standard chemo like cyclophosmamide (cytoxin). And then there’s Dell’s age to be considered also.

      I wish I had an answer for you, Lori, but I’m no expert. What did the immunologist say?

    • Anonymous
      December 10, 2007 at 12:47 pm

      I was just about to call the immuologist. I guess if he doesn’t have an answer (if Dell should come off of Solumedrol before Rituxan is started), I will get the 2 doctors talking by email and let them hash it out. If I can’t get anything with the 2 of them, I guess I’ll email Dr. Parry.

      Thanks Norb,

      Lori

    • Anonymous
      December 10, 2007 at 1:10 pm

      [QUOTE=norb] He said not to let Dell play in the mud, garden, plant anything. He said cats could urinate and poop on the bushes and ground and that would not be good for Dell.
      These places are full of bacteria.
      .[/QUOTE]

      It could actually be worse than that…my nephew was playing rugby and skinned his leg when he fell. Within a few days flesh-eating bacteria had driven his temperature way up and without quick medication, he would have lost his leg or worse. As it was, they had to do surgery and close it with a skin graft. Bottom line is that there can be some dangerous bacteria in the soil.

    • Anonymous
      December 10, 2007 at 1:32 pm

      By the way, and thanks to excellent links provided by Sue, I discovered through progressive links the following about Rituxan…The chimeric anti-CD20 antibody is produced by mammalian cell [B](Chinese Hamster ovary) [/B]suspension culture in a nutrient medium containing the antibiotic gentamicin.

      [ATTACH]1101[/ATTACH]

      Aren’t they cute?? 😀
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      December 10, 2007 at 3:31 pm

      Andrew – very interesting stuff you found out concerning how they make Rituxan – no wonder it’s expencive when you take into consideration how much work it must have been to find out all the scientific knowledge behind it and then how expencive it must be to produce the medication itself. (Poor, sweet animals 🙁 ).

      The first treatment they gave me – when they had given me the CIDP diagnose – was steroids, (80mg a day for a month before tapering it down) which made me considerably worse. This was because, I found out later, my erratic B-cell(s) got better conditions to multiply when the T-cells in the immune system was knocked out by the steroid. So I take it, Lori, that Dell does not have MGUS (Monoclonal Gammopathy of Uncertain Significance).

      I do not catch more colds after the Rituxan treatment than I did before, but then again, I have not been especially prone to colds since my twenties.

    • Anonymous
      December 10, 2007 at 9:11 pm

      Hi Allaug
      I guess we have the same thing! So far they have not given any indication that I have CIDP or anything else. Only the IgM MGUS, which of course I discovered because of the peripheral neuropathy which is perfectly symmetric and is attacking both feet and hands (hands came after the feet). It is somewhat more sensory than axonal, but nevertheless, there is some weakness from the axonal damage too.
      I am interested in determining more about why they prescribed Rituxan treatments for you 28 days apart, whereas I will get the same as Norb got…one infusion every week for 4 weeks, then 6 months off before the next series. Were the 28days apart treatments for maintenance or were they the initial ones?
      My second infusion will be on Thursday. Call it the “four infusions of Christmas”, I guess
      Kind regards
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      December 11, 2007 at 12:50 pm

      Dell will also get one infusion per week for 4 weeks. The dr. said they could do it over 8 weeks but he’d rather try the 4 weeks.

      I spoke with the immunologist today. He is emailing our neuro. I asked if Dell needed to be off solumedrol before Rituxan. His thinking is this: Since Rituxan is given to lymphoma (spelling) ppl and they already have a compromised immune system because of the lymphoma, Dell would in general, be just like them since he’s on solumedrol and it’s bringing his immune system down.

      He did speak again that since Dell has been on solumedrol for so long, there could be a lingering infection that is “hidden” and when we kill the b-cells, the infection would go crazy.

      Our neuro. said he would do a chest x-ray to make sure there is no lung infection but I could see us, in the end, doing a CAT scan before the Rituxan. We’ll just have to wait and see what the drs. figure out.

      He also said it sounded good to him to wait until the cold and flu season was behind us to start, maybe around March. The neuro. stated Dell could not be sick before the Rituxan is started. Also, the immuologist agrees a ivig treatment needs to be given 1 weeks before the Rituxan.

      Andrew,

      Good luck with your treatment. Hope you have just as good of luck as with the first. Keep us posted.

      Lori

    • Anonymous
      December 11, 2007 at 4:12 pm

      In my posting on this thread 11-29-2007, I told you that I recently had an appointment with a hematologist at the National Hospital of Norway. Since then a lot of new and very interesting information has been posted on this thread and two others: “Nerve Regeneration Breakthrough” and “Scientists Discover Key Myelin Sheat Component”.

      As I told on November 29, the hematologist I saw said that there could be other properties of the B-cell than anti-MAG that attacked the myelin sheath. This made me think that maybe I lacked, or something concerning the B-cell destroyed this JAM-C molecule that holds the cells of the myelin sheath together. It’s a pity that the doctors at the Hospital are so busy that I have to wait for the appointment in the beginning of May 2008 to ask them.

      Another thought I have had after my last consultation has to do with the fact that the MGUS lymphoma stems from one – and only one – damaged B-cell. That’s why it’s called “Monoclonal” (one clone). Over the years the daughter cells of this one “Mother” keep multiplying while other normal B-cells die off after having completed their mission. Because of this my system was full of B-cells that created havoc in greater and greater number, and perhaps they also kept “intruders” at bay, but not in a normal way. Slowly but surely – and then faster and faster – they attacked my peripheral nerves with devastating results for me. But then RITUXAN\FLUDARABIN came and killed them all off (“Kill B-ill”;) ) and if I’m lucky there are no other flawed B-cells laying in ambush in my bone-marrow at any point in the future, and then there will be no relapse of my MGUS either. If this theory holds, I will not need to replenish the chemo’s unless a new flawed B-cell emerges and starts to clone itself once more, and this will be the case for MGUS in general, just like people with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma get cured by (bigger doses than we get) Rituxan, in many cases once and for all.

      Enough from me to-night: Bye-bye:)

    • Anonymous
      December 11, 2007 at 8:25 pm

      [QUOTE=Dells mom]
      Good luck with your treatment. Hope you have just as good of luck as with the first.
      Lori[/QUOTE]

      Thanks Lori
      I’ll let you know. I feel really good today…more energy than usual and I don’t know why. When I was running regularly, sometimes it meant that I was going to catch a cold a day or two later. I could never figure out why, except that it must have been some sort of immune reaction thing. Maybe I had MGUS already and the antibodies became otherwise occupied fighting the cold germs instead of attacking me? I really hope that it is the Rituxan that is making me feel better today. We’ll see I guess.

      Good luck with deciding on the solumedryl for Dell. I must confess to you that all of that is way over my head so I am unable to even make an educated comment. All I can do is wish him the best.

      Take care
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      December 12, 2007 at 12:41 pm

      Allaug, that’s a good explanation of what’s going on with the “B-ill” cells. This is my hope also that the rogue one is gone for good. However, at our age there is a good chance that some bad ones will come back after a while creating monoclonal antibodies. But as long as their receptors don’t match any of our own body molecules there won’t be any problem. Remember what Threads the immunologist posted last year:

      [QUOTE]As we get older, it is not that unusual for the odd B cell clone to misfire and fail to die when they reach the terminal IgM stage. They produce moderate amounts of IgM antibody that is low specificity, and as long as the antibody doesn’t stick to anything it is harmless. Apparently in some cases the antibody does react with a myelin component, hence causing the damage that you have unfortunately observed[/QUOTE]

      I also understand that this slow growing (indolent) lymphoma which I have, has a tendency to come back after a while. My guess is that this is the reason the oncologist wants to repeat the Rituxan treatment every six months.

    • Anonymous
      December 12, 2007 at 9:36 pm

      I have a question for Norb or Allaug or anyone who knows…since I developed the peripheral neuropathy, I notice that my feet are very dry and so are my fingers. I used to have a certain amount of moisture in my finger tips, but now, quite often if I drop something, it is as much due to dry fingers as it is to lack of feeling. And my feet are certainly much dryer. Is there an interrelationship between nerve cells and the moisture in feet and hands?
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      December 14, 2007 at 11:28 am

      Andrew, it’s difficult for me to say. I have not noticed anything unusual. On the other hand, the humidity on the front range here in Colorado is so low that most of my skin is pretty dry, especially in winter. I’ve never read anything about a connection between sweat glands and neuropathy.

    • Anonymous
      December 14, 2007 at 1:06 pm

      Well, I did find something on this subject, which makes me think that there is something to it…but not a lot. It’s not really that important…just an observation. I also notice a lot of tinitus these last couple of years, but maybe that is just another nasty side-effect of the aging process. Either that, or too much Led Zeppelin back in the 60’s!! Ha ha.

      [B]Manifestations of Peripheral Autonomic Insufficiency in Patients Suffering from Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Neuropathies [/B]

      Abstract We tried to characterize the frequency and significance of manifestations of peripheral autonomic insufficiency (PAI) in clinical cases of [B]acute inflammatory demyelinating neuropathies (AIDN). [/B]Forty patients with the above diagnosis (21 men and 19 women, 16 to 72 years old) were examined. To detect symptoms attributable to PAI, we used Birkmayer–Vein tables; these data were compared with the results of electroneuromyographic (ENMG) examinations. In 38 and 2 cases, clinical manifestations of AIDN corresponded to the Guillain–Barre and Miller–Fisher syndromes, respectively. According to ENMG data, changes in the peripheral nerves and neuromuscular junctions corresponded to axonopathy, myelinopathy, and a mixed damage (myelinoaxonopathy) in 18 (45%), 14 (35%), and 8 (20%) patients, respectively. The following disturbances in the sphere of autonomic control were observed: orthostatic hypotension, in 28 cases (70%); tachycardia in the resting state, in 24 cases (60%); hypertension in the reclining position, in 16 cases (40%); [B]hypohydrosis of the skin on the limbs, in 18 cases (45%); [/B]dyspepsia, in 8 cases (20%), and enuresis, in 3 cases (7.5%). Manifestations of PAI began to be observed in the earliest stage of the disease and were preserved within the period of recovery of the motor functions; they were more intensive in the cases of a severe clinical course of polyneuropathies. The severity of autonomic disorders strictly correlated with the level of axonal degeneration (characterized according to the ENMG data). The treatment used (i.v. injections of immunoglobulin, plasmapheresis, use of vasoactive and neurometabolic drugs) not only improved the state of the motor sphere but also decreased the intensity of PAI symptoms. Thus, in the cases of AIDN not only thick myelinated fibers of the peripheral nerves but also a significant proportion of thin fibers responsible for the control of automatic functions are subjected to damage. PAI is rather frequently observed in patients suffering from AIDN, and the level of its manifestation reflects the severity of the disease and intensity of damage to the peripheral nerves.

      Regards
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      December 14, 2007 at 1:15 pm

      Reporting back on the Rituxan treatments…I had the second treatment of four yesterday. The Rituxan was mixed as a double dilution so that they had to speed up the pump feed rate (and let me go to the bathroom in the middle). It took 7 hours, so absolutely no side effects. However, when I got home it was the same as last week. My feet felt swollen and I felt a bit groggy, and got a lousy sleep, reading most of the night. Now I’m waiting for the second or third day after infusion to see if I get the big energy boost same as after the first infusion. I guess everyone is different, but maybe it is nevertheless useful to post the experiences.
      Have a good weekend
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      December 14, 2007 at 3:17 pm

      Andrew,

      I would like for you to continue to post how you are feeling after a treatment. It helps to know, maybe Dell will feel the same way.

      After an ivig treatment, we carry on as usual but I know with the Rituxan, he’ll probably lay around a watch more tv. He loves it way too much but it’s my fault. When you’ve had a sick child, tv entertains them and keeps them quiet.

      Love, Lori

    • Anonymous
      December 14, 2007 at 5:46 pm

      Hi Lori
      That is very encouraging. Thank you. I felt a bit foolish writing that last post because it was all about me and my experience, whereas lots of others have had Rituxan. But knowing that it can be helpful to you and Dell, I’ll gladly report back on each of the treatments.
      I just went out and did some Xmas shopping and I’m feeling better now. Maybe to the Y tomorrow for some cardiovascular on the elliptic trainer.
      Also, nothing wrong with TV as long as it isn’t soap operas!!! Ha ha.
      I’m sure Dell has learned a lot from TV.
      Have a good weekend. We have a snowstorm coming on Sunday with a foot of snow expected. I’ll need to save some energy for shoveling on Sunday. For sure it will be a white Christmas here.
      Take care
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      December 14, 2007 at 6:08 pm

      Here is something that may be of interest to all you “anti-MAG IgM people”, namely Allaug and Andrew. It is from a book that unfortunately costs $200:[I][B] Immunological and Infectious Diseases of the Peripheral Nerves By Norman Latov et al[/B][/I]. it has interesting chapters on MGUS and antiMAG. I copied one of the paragraphs that was especially of interest. According to it B-cell capable of producing antiMAG antibodies are already present at birth. T cells could possibly play a role when a B-cell clone gets out of control. This would raise the question of a possible infection as the trigger.

      You can look at the pages at:

      [url]http://books.google.com/books?id=KUQcqhYBipUC&pg=PA178&lpg=PA178&dq=antimag+igm&source=web&ots=Yox3fETloa&sig=-m4L8z4u0sDmUycbA_j8-suUQfg[/url]

      [IMG]http://www.ourbluemarble.us/forum/antiMAG%20Pathology.jpg[/IMG]

    • Anonymous
      December 14, 2007 at 10:31 pm

      [QUOTE=norb]Here is something that may be of interest to all you “anti-MAG IgM people”, namely Allaug and Andrew. [/QUOTE]

      Hi Norb
      You struck gold!! That is really interesting stuff, but in many places “over my head”. I have to really study it tomorrow to get a better understanding.
      Thanks for finding it.
      Regards
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      December 15, 2007 at 3:22 pm

      New member ( been reading posts for couple of months now)- trying to absorb all of the info here- particularly related to Rituxan. I was diagnosed in July 2007 with CIDP and have been thru two rounds of IVIG ( 5 consecutive days each ) and 4 Plasma Exchanges in 2 week period with NO sign of improvement. Been on prednisone since July various dosages and started Imuran about 3 weeks ago. Neurologist noted last summer that I had elevated IGM level and said that may be why I was not responding too well. Feet numbness and pain gets worse by the week. – Anyways to RITUXAN- Late in October he tried to get me approved for Rituxan on recomendation of a consultion Neurologist,but my Ins. Co. Rejected- as noted in threads- they are looking for CANCER to be involved to use the Rituxan not approved for CIDP. After rejection Dr. said that he was thinking maybe we should wait to pursue Rituxan with the Ins. Co. as he felt it might be TOO agressive a treatment with TOO much risk and we should continue more conventional treatments for now- this is when I went on Imuran and he increased Prednisone dose.- At this point I THINK the ” risk ” would be well worth it. Becoming concerned that when I get better MAY not get back the feeling in feet! My take on most of posts is that if you can get the Rituxan – take it – am I reading this right? ( I see another specialist in Boston in early Jan.- and guess my Dr. will want to have his opinion before we make changes but I am beginning to feel that I MUST become more agressive in treatments to be taken ) – SORRY this post was sooooo long- i should have started posting sooner !

      Jim M
      Wilbraham, MA

    • Anonymous
      December 15, 2007 at 3:46 pm

      Welcome JimM!

      You said your neuro’ told you you had elevated IgM. That may be a sign that you have too many B-cells in your immune-system, which again might mean that you have MGUS (“Monoclonal Gammopathy of Uncertain Significance”). This is a (non-malignant) variety of lymphoma (cancer – don’t feak out, now – it’s really “good” news – of the lymphatic system), that your insurance may approve to cover the cost of Rituxan – that’s how Norb eventually got his insurance to pay for it. Ask your doctor on your next appointment to test you for this. It might involve a bone-marrow biopsy, but that is not as bad as it seems.

      [QUOTE]Feet numbness and pain gets worse by the week[/QUOTE] This is just what happened to me (++) when they gave me prednisone, because steroids takes out T-cells in the immunesystem, something that makes the B-cells proliferate even faster.

      Hope you can make heads or tails of this, Jim – feel free to ask if there is anything at all you need to know. We might be able to answer it between us, there is a lot of knowledge and experience behind the names here on the Forum.

      Good luck!

    • Anonymous
      December 15, 2007 at 3:54 pm

      Thanks
      So much info to try to soak in! – I was seen by Hemotologist after the elevated IGM level and he ruled out Cancer- When I saw references in threads about Norb and the lymphoma i misread, or assumed there was a Cancer involved- did not realize that the lymphoma could be non-malignant. Will definately check this out when I see my Dr. next week.
      Thanks again
      Jim M

    • Anonymous
      December 16, 2007 at 11:23 am

      Welcome JimM to the club. I am also fairly new here but the support and information provided by fellow forum members has been incredible. There are some really knowledgeable people here, like Allaug and Norb.
      I am taking Rituxan right now, and like you, could not get coverage for it – neither from the Ontario (Canada) health care system, nor from extended coverage with my employer. I’ve heard different excuses like “it is still experimental in the treatment of MGUS” and “coverage does not apply to any medication which must be given in a hospital (or clinic I guess)”. So I have been calling it the “4 infusions of Christmas” because it will have to be my Christmas present from the family this year!!
      I am still learning, but I understand that you need to be careful about some medications because if there is any misdiagnosis, the medications could be more detrimental than helpful. If I understand it correctly, IVIG can target T-cells, which otherwise have been postulated to have a controlling effect on the B-cells. Therefore, suppression of the T-cells will allow B-cells to flourish resulting in increased IgM levels and further neuropathy. I hope I have that correct.
      I am hearing lots of good things about Rituxan, also used for Rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases. So my fingers are crossed. Allaug and I seem to have the same thing – IgM MGUS (PDN).
      Keep posting because, like I said, there is a wealth of knowledge here in this forum.
      Gotta go back out and shovel again. We’re in the middle of a snow storm!
      Andrew

      PS. Was at a family Xmas party last night and heard that there is a possible link between non-Hodgkins lymphoma, MM, WG, MGUS, etc and a monkey virus SV40 that was accidentally introduced in polio vaccines from about 1955to 1963. That would correspond with the timing that I received my polio vaccine. I checked this morning and I’m not growing a tail or anything, but this could be one possible source of the growing incidence of NHL.

    • Anonymous
      December 16, 2007 at 2:48 pm

      As someone with the IgA variant of PDN/MGUS neuropathy all this is shooting over my head!
      I do not have a clue about the B cell involvement in mine.
      As an aside, when I was in our local hospital for a week at the end of October, a junior doctor who had looked at my notes apparently checked out PDN on the net and in textbooks and came up with a figure of 1:6million. So she told a charge nurse. What he did not know was whether she meant incidence or prevalence.
      I was in hospital having become worn out by pain and another problem. The pain, solely in my feet, is more than neuropathic pain though. Seems akin to the problems of arthritic/rheumatoid sufferers. I reckon that over the 14+ years of the neuropathy the working parts of my feet have become worn.

      So Norb and Allaug if your B cell and T cell research throws light on the other than your anti-MAG IgM PDNs then I will be interested.

    • Anonymous
      December 16, 2007 at 5:02 pm

      Ken
      In the book that Norb mentioned “Immunological and Infectious Diseases of the Peripheral Nerves” by Latov, Wokke and Kelly, there is a section titled “Polyneuropathies associated with myeloma, POEMS, and non-malignant IgG and IgA monoclonal gammopathies” page 225. I tried to look at the book review but those pages are blanked out. Maybe if someone has a copy they can advise you on the content of that section.
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      December 17, 2007 at 6:54 pm

      Ken, the section on IgA/IgG MGUS is very small. I’ve found a way to get to it.

      [IMG]http://www.ourbluemarble.us/forum/MGUS.jpg[/IMG]

    • Anonymous
      December 20, 2007 at 1:21 pm

      [QUOTE=Andrew]You mention also that you are now diagnosed with CIDP. I am confused about the CIDP relationship because I was thinking that MGUS was a form of CIDP[/QUOTE]
      it is a bit confusing. Some scientists consider MGUS and anti-MAG neuropathy a variant of CIDP, others prefer to treat everything as a separate category. Some even came up with a new name for the same thing: PDN (paraproteinaemic demyelinating neuropathy). My neurologist’s comment was that there are some who want to have their own niche. She didn’t. So she simply diagnosed me with “[B][U]CIDP [/U][/B]with anti-MAG IgM, possibly MGUS” . No matter what they call it, all these variants are [U]chronic[/U], [U]inflammatory[/U], [U]demyelinating [/U]and are a [U]polyneuropathy[/U], which is what CIDP stands for.

    • Anonymous
      December 20, 2007 at 5:38 pm

      It’s been six weeks now since I’ve completed my last Rituxan treatment. I have not noticed any change yet except the numbness in my tongue seems to be less concentrated in one place, more diffuse, not as severe. But I don’t expect any improvement for quite some time. Even if the Rituxan successfully eliminated the aberrant B-cell producing damaging antibodies, there still could be anywhere between 20 and 40% of the original anti-MAG antibodies in circulation attacking the myelin. We just have to be patient.

      Considering different people may react differently, here are excerpts from two case studies with opposite outcomes. The first one a 72 year old man:

      [QUOTE]Treated with rituximab (375 mg/m2 for 4 weeks), the patient presented at follow-up (3, 6, 8 and 11 months later) a progressive improvement, more evident starting from 6 months after therapy. Eventually, he was able to walk unassisted for a short distance. He regained full functionality at upper limbs and was able to perform his daily activities (shaving, washing, eating) independently. The IgM/k protein significantly decreased (total IgM 1.3 g/l). Electrophysiological studies improved, but only 8 months after therapy mild signs of reinnervation appeared. At month 13, the haematological parameters persisted stable, with no need of maintenance therapy. The dramatic improvement after rituximab administration seems to support a role of B cells in the pathogenesis of CIDP, at least in cases associated with IgM lymphoproliferative diseases, regardless of the presence of antibodies to peripheral nerve antigens. Source: “Rituximab-Responsive CIDP”. C. Briania et al, Departments of Neurosciences and Clinical Immunology, University of Padova, Padua; Italy, 9 February 2004) [/QUOTE]

      And here excerpts of the other case, a 73 year old woman:

      [QUOTE]Rituximab was started in a dosage of 375 mg/m2 once weekly for 4 weeks. At the end of the treatment, anti-MAG antibodies titer was unchanged, whereas … IgM titer… decreased. At 1-month follow-up, clinical picture and disability had markedly worsened. The patient became wheelchair-bound because of ataxia, strength of distal muscles in the limbs worsened… Clinical picture was unchanged at 6- and 9-month follow-up…
      Despite complete inhibition of CD20+ cells and decrease in IgM level, anti-MAG titer remained unchanged. This might imply that pathogenic antibodies were produced either by CD20+ cells at maturative stages (plasma cells – Norb) when rituximab is ineffective or by different B-cell subpopulations. As rituximab may induce a worsening of the clinical picture in some patients, further studies addressing the features of potential responders are warranted before larger clinical trials in anti-MAG. Source: Broglia et al. “Worsening after Rituximab in antiMAG Neuropathy”. Muscle & Nerve, Volume 32, Issue 3, Pages 378-379 [/QUOTE]

    • Anonymous
      December 20, 2007 at 6:20 pm

      Norb,

      I’d say that’s good news about your tongue. You know your own body.

      I hope you and your family have a great Christmas. It’s 59 degrees here, at 5:00 p.m. but should be cold weather for Christmas. I don’t like having a warm Christmas.

      Lori

    • Anonymous
      December 21, 2007 at 2:57 pm

      Norb
      Brilliant! Finally someone has cleared up this confusion I had of MGUS vs CIDP and a lot of other names. I even feel like more of a member to the CIDP club now that I know that I have it too!

      Also, thanks for the two case studies on effectiveness of Rituxan.

      I had my third infusion of Christmas yesterday and all went well in the clinic. It was a carbon copy of the other two, after I left the clinic. I felt very sluggish and wacked out. So I went to bed early and slept well for about two hours. Then tossed and turned for the next 4 hours and finally got up at 4:45 am. I don’t know why it does that to me. I even took a Gravol in the middle of the night but it had no effect. My feet felt very heavy and I had the stocking and glove syndrome, but I believe that is just a bit of an allergic reaction which customarily goes away the next day (or subsides to its normal level I should say).

      Have a good weekend and not too much dancing. You might step on someone’s toes and not even know it!! (Joking)
      Merry Christmas all
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      December 21, 2007 at 5:36 pm

      To be accurate, MGUS can be an exception. One may have MGUS without obvious symptoms, usually discovered through a blood test. In that case a “sick” plasma cell won’t quit producing identical antibodies that are harmless. In our case MGUS results in antiMAG IgM antibodies doing the damage we experience. Only then can it be considered a CIDP variant. This is my understanding of it.

      MGUS can be a [U]symptom[/U] of or be [U]related to [/U]underlying diseases including lymphoma and myeloma. It says in the literature that it may [U]develop[/U] into these but I think my way of describing the relationship is more accurate. Lymphoma and myeloma in their advanced stages show more serious symptoms including repeated coughs; colds and other infections; unexplained bruising or bleeding; swollen lymph glands; pain; night sweats; and weight loss. Fortunately, The B-cell lymphoma I have apparently got caught at a very early stage.

      Andrew, your reaction to the Rituxan isn’t that unusual. After all, it is a foreign protein your immune system obviously is trying to fight. I don’t have a clue why I didn’t react as strongly as you did. Maybe your immune system is more vigilant than mine.

    • Anonymous
      December 21, 2007 at 5:45 pm

      To be accurate, MGUS can be an exception. One may have MGUS without obvious symptoms, usually discovered through a blood test. In that case a “sick” plasma cell won’t quit producing identical antibodies that are harmless. In our case MGUS results in antiMAG IgM antibodies doing the damage we experience. Only then can it be considered a CIDP variant. This is my understanding of it.

      MGUS can be a [U]symptom[/U] of or be [U]related[/U] to underlying diseases including lymphoma and myeloma. It says in the literature that it may [U]develop [/U]into these but I think my way of describing the relationship is more accurate. Lymphoma and myeloma in their advanced stages show more serious symptoms including repeated coughs; colds and other infections; unexplained bruising or bleeding; swollen lymph glands; pain; night sweats; and weight loss. Fortunately, The B-cell lymphoma I have apparently got caught at a very early stage.

      [B]Andrew[/B], your reaction to the Rituxan isn’t that unusual. After all, it is a foreign protein your immune system obviously is trying to fight. I don’t have a clue why I didn’t react as strongly as you did. Maybe your immune system is more vigilant than mine. 😮

      Happy holidays, better get some leather gloves that aren’t quite that tight. I looked at the CIDP store in NeverNeverLand but they were all out. Have to put up with them a while longer until the Rituxan finally kicks in.

    • Anonymous
      December 22, 2007 at 4:35 pm

      [QUOTE=norb] I don’t have a clue why I didn’t react as strongly as you did. Maybe your immune system is more vigilant than mine. 😮 [/QUOTE]

      Hi Norb
      I figured out the insomnia thing. I was looking up the description of Solumedrol, which they pump into me for a half hour before the Rituxan. It says:

      [FONT=”Century Gothic”][B]Possible Side Effects[/B]
      Side effects that may go away as your body adjusts to the medication and do not require medical attention unless they continue or are bothersome: increased appetite; indigestion; [B]nervousness or restlessness; trouble sleeping; headache[/B]; increased sweating; [B]unusual increase in hair growth on body or face.[/B][/FONT]

      I better go shave again too. The werewolf is back. Hey, maybe my bald head will get some needed new growth. Positive side effects!
      Cheers

    • Anonymous
      December 29, 2007 at 7:33 am

      Update on treatments: I had the fourth infusion on Thursday and everything went well. I had the usual side effects of sleeplessness but evidently due to the Solumedrol and not the Rituxan.
      Now comes the waiting period to see if it will work.
      I found a slide show on the internet titled “An update on the diagnosis and treatment of dysimmune polyneuropathies” which mentions Rituxan treatment and results at: [COLOR=”Blue”]http://www.institut-myologie.org/e_upload/ppt/LEGER-05-r-a.pps#315,1,An update on the diagnosis and treatment of dysimmune polyneuropathies[/COLOR]
      Maybe you have already seen this before, but it does also mention the time factor for reduction of B-Lymphoctytes in slide 58 as “from first month up to 6 – 9 months”.
      Norb, your news about an improvement in the numbness in your tongue is encouraging. I’ll report back if and when I see any changes to my feet or hands.
      Have a happy, safe and HEALTHY New Year
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      January 2, 2008 at 10:18 pm

      From postings by Norb and Andrew appears that there are [U]no significant [/U]side effects from the Rituxan treatment ( Are you keeping anything from us?:) ). My neurologist has been hesistant as he feels it may be TOO aggressive at this point. Got to admit when he referred to it as a ” Chemo ” drug it did scare me- but I am getting desperate. Good to hear no hair falling out or constant nausea. He has me scheduled to see a Dr Gorson ( CIDP expert in this MA ) in Boston next week and agreed that if Gorson recommended and we could get Ins. Co. approval we would go ahead with Rituxan. I hope I am still walking by then! It seems to me that Rituxan is becoming pretty widely accepted in CIDP world- as noted in these forums and on other Web Sites. Do our Doctors and Insurance Companies ever come here- I am new to forums but it seems many of you have more information than our doctors!
      Jim

    • Anonymous
      January 3, 2008 at 7:06 am

      Hi Jim!

      I’ll like to corroborate what Norb and Andrew have said about side-effects of Rituxan treatment. The main reason why the side-effects are so insignificant when it comes to treat “our” disease is that the dosages are so small compared to the amount given for malignant lymphomas. Don’t let the word “chemo” scare you, it’s just like other medicines – the higher the dosage the more likely unpleasant side-effects occur. But of course the chance of getting noticabe side-effects varies from person to person!

    • Anonymous
      January 3, 2008 at 11:56 am

      [B]Jim[/B], don’t worry. We are not hiding anything. I don’t understand why doctors insist on calling it chemo. Chemo is a [U]chemical[/U] compound attacking cancer cells [U]anywhere[/U] in the body. Rituxan is a [U]biological [/U]agent only affecting B-cells [U]within[/U] the immune system and nothing else.

      Now two months later it doesn’t seem like there has been any treatment at all. As a matter of fact, it appears as if my symptoms continue to get worse. The numbness in my tongue did change some time ago but it is still there. As time goes on it is becoming ever more difficult to maintain a hopeful attitude. I have to keep reminding myself of the case studies where recovery takes a very long time.

      [B]Andrew[/B], thanks so much for posting the link to the PowerPoint presentation. Interesting statistics not that I was able to retain much of it. What did stand out was that only four out of seven patients on Rituxan showed improvements, not exactly encouraging. Interesting was the breakdown of CIDP patients by gender, always more men than women, most extreme in Norway and Italy with three times more men than women. [B]Allaug[/B], it’s clear you are an exceptional person 😀

      Wishing all of you the best for the new year.

    • Anonymous
      January 3, 2008 at 12:37 pm

      Norb
      Thank you for posting including the update on your status. I have to say that my symptoms have got worse too in the last few weeks but it is only 4 weeks now since my first infusion. I have therefore been thinking so far that it is too early and that the full quantity (fourth infusion) of Rituxan has only been in my system for a week now. I sure hope that your symptoms stabilize and start to improve soon, Norb. All of the underlying theory suggests that the elimination of the Beta Lymphocytes will stop production of the IgM. I wonder if the time lag is not only due to the slow elimination of B cells, but also if there is a time lag while some of the IgM has already bound to the MAG protein in our nerve myelin, but not yet actually killed it. That, together with the IgM still running around in the blood stream, plus new IgM being produced by B cells not yet targeted by the Rituxan would perhaps explain the continued deterioration for a while until the overall balance switches in favour of normal B cell functionality. Maybe even after our blood results show low levels of IgM, there will still be some lag. Who knows.
      This is some roller coaster ride, Norb, but we gotta stay positive. I am clinging to the results of those 4 out of 7 as my hope for the future. If they told me I need to spend another $16,000 tomorrow for 4 more infusions starting next week, I’d pay!!
      We can beat it!!
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      January 3, 2008 at 2:22 pm

      [QUOTE=Andrew]. I wonder if the time lag is not only due to the slow elimination of B cells, but also if there is a time lag while some of the IgM has already bound to the MAG protein in our nerve myelin, but not yet actually killed it. [/QUOTE]
      That makes a lot of sense. The anti-MAG antibodies are not the ones doing the damage. They simply mark the spot for the complement system to come in and finish the job. When activated, the complement system, a group of enzymes, releases cytokines. Cytokines are molecules involved in inflammation causing phagocytes to destroy the myelin. Here is a graph showing part of the process as it applies to CIDP. In our case there is an additional level that might increase the delay. Myelin is not attacked directly as shown here but MAG which in turn results in myelin damage.

      Thanks for the words of encouragement. I needed that,

      [IMG]http://www.ourbluemarble.us/forum/antibodies.jpg[/IMG]

    • Anonymous
      January 4, 2008 at 3:01 pm

      Norb, what you explain in the previous posting about the IgM having only marked what the phagocytes come to destroy if you get an inflammation, makes me recall something that happened during Christmas 2000, before I had had any medical attention at all concerning my pain and fatigue. I got a stomach-bug, and even if it didn’t last long, I had the most horrible pain all over my body, almost like I had been set on fire. I remember I had to let myself fall down on the living-room floor, because the pain – and nausea -were excruciating. As soon as I got the bug out of my system, the fire was extinguished too and my pain-level returned to normal.

      Andrew, I too had a look at the powerpoint presentation you gave the address to. I guess it originally was accompanied by a lecture, because it was very hard to get any information out of most of the pictures alone. I would especially have liked to get some additional information on the figures in the table where Norway is mentioned. Does it say that Norway only has 155464 inhabitants, or what?
      And Norb – of course I’m exceptional – I have a disease much more rare than CIDP even:rolleyes: !

    • Anonymous
      January 4, 2008 at 3:03 pm

      Norb, you wrote: “Interesting was the breakdown of CIDP patients by gender, always more men than women, most extreme in Norway and Italy with three times more men than women. Allaug, it’s clear you are an exceptional person.”

      Well Norb I think that we have known that for some time?

      I feel out of place on this thread though being one of these rare ones with IgA PDN. The literature usually says that there are too few cases – about 10% of all PDNs – for anything conclusive to be written! I could tell them that some of us get a lot of pain however. 😡

    • Anonymous
      January 7, 2008 at 7:11 pm

      Although there has not been any change in my symptoms since I last posted, this may, however, be a good sign. Today, at the oncology’s office I received copies of my last blood tests. It appears that the M antibodies have decreased significantly during the first three weeks of receiving Rituxan. Of course, I have no idea if this also includes the bad ones.

      Here are the numbers:

      September 9: 525
      November 5:473

      This is a 10% reduction. Normal range is 60-300 MG/DL.

      Some of this may be the IVIG getting flushed out of my system. IgG was reduced by 50% during the same time period. Antibodies in serum consists of about 80% IgG and around 8% IgM.

      I don’t know how to interpret all these numbers but I just hope that it is something positive. I had blood drawn again today and should get the results in about a week. I hope that the IgM will be down even more.

    • Anonymous
      January 8, 2008 at 8:56 pm

      Hello to everyone,

      Norb, that is great about your bloodwork.

      I just emailed the dr. that we are going ahead with the Rituxan in March. We want the cold/flu season as much out of the way as possible.

      Dell has 99.5 elevated temp tonight and had the same 13 days ago. I’m sure it’s his disease kicking in.

      The immunologist told me on the phone yesterday that he emailed the neuro. and they both decided he did not have to go off the solumedrol before the Rituxan.

      Please let me know if there is anything else we need to know before we dive into Rituxan with our 3 year old. I wish he could decide what medications he got, I hate making this decision but I guess that’s why God made me his mom.

      Love to all,
      Lori

    • Anonymous
      January 9, 2008 at 4:00 pm

      [QUOTE=norb]Here are the numbers:

      September 9: 525
      November 5:473

      This is a 10% reduction. Normal range is 60-300 MG/DL.

      [/QUOTE]

      Hi Norb
      congrats on the improvements. Sounds like you are making progress and I’m happy for you.
      I am at the stage you were at a few weeks ago. Seems like it is getting worse instead of better (symptomwise). I am in France right now and had to walk home from the subway tonight and I felt like Lurch on TV. My feet were clumsy and numb and people were passing me on both sides as I struggled along trying to go as fast as I could. But each step made a big clunking noise and if I had paint on the soles of my shoes, it sure would not have been a straight line.
      I am a bit concerned after reading your numbers above. My test results from earlier in May showed 3.11 and 3.73 g/L (equiv to 311 and 373 MG/DL). These numbers are not really far out of the normal range so I really question how they came up with the IgM MGUS determination. The only thing which is clear is that they found anti-MAG IgM in the subsequent testing. I guess the best thing to do is to find out the results of my blood test from last week to see what the levels of IgM are.
      It sure is easy to have second doubts about things in this game.
      Au revoir from Lyon
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      January 9, 2008 at 5:53 pm

      My initial level of IgM pre Rituxan was 4.0 g\L.

      Then I had 4 infusions of Rituxan (accompanied by 700mg of Fludarabin orally for five days each time) 28 days apart. I don’t think they did any blood-work during the treatment period – at least I don’t know of any.

      When I went back to check my condition four months later, my IgM level had gone down to 1.3, and I have had my blood sampled every six months after that (since September 2005), and it has been between 1.1 and 1.4 on all occations.

      Hang in there guys – don’t give up hope after such “short” time.

      Best wishes and fingers crossed (I can do that now:D ) for you both!

    • Anonymous
      January 10, 2008 at 12:02 pm

      [QUOTE=Allaug]When I went back to check my condition four months later, my IgM level had gone down to 1.3, and I have had my blood sampled every six months after that (since September 2005), and it has been between 1.1 and 1.4 on all occations.

      Hang in there guys – don’t give up hope after such “short” time.

      Best wishes and fingers crossed (I can do that now:D ) for you both![/QUOTE]

      THANK YOU Allaug for your post. That is certainly encouraging. That is one of the super things about this forum…to hear the success stories of others and to regain hope.

      We’ll beat this thing!

      Thanks again Allaug.
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      January 10, 2008 at 1:03 pm

      Hello:

      I have some questions that maybe Norb or Allaug can help with. As background, I was diagnosed with CIDP in 2004, with slowly developing motor and sensory impairment. My diagnosis was adjusted to CIDP Lewis Sumner variant in 2005 due to the asymmetric nature of disability. I have received IVIG on a weekly or bi-weekly basis since 2004, which slows progression, as progression demonstrably speeds up on the occasions treatment was interrupted. In late 2005 I was switched to high dose IV Solumedrol, which triggered a massive exacerbation that left me severely disabled for 8 months, I was returned to IVIG in Mar. 06 and I am still quite disabled but measurably better than before.

      My immunoglobulin levels were measured twice. In Aug. ’04 my IGM level was 244. In Sept ’05 my IGM level was 400.

      On both occasions an electrophoresis detected no paraprotein or monoclones. I had a second lumbar puncture with isoelectric focusing of the CSF and serum in Mar. 06 which revealed Oligoclonal bands in the CSF, but none in serum. I also had a bone marrow biopsy in Mar. 05 that was reported to me as normal.

      As is with Norb, Andrew and Allaug, my pure IGM count is high, and was acknowledged as such by a specialist in his written consultation report – however, no mention of MGUS has ever been noted to me verbally or in any medical record by anyone.

      I wonder if IVIG therapy raised my IGM count, thus its coincidental to the treatment?

      What do you make of this? I also find it odd that Solumedrol was so devastating, and that IVIG is really only modestly effective – which seems to have parallels to Norb and Allaug’s experience?. Is MGUS something other than just an elevated IGM count?

      I have been seen by very top specialists at UCLA, Mayo Clinic and UCI. Th elevated IGM count was discovered and noted by UCI and seen by Mayo doctor, I’m assuming, with as I’ve said NO MENTION OF MGUS or its possible relation to the CIDP.

      My main issue is that I am pondering suggesting moving to more powerful treatments beyond IVIG to try to really knock this disease down, and I believe there are clues in my story that might lead to the correct choices, if a doctor can just put the pieces together. I’m 45 years old.

      Your thoughts?

    • Anonymous
      January 10, 2008 at 3:30 pm

      Billt – I have a few ansvers for you.

      IgM is produced by B-cells in your immune system. You don’t get too high IgM level if there is not too many B-cells. Only too many B-cells cause MGUS. That is one B-cell that keep dividing – therefore Monoclonal i.e many cells made by one, all are the same cell, as in cancer, only this is in the first stage not malignant, but they can turn dangerous, so you’ll have to check that every 6 months or so. Normal B-cells dies after a short while after having produced a small amount of IgM. It puzzles me that they didn’t find any monoclones, but then again I surely don’t know everything!!

      The level of IgM that you mentioned (400) is the same as I had pre treatment, only put in a different ratio – put a comma before the zeroes.

      Solumedrol is a steroid, and the same thing happened to me when I was treated with high doses (100 mg a day) of Prednisolon – also a steroid. I got ten times worse! That’s because the steroids kill the T-cells of the immune system, and some of them keeps the B-cells in check, so when the T-cells are more or less gone, the B-cells divide even more rapidly.

      There is mostly IgG in IvIG, so it doesn’t directly increase the IgM, and they really don’t know how IvIG works, but if it takes out the T-cells, it can indirectly affect the IgM level. My first IvIG made me better, the next two made me worse.

      This is what I am able to contribute at the moment.

      Just ask more questions if you want, perhaps I know more that might interest you.

      Good luck!

    • Anonymous
      January 11, 2008 at 4:29 pm

      Thank you for your note Allaug. As I understand now on further research, one can have an elevated IGM count as a result of an infection of some sort, but I know at the time that my count was taken I had no such infections. However, this does point to the fact that one could have increased IGM levels without monocloned antibodies, in other words a polyclonal increase in IGM.

      I think I am going to remind my doctor of this elevated level of IGM (400) from Sept. 05, and ask to have another quantitative immunoglobulin test run. If its still high, or even higher, maybe another electrophoresis to again look for monoclones.

      I have read in the medical literature of instances where it took several investigations to uncover monoclonal proteins. My diligence on this is that I believe it might radically alter my current treatment path towards rituxan or stronger chemotherapy drugs, to force a remission.

    • Anonymous
      January 11, 2008 at 5:18 pm

      Billt, I’ll try to add to what Allaug already explained. I still don’t understand it all and I will fill in the blanks with assumptions that make sense to me. There is a huge number of B cells in circulation at all times, each one with a different receptor that can be compared to a lock, each one fitting a different intruder, a different key. Once one or several of them actually encounter an intruder, they get activated and start producing antibodies with lock combinations that fit the keys on the intruder. Apparently, there are always some activated B cells, called plasma cells, producing antibodies. Usually, they die after four to five days. The antibodies in circulation at any given time come from many different B cells, they are polyclonal. A high count of IgM as we experienced does not indicate whether they are all polyclonal or include monoclonal ones coming from one single parent cell. A SPEP (serum protein electrophoresis) test separates the antibodies by type (IgG, IgM etc) and different receptors (locks). A more or less straight line on the graph would indicate that all antibodies are polyclonal. A spike (M spike) indicates monoclonal antibodies also called paraproteins. Here is an illustration:

      [IMG]http://myeloma.org/images/content/spike.gif[/IMG]

      if the spike is pronounced like here, it could indicate a more serious condition like myeloma, lymphoma etc. if it is very small and other conditions can be excluded, it would be considered MGUS. There still could be the possibility of an underlying condition and a bone marrow biopsy could provide more information. In my case it showed a slow-growing lymphoma. The Rituxan I am receiving will hopefully take care of it and also the resulting neuropathy.

      Usually the MGUS antibodies are harmless because their receptors don’t fit anything. Unfortunately, in our case they are M antibodies fitting the MAG component of myelin. There is a special blood test which shows the existence of antiMAG IgM.

      Sorry about the long story. I hope I did not confuse things too much or was being redundant.

    • Anonymous
      January 11, 2008 at 6:01 pm

      Here is a table with the results of my blood tests:

      [IMG]http://www.ourbluemarble.us/forum/blood_tests.jpg[/IMG]

      I’m still waiting for an explanation of the unit of measure from the last lab that did the anti-MAG test.

    • Anonymous
      January 11, 2008 at 6:39 pm

      I forgot to say in my last post that my MGUS was first established after at least three bone-marrow biopsies, and only after a proffessor of hematology had worked on the last biopsy. He was the one who suggested that Rituxan should be tried – together with Fludarabin. He made it clear to me that he had been much more successful in beating diseases caused by monoclonal B-cells when he combined the two medicines.

    • Anonymous
      January 12, 2008 at 7:37 am

      [QUOTE=Allaug]I forgot to say in my last post that my MGUS was first established after at least three bone-marrow biopsies, and only after a proffessor of hematology had worked on the last biopsy. He was the one who suggested that Rituxan should be tried – together with Fludarabin. He made it clear to me that he had been much more successful in beating diseases caused by monoclonal B-cells when he combined the two medicines.[/QUOTE]
      Hi Allaug
      I did some research and found a paper at [COLOR=”Blue”]http://bloodjournal.hematologylibrary.org/cgi/reprint/bloodjournal;98/1/41?hits=10&FIRSTINDEX=10&SEARCHID=1&gca=bloodjournal%3B98%2F1%2F41& [/COLOR]which mentions the use of Fludarabin for treatment of WM where there is marrow involvement in the elevated levels of IgM . Maybe that is why, after the three bone marrow biopsies your doctor suggested use of Fludarabin in combination with the Rituxan.
      I never had a bone marrow biopsy and am now wondering whether I should ask my doctor for one to determine whether either they should include Fludarabin in my treatment or whether, as in Norb’s case, it is actually NHL along with the MGUS. My next appointment is in late February, so I guess I’ll wait until then to ask.

      [QUOTE=Norb]Here is a table with the results of my blood tests.[/QUOTE]
      Norb…in your table, you say 4 x 80 mg of Rituxan. I am trying to determine what my dose was and the pharmacy receipt says 80 ML Rituxan vial 10 mg/ml per dose. Would that not be 800 mg? I tried to go back to the Rituxan literature, but it says recommended 375 mg/sq m (I assume body surface area) and it would take a long time with a tape measure and calculator to figure out my body surface area (just joking…they use some conversion based on weight)!
      Also, in seeing the Nov-07 antiMAG IgM figure of 15.24, I wonder if that is not just a different unit equivalent to 152400 for comparison with the Sept 05 measurement of 130000?

      Have a good weekend.
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      January 12, 2008 at 6:43 pm

      Andrew, the oncologist ordered a bone marrow biopsy based on the results of an immunofixation: “small monoclonal IgM lambda within a polyclonal increase in immunoglobulins.” Apparently, that was sufficient for him to do the biopsy and order Rituxan. It wasn’t based on the elevated IgM. What do you hope to gain from a biopsy?

      Now I am confused about the 80 mg. I remember being surprised about the small amount. They mixed it right in the office so I don’t have anything in writing. I will ask them again when I go back next time.

      About the anti-MAG test: it says [U]Index[/U] 15.24 which doesn’t tell me anything. I’m still waiting for an answer from the lab. But regardless, this weeks reading will be important. If it is down it would indicate that the Rituxan is working.

      I hope you are having a good stay overseas even if you can’t always walk a straight line 😮 . I’d love to go back to France some day, lots of good memories, love the language and culture. My first marriage was in the Ste Madeleine Cathedral – long time ago.

    • Anonymous
      January 13, 2008 at 12:03 pm

      Andrew, you were correct. It was 800mg each week. I looked up e-mail correspondence with a friend in Switzerland who received Rituxan just one day after I did. We are keeping each other up-to-date. Just like me he has not seen any improvements so far.

      Thanks for catching my mistake.

    • Anonymous
      January 13, 2008 at 12:12 pm

      [QUOTE=Dells mom]we are going ahead with the Rituxan in March. We want the cold/flu season as much out of the way as possible.[/QUOTE]

      Lori, this is a very good idea. When I reported I came down with a cold and got over it pretty quickly, I celebrated too soon. It came back twice since then more a nuisance than serious. I also had cold sores twice something I have not had in years. Now I am having second thoughts about what I thought I knew about B-cells and virus infections.

      Take care.

    • Anonymous
      January 13, 2008 at 12:22 pm

      No worries Norb
      I liked your table and was constructing one for myself, but I got stuck on that part.
      Re bone marrow biopsy, you are probably right. No sense going through that procedure if its not useful or necessary. I guess the most important indicator will be the IgM levels and B cell levels when I next see the doctor.

      I googled the Church of Ste. Madeleine and found the Basilica in Vézelay, France. Is that the one you meant? If so, it sure sounds quite impressive.

      I’m back in Toronto now, amazed to see all the snow I shoveled is gone and the grass is green. Somehow I doubt that old-man-winter is totally gone yet.

      Bon weekend
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      January 13, 2008 at 1:06 pm

      [QUOTE=norb]Lori, this is a very good idea. [/QUOTE]

      Lori
      I agree with Norb too. Last year in November 2006 I came down with the worst cold I have ever had. To make it worse, I was traveling at the time. I now chalk the severity of that cold up to my whole immune system being out of whack as the B cells were making all the extra IgM. Actually, because of that cold and a subsequent flu shot, the doctors initially thought I had GBS, but after reviewing the history of the neuropathy, it was clear that it had begun prior to the cold or the flu shot.
      I have often wondered about the symptoms I was going through for the last couple of years prior to Rituxan. I seemed to get a lot of cankers which were actually cold germs that first manifested themselves in my mouth, before going to the throat and on down into the lungs as a cough. I told the doctors about this sort of first-line-of-defence and they said it was normal as a immune type reaction. But in years gone by, colds always seemed to start in my throat (sore throat) and not in my mouth. For some reason, maybe Rituxan, I haven’t had that problem lately.
      While traveling last week there were people coughing all around me on the plane and I even wore a mask on one flight, but so far (touch wood) I have not come down with a cold yet. Maybe my immune system is getting back into balance.
      On another note, one thing I noticed in the last couple of years too is tinitus. I asked the doctor about this but he said it didn’t ring a bell with him (sorry for that pun). I tried to do a search to see if there is any connection with CIDP, GBS or MGUS but could not find anything.
      Anyway, bottom line after all that verbosity is that I think Dell should take all precautions to avoid colds so that when he does get the Rituxan, he is healthy. Stay warm, avoid crowded areas, and wash hands often. I now carry around a small container of disinfectant (Purell) which I use in airports or public places. I feel like Jack Nicholson in “As good as it gets”.
      Good luck to Dell
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      January 14, 2008 at 12:07 pm

      I just had a very weird conversation with a staff member of the neurology department. I had asked for a copy of my last blood test done on Jan 2. I was told that it would cost me $50, so I said “no thanks”. They wanted to know why I wanted it, and I said that it was to track the IgM levels and white blood cell count. Then they said that IgM levels were not part of the blood test. Instead the monthly blood test is being performed to see if it is OK for me to continue to take Rituxan. They said that they are tracking my bone marrow function and liver function to see if I have a reaction to the Rituxan.
      I am stumped as to why they are not tracking IgM levels. I thought that was the whole purpose of the expensive exercise.
      I have an appointment with the neurologist in early March and will ask again at that time. But maybe in the meantime I should go pay for electrophoresis myself and get a separate blood test done.
      This is very confusing. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? It feels as if the patient should be the last person to know anything.
      Thanks for your comments.
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      January 14, 2008 at 1:10 pm

      Norb and Andrew,

      Norb, thanks for the chart. I think I will print it out and show my neuro. He will be very interested in it, I’m sure.

      Andrew,
      You are so lucky not to have gotten sick on the planes. Our friend flies from Saudi to Mississppi a few times a year and ALWAYS gets sick. If it were me, I’d have a mask on the entire time.

      Dell has been doing great lately, no colds but I will knock on wood too. We are doing the ivig every 3 weeks to keep a hold on the colds. He has had 99.5 twice since Christmas and we know it’s the cidp and not a sickness.

      Andrew,
      Regarding the bl/w. Instead of paying for the test on your own, can you request your neuro. write an order for it? I would leave a message for him with the nurse and see what he says. If my insurance would pay, it’d go that route first. Good luck,
      Lori

    • Anonymous
      January 14, 2008 at 7:37 pm

      [QUOTE=Dells mom]Andrew,
      Regarding the bl/w. Instead of paying for the test on your own, can you request your neuro. write an order for it? I would leave a message for him with the nurse and see what he says. [/QUOTE]

      Lori
      Thanks for the advice. You and my wife Marian must be talking together because she said the same…so I have done exactly that…leaving a message with the receptionist.
      We’ll see what happens. In the meantime, they’ve moved my next appointment forward to mid Feb due to conflicts for both the doctor and me. That’s good because I’m preparing a list of questions for her.
      Take care
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      January 15, 2008 at 12:21 pm

      Andrew, I think to charge $50 is outrageous and probably a way to discourage patients from getting their records. I have a huge stack of records from different places, never paid a penny, no eyebrows raised, no questions asked.

      The blood tests showing types of anti-bodies have been ordered by two different hematologist/oncologists and not by my neurologist. I don’t know what the name of the test is.

      I finally received an answer from the lab which was not very informative. All they said was that they are measuring optical density and compare it to a standard solution. They suggested to check with my physician to find out more but I know he has no idea. I’ve used a spectrometer measuring optical density before in a lab so I have an idea what they’re talking about. Apparently the index number they gave means that the anti-MAG is about 15 times normal.

      By the way, I just updated the chart to give better information about the IVIG’s. Unfortunately, I did not keep a record of the exact dates. Which I should have.

      Take care.

      [IMG]http://www.ourbluemarble.us/forum/blood_tests.jpg[/IMG]

    • Anonymous
      January 15, 2008 at 3:29 pm

      I think I’d also have fallen flat on my back if I’d been charged between Norwegian kroner 250-300 for a printout of my hospital tests. I can agree with Norb on the reason why they do it!

      As for what your current blood-test shows, I think that the bone marrow function has to do with the number of monoclonal B-cells, which again has to do with how much IgM is produced. If the Rituxan works, the number of B-cells will go down and the IgM accordingly. They have to monitor your liver function to see how it copes with the medication.

      On the other hand, I can fully understand the fact that you want to know if your IgM goes down as soon as it is available, and that it should be montored and followed as closely as possible. My blood tests have always included the different globuline-levels.

      All the best from

    • Anonymous
      January 15, 2008 at 5:10 pm

      Thanks Allaug and Norb for good sound advice and explanations.
      After reading both of your replies, I believe that I should wait for my next appointment in mid Feb and at that time ask for
      1. blood tests to include the different globuline levels
      2. a retest of the anti-MAG IgM.
      This last test is done, I think in Missouri. Our medical system pays for the testing which apparently costs about $600. The only cost to me is the Purolator which is $50.
      Norb, you mentioned that your anti-MAG levels were 15 times normal. When I was last at the doctor’s, they told me mine were 30 times normal. I have not seen the absolute result and will ask for it the next time I’m there.

      On another note, today was the worst day for me so far in terms of numbness. While walking in bare feet, I did not feel confident with my balance. So I can state without a doubt that the Rituxan has not yet kicked in, but that will take time and maybe another series of treatments given the elevated levels of anti-MAG initially. I hope I don’t sound depressed because I am not (yet). Maybe if the whether is better tomorrow, the numbness will be better as well!! And there is no pain, which is a blessing after reading what some on this forum are going through.

      By the way, I came across another trial in the use of Rituxan for the treatment of Neuropathy with anti-Mag antibodies. It was being conducted by the NINDS in Bethesda, but on further searching I found a site whcih indicated that the study had been completed. [url]http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00050245[/url]
      I wonder how we could get the findings of this trial?? I’ll see what I can find out.

      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      January 15, 2008 at 6:09 pm

      Andrew, if your anti-MAG test is being done in Missouri, it most likely is the same place where my first one was done in 2005: the neuromuscular institute at the Washington University in St. Louis. They report results in absolute numbers, again without unit of measure. If I divide my 140,000 by the normal range of less than 1500, I get 93 times normal. This is probably correct. I’ve seen numbers in the millions.

      The director at that institute is Dr. Pestronk. You may have seen his publications on the use of Rituxan in the literature. I found their website very interesting. [url]http://www.neuro.wustl.edu/neuromuscular/antibody/mag.html[/url]

      I expanded my chart one more time adding information about symptoms.

    • Anonymous
      January 17, 2008 at 2:53 pm

      Hi Norb – thank you for your excellent answer to some of my questions a few days back.

      I noticed something else from my records that may or may not have any consequence. In Sep ’05 my quantitative immunoglobulins tested high at 400 for IgM, as I posted earlier. At that time my IgG count was 1460, which is on the upper limits of normal. Then, six months later in Mar. ’06 I had a second lumbar puncture, as a Mayo Clinic doctor wanted to have a multiple sclerosis panel run just to make sure.

      This LP detected very well-defined oligoclonal bands in my CSF, which indicate abnormal synthesis of gammaglobulins in the central nervous system. These bands are a marker for MS, but also can indicate inflammatory conditions in general. My CSF protein count was 55, and my diagnosis of CIDP Lewis-Sumner variant remained. Another part of an MS panel is to measure IgG levels in the serum and the CSF to look for ratios that are out of whack. In my case the ratio was within normal.

      However, the IgG level in my blood was only 320, which is well below half the lowest limits of normal (694-1618)

      So, in Sep. ’05 my IgM was 400 (high) and IgG was 1460 (upper limits of normal). Then, six months later my IgG had dropped way down to 320. IgM was not measured at that time.

      Additionally, since early of ’05, and to this day, my WBC runs low. I have a CBC run prior to every IVIG infusion, and the WBC typically runs between 2.0 to 2.5, with low neutrophil counts of around 1.0.

      Maybe these are pieces to a puzzle, maybe not.

    • Anonymous
      January 19, 2008 at 1:50 pm

      I keep looking at this thread to learn from you all. Especially interesting is Norb’s chart. I should know but how long ago is it since your problem started Norb?
      Similarly with all of you – Allaug, Andrew etecetera.
      I ask because I have just completed the update form for the CIDP Network here in the UK. At least 2 others are PDNers rather than ‘pure’ CIDP.
      I wrote that when I was eventually diagnosed I was told that it was believed that it ‘is slowly progressive and mainly sensory’. True enough but after 14+ years the progression is very definitely in pain and not particularly neuropathic pain. Chaotic disorder in the behaviour of the motor nerves leading to the muscles in my feet is causing very painful cramping of the tendons. Does that ring any bells with you anti-MAG folk?:(

    • Anonymous
      January 19, 2008 at 6:42 pm

      Why can’t I cut and paste Norb’s chart to send to my dr? As you all know, Dell will be getting Rituxan in March and I wanted his neuro. to see Norb’s interesting results.

      Thanks for any help.

      Love, Lori

    • Anonymous
      January 20, 2008 at 2:33 am

      Lori,

      Right click on the chart, then select “copy image”. You can now paste it into a word document. It won’t copy into notepad. If you don’t have word, then you can select “save image as” and print it from your saved file.

      Hope that helps.

      Best wishes, and hugs to Dell

      cd

    • Anonymous
      January 20, 2008 at 8:34 am

      Ken’s question about when it all started, is hard to answer definitivly. As early as 1995 I can remember a tingling sensation in my legs, I noted it in a diary I kept at the time, but so much else -and worse, especially mentally -was going on at the time, so I didn’t see any doctor about it. The pain, that eventually turned out to be nerve pain, slowly, but surely grew worse and worse, not in a “linear” fasion, but when it hit, it became more and more unbearable and more and more frequently so. When I couldn’t stand it anymore, in the fall of 2000, I went to my GP and told him that I suffered from this terrible and unexplicative pain, mostly in my legs and feet, but sometimes also all over my body, exept in the front of my torso. The answer I got was something I’ll never forget and never forgive him, for that matter: “There is so much pain that we (you) just have to live with.” So I had to tell him that he had to send me to a neurologist. He did that – and the rest is history, as they say.

    • Anonymous
      January 20, 2008 at 12:17 pm

      [QUOTE=kenspdn]. Especially interesting is Norb’s chart. I should know but how long ago is it since your problem started Norb?[/QUOTE]
      Ken, it all started in 2001 while in the Peace Corps in Thailand. During my exit interview with the nurse I reported a slight numbness in my toes. I pretty much ignored it for the next year or so. It gradually got worse. In 2005 my feet were totally numb. A year later my hands started to get affected also. There is a detailed chronology on my CIDP website if you’re interested.
      [QUOTE].. motor nerves leading to the muscles in my feet is causing very painful cramping of the tendons. Does that ring any bells with you anti-MAG folk?:([/QUOTE]
      no, it doesn’t. Reading about the pain you and other folk have to endure makes me realize how fortunate I really am. I just have a very slight ache in my calves most of the time which I usually ignore. It probably is caused by my labored gait pushing the rollator.

    • Anonymous
      January 20, 2008 at 9:30 pm

      I first noticed something peculiar when I was running in about August 2006. It felt like I had blocks under the balls of my feet. Of course in retrospect, this was numbness of that part of my feet. My doctor shrugged it off, but things got worse fairly rapidly toward the end of the year when my toes felt numb. Then began the series of tests toward the final diagnosis in about September 2007. When I look back, I have to say that I was experiencing weakness months before August 2006, but I mistakenly chalked it up to other reasons like being out of shape. Today I can walk without a cane, but I have some balance issues, numbness in feet up to the tops of the calves, in my hands, and weakness in lower legs and feet.

      Like Norb, I am very fortunate in not having any pain. Might I say “comfortably numb”?

      Rituxan treatments are the only medication I have had, 4 infusions of 800 g each in December. Am now waiting patiently for improvements. For the first three weeks after treatment, it felt like things were continuing to get worse despite the treatments. However, things may have stabilized now (I hope). Time will tell.

      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      January 21, 2008 at 4:01 pm

      Dear Norb,
      Glad to hear you are still safely using your rollator. Some time back I visited your web site and it inspired me to pull out of my depression and get back on track with my treatment.
      You suggested I introduce myself to everyone but I am not sure this is the proper forum (thread?) in which to do so.
      Meanwhile, I came across this url with regards to Rituxan and thought I’d share it here. the first thing I saw was a banner at the top of the page reading Contact us for help getting your insurance to cover treatment, the address is [url]www.cidpusa.org/rituxamab.html[/url]
      Best regards to all,

    • Anonymous
      January 22, 2008 at 11:43 am

      Hello Veronica, welcome to the forum. To introduce yourself it would be best to start your own thread. I am not sure everybody reads this particular one about CIDP — Rituxan.

      Thanks for the link.

      Take care

    • Anonymous
      January 22, 2008 at 12:03 pm

      I finally received the missing results for the last blood tests. Anti-MAG IgM dropped by 20%. This is the same percentage as all of the IgM. I’m trying to understand what this might mean. Rituxan removes B–cells and following treatment antibodies would get depleted slowly since no new ones are being produced. I expected this to happen faster since the half-life of IgM antibodies is 5 – 10 days and it’s been two months since I finished treatment. It is quite possible that the Rituxan did not remove all the B- cells and some of them are still producing antibodies.

      Regardless, the fact that the overall number of IgM dropped by the same percentage as anti-MAG IgM seems to indicate that Rituxan got to the aberrant B-cells along with the good ones. Does this make sense?

      The numbers also mean that there are still 80% anti-MAG IgM in circulation. This would explain why symptoms have continued to deteriorate.

      PS I updated the chart I posted earlier. I also included the results of the immunofixation.

    • Anonymous
      January 22, 2008 at 12:42 pm

      [QUOTE=norb] Anti-MAG IgM dropped by 20%.
      [/QUOTE]

      Hey…that’s great news Norb!! Its working! Simple math says 10% drop per month = 10 months to elimination. However, I guess the Rituxan has a life expectancy too and maybe you will be due for another infusion sometime to finish the outlaw B-cells off once and for all.

      I drew the following chart to show what may possibly be a representation of how the Anti-MAG levels fall during a series of treatments:

      [ATTACH]1121[/ATTACH]

      BTW, To attach a chart, I discovered that you can use Irfanview (free photo viewer) and simply paste the chart into the Irfanview frame and save as a jpg. Works great.

      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      January 22, 2008 at 1:05 pm

      Andrew, yes, it is pretty encouraging. I am due for another treatment in April and as you were saying hopefully this will take care of whatever is left. I’m still not sure whether we are dealing with just one aberrant B-cell or many.

      Here is what I did to convert the spreadsheet to a JPEG file: I used printscreen and pasted it into Photoshop. There I cropped it, reduced the size and saved it as JPEG. There may be other photo editing programs that would allow you to do the same thing, I’m not sure. Or there may be easier ways I’m not aware of.

    • Anonymous
      January 22, 2008 at 2:14 pm

      Norb,
      I edited my previous post to include the chart I was trying to draw and save.
      Cheers
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      January 23, 2008 at 11:00 am

      Hey Ya’ll,

      Since Dell does not have Anti-Mag (he’s 3 years old), do you think his b/w will be any different than yours.

      What will the dr. be looking at? If you want, I can post some of his current b/w. Basically, his b/w looks the same each time. They dr. is not happy with the lympocites so maybe he’ll be looking at those numbers.

      Are there any b/w the dr. might not KNOW TO RUN that we should run. His dr. has been prescribing Rituxan for many patients but Dell will be his first CIDP patient to be put on Rituxan.

      Thanks for any feedback.
      Love, Lori

    • Anonymous
      January 23, 2008 at 1:14 pm

      Hi Lori
      I am by no means a hemotologist ( I can’t even spell the word). But I kept the list of all the blood tests they made me go through when they were trying to diagnose the cause of my numbness. Here they are:
      [U]Biochemistry[/U]
      Glucose (fasting)
      Creatinine
      Uric Acid
      Sodium
      Potasssium
      Chloride
      AST (SGOT)
      Alk. Phosphatase
      Bilirubin (total)
      Urinalysis (chemical)
      [U]Hematolgy[/U]
      Blood film exam
      Hemoglobin
      W.C.B. count
      Hematocrit
      VDRL
      [U]Other[/U]
      ESR
      ALT level
      Platelet count
      Serum immunoelectrophoresis
      IgG, IgA, IgM quantitation
      Serum CK
      Serum folate
      RBC folate
      Serum Vitmin B12
      ANF
      RF
      Serum protein
      Serum albumin
      Serum calcium
      Serum magnesium
      anti-ds DNA
      TSH
      anti-GM1 ganglioside antibody
      C3, C4
      ACE level
      cANCA
      pANCA
      2 hr glucose tolerance test

      I think that you can get information on the blood tests online to see what they are all for.
      In addition, on separate occasions, they took a blood sample and sent it away to a lab (in my case in Ottawa) to determine if it was a genetic problem. They also sent a sample for Anti-MAG testing at University of Washington in Missouri.

      I’m sorry I cannot give any advice, per se. Just a list of what they measured for me. I guess if the doctor skips any of the above, you can check them out to see why those particular tests are run and whether it might be appropriate for Dell.
      I hope it works out OK
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      January 23, 2008 at 1:57 pm

      Hi Lori, are Dell’s CBC and metabolic panel values normal? Mine usually are except eosinophils which have been high since I started having symptoms in 2001. There possibly is a connection to the anti-MAG IgM and the underlying lymphoma. Eosinophils are supposed to fight parasites and cancer. Lymphoma is kind of a cancer. After we came back from Thailand in 2001, I had endless tests for parasites but nothing was found. At that time we did not know about the lymphoma. None of the doctors so far have been able to confirm a connection between my eosinophilia and anything else.
      I did not have as many tests as Andrew. I had special tests to detect the anti-MAG IgM and anti-GM1 ganglioside. In addition SPEP (serum protein electrophoresis) and immunofixation to show the IgG, IgA and IgM levels as well as a possible M– spike indicating a paraprotein or monoclonal antibody. Anti-MAG IgM is such an antibody. These are the most important ones in my opinion. In order to get these expensive tests done, there has to be a suspicion of a paraprotein based on history, symptoms and progression of the neuropathy.

      I had a few other tests done which also are on Andrews list. Some of them usually are only ordered by a hematologist/oncologist and not a neurologist.

      I hope I gave you a good enough answer. If you want to talk to me on the phone, let me know and I’ll
      sent you the number. I am usually home most of the time since I cannot go anywhere. Carol broke her left hand a few days ago. Since she’s left-handed and my hands are pretty useless, we both are stuck at the house. We did arrange for meals on wheels for the next few weeks. So at least we won’t starve.:D

    • Anonymous
      January 24, 2008 at 5:06 pm

      Andrew, my reaction to your chart was: oh no, I don’t want it to take that long. But today Carol found an excellent more recent PowerPoint presentation in PDF format. The depletion of anti-MAG IgM after Rituxan treatment is shown for nine patients. After the 12th month one of them was still at 100%. But see for yourself.

      [IMG]http://www.ourbluemarble.us/forum/antMAG_depletion.jpg[/IMG]

      Here’s a link to the presentation:

      [url]http://myeloma.org/pdfs/Kos2007_Nobile-O.pdf[/url]

    • Anonymous
      January 25, 2008 at 12:22 pm

      Congrats to Carol for finding that chart and presentation. That was for sure the missing information in our knowledge base. My chart was totally a guess, but surprisingly, if you look at the Anti-Mag level I showed after 12 months at 30%, it was not far off the grouping of levels after 12 months in the offical chart at ave 40%. I assumed a second dose of Rituximab which may not be realistic.
      It was interesting to note in slide 16/48 of the presentation that some patients had double doses of Rituximab with a lower % improvement than single doses. Of course, with such small populations, the statistical validity of any conclusion regarding the effectiveness of double doses would be questionable.
      I have often wondered, assuming there is a noticeable decrease in Anti-Mag antibody, whether there will be another series of Rituxan treatments or a maintenance dosage of Rituxan every so often to maintain the Anti-Mag IgM behold the threshold level associated with the PN. I guess time will tell.
      Again, thanks to Carol for finding that excellent report.
      Have a good weekend
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      January 25, 2008 at 4:32 pm

      i also had the rituxan treatment but it was no help.

    • Anonymous
      January 27, 2008 at 10:48 am

      [QUOTE=connie connor]i also had the rituxan treatment but it was no help.[/QUOTE]
      Hi Connie,
      Do you also have anti-MAG IgM like Allaug, Norb and I? I realize that ours is a variant of CIDP, but not exactly the same, and therefore the function of the Rituxan may not be identical.
      Best regards
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      January 30, 2008 at 11:54 am

      [QUOTE=Andrew].
      It was interesting to note in slide 16/48 of the presentation that some patients had double doses of Rituximab with a lower % improvement than single doses. [/QUOTE]
      I found that curious, too. One possible explanation might be a stronger reaction by our immune system to the higher dose leading to a faster elimination of Rituxan. The fact that I had a slight fever after the first infusion indicated to me that the immune system does in fact react to the Rituxan.
      [QUOTE]I have often wondered, assuming there is a noticeable decrease in Anti-Mag antibody, whether there will be another series of Rituxan treatments or a maintenance dosage of Rituxan every so often to maintain the Anti-Mag IgM [/QUOTE]
      Since anti-MAG is still present after 12 months this would indicate that there are still aberrant B cells in circulation. Another treatment would make sense. In my case, I’m scheduled for one in April. However this is supposed to treat lymphoma as the underlying disease. A slow-growing lymphoma like mine tends to come back after a while.

      A few days ago I found a table showing a breakdown of half-life for different types of antibodies. While it is three weeks for IgG, it is only five to 10 days for IgM. This sheds quite a different light on the significance of the chart showing depletion of IgM.

    • Anonymous
      January 31, 2008 at 1:33 pm

      [QUOTE=norb]
      A few days ago I found a table showing a breakdown of half-life for different types of antibodies. While it is three weeks for IgG, it is only five to 10 days for IgM. This sheds quite a different light on the significance of the chart showing depletion of IgM.[/QUOTE]

      Hi Norb
      Surprising!! I did a search after you mentioned the half life of IgM and came across a similar table. Now I am trying to get a grasp of what this means in layman’s terms!!
      Mathematically it means that after 10 days half the IgM are gone and the rest not far behind (down to 3% after two months and all gone in three months or less).
      That might explain the very different results of different Rituxan patients. The whole key to success would be the elimination of the rogue B-cells, because the lives of the IgM are short, but until the faulty B-cells are gone, the anti-MAG IgM is still being produced. Some patients must have been “luckier” than others in that the Rituxan randomly found the rogue B-cells sooner and results were dramatic.
      Do you think that is the explanation (in my simple terms)?
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      February 4, 2008 at 5:01 pm

      Andrew,
      that’s the best explanation I can come up with. I wonder about the Rituxan. Since it is IgG its half-life normally should have been about three weeks. However, it binds to the B-cells and also gets attacked by our immune system. As a result it’s halftime probably is less than that.

      No improvement yet here. On the contrary, my hands seem to be worse still. Walking with the rollator has become more and more difficult over the last few months . A few days ago I finally got a power chair. Unfortunately, we have not figured out yet how to fit it into our car. So I’m limited to the house and a few miles around the neighborhood. Of course, a few months from now I won’t need it anymore.:D

    • Anonymous
      February 4, 2008 at 9:24 pm

      Hi Norb
      Sorry to hear that you are now having to resort to the use of the power chair to get around. A good friend of mine who has MS also has a power chair which has been great for him. They bought a van and had it converted so that the chair can be lifted into the van. But I agree with your last sentence…you should not need it for long.

      For me, I’m not sure whether things are still deteriorating now or not after about 6 weeks since the Rituxan. Certainly there is no noticable improvement. I believe that I may be getting used to the loss of sensation in fingers and toes now that it is a normal day-to-day thing. Some days seem better than others but so do some days feel worse than others.

      I did the math based on a half life of 20 days for Rituxan and indeed the second series of infusions after somewhere around 6 months (or a little less) makes sense. I guess that could vary as the Rituxan is depleted also by the body’s own immune system.
      I tried to do some research on the internet and came across a study by A Pestronck et al titled “Treatment of IgM antibody associated polyneuropathies using rituximab”. Have you had a chance to read this study?
      BTW, have you heard anything from Allaug lately? I wonder how she is making out…whether she has noticed any improvement from the Rituxan.
      Take care and keep the faith,
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      February 7, 2008 at 12:38 am

      Dr. Latov suggests a 6 month cycle for maintenance, I am almost 14 months since my last infusion, protein is coming down slowly.
      so I may revisit this treatment

      I dont think the progenerator B- cell thesis holds particularly given the half life of IgM and the efficacy of rituxan in serum. I suspect its the memory issue and non serum based B-cell keeps this as a life long issue.

      even with profound immuniosuppression the literature suggests relapses.

      Norb my original pessimism for this course of therapy has been lessened, hang in there it may take a awhile

    • Anonymous
      February 7, 2008 at 11:10 am

      To all my friends,

      I have not been on the site in the last week or so.

      Norb, I will send you Dell’s latest b/w results after I have them faxed today. We have been batteling a horrible diaper rash. He’s never experienced anything like this. For the past 2 days, he has not left the couch. It hurts to move.

      The neuro. called him in the yeast med. you take by mouth, fluconozole, but I have to take him into the peds. office today, although I was trying to avoid it. The home health nurse called the neuro. yesterday and described the rash over the phone.

      The peds. office will disenfect a room for us. Anyway, I’ll get back with ya’ll today or tomorrow with results.

      We are still shooting for March for Rituxan.

      Love, Lori

    • Anonymous
      February 7, 2008 at 5:26 pm

      [B]Lori[/B], poor kid That sounds terrible. I hope he gets over it soon.

      [B]Michael[/B], your comment about memory B-cells got me to do some research since it sounded pretty plausible. I found another possible explanation: long-term plasma cells. Up until now I thought plasma cells in circulation were short lived, only about four to five days, but this article presents a different story:

      [QUOTE]In addition to memory B cells and memory T cells, which reside mainly in the peripheral lymphoid system, animals retain plasma cells, preferentially in the bone. The continued production of antibodies by these long-lived plasma cells is crucial for immunity, because such antibodies provide immediate protection without the requirement for clonal expansion and differentiation of B cells….. Plasma cells in the circulation are presumed to have a very short half-life, with their persistence dependent on gaining access to a limited number of specialized survival niches. (Nature Reviews Immunology 6, 785-790 (October 2006) | doi:10.1038/nri1938 David Tarlinton “B-CELL MEMORY: ARE SUBSETS NECESSARY?”)
      [/QUOTE]

    • Anonymous
      February 8, 2008 at 12:12 pm

      Norb,

      I finally got the b/w results. I’m only listing the things that are out of wack. Dell is only slightly better. He walked a little today but is asleep on the couch now. I’m waiting for the peds. office, they cultured it yesterday.

      Creatinine low 0.2 normal 0.5-1.4

      alkaline phosphatase high 140 normal 38-126
      HGB low 11.6 normal 13-17
      HCT low 34.5 normal 38-48
      PLT, auto high 443 normal 130-400
      MPV low 6.6 normal 7.4-10.4
      lymph% low 14.9 normal 20.5-51.1
      mono% high 12.2 normal 1.7-9.3
      eos high 8.7 normal 0-5
      mono high 1.1 normal 0.11-0.59
      SED rate high 21 normal 0-20
      Eosin high 0.8 normal 0-0.7

      These are the normal b/w that is done each month. I guess when the time comes for Rituxan, we’ll do additional, but I’m not sure.

      Write if you have any questions,
      Love, Lori

    • Anonymous
      February 9, 2008 at 10:04 am

      Norb, reclusive entities I think, I am searching/hoping for a steady state condition ,with rituxan as the modulator. I suspect Ive come full circle on this

      I’m off to Thailand for the summer semester

    • Anonymous
      February 10, 2008 at 11:41 am

      [QUOTE=Dells mom]I finally got the b/w results. [/QUOTE]
      Lori, I don’t know much about these items. Have you talked it over with his doctor? What stood out for me was the eosinophil value since mine has been high ever since I started having CIDP symptoms. The only comment I got from my neurologist was: “fascinating”. What I did find out was that eosinophils fight parasites and possibly cancer. Years ago I had endless tests for parasites and nothing was ever found. I wonder if the eosinophils have anything to do with the low-grade lymphoma I was diagnosed with last year. I don’t have any outward symptoms like swollen glands etc. except the neuropathy. But lymphoma means that there are B-cells proliferating out of control. I did have a whole body MRI/CT scan which was negative for any cancer.

    • Anonymous
      February 10, 2008 at 3:04 pm

      Hey Norb,

      The definition of eosinophils: “white blood cells of the immune system responsible for combating infection and parasites in vertebrates. Also control mechanisims associated with asthma and allergies.”

      As soon as I read what you said about swollen glands, I remembered our neuro. telling me a few times that Dell’s glands were swollen. At one time (when we were going back and forth to the hosptial 1 day a week) they stayed swollen for a longer period.

      Because of the eosinophil number ALWAYS being high on Dell, we took him to allergy dr. He’s done some additional testing there and everything that he’s done just points to allergies, him saying Dell has ecexma, etc.

      Now, I’m worried. I think I’ll do some additional digging.

      Today is day 5 of his rash. You can not believe how bad this has been. I think I will start a post about it. I would like to know how he got so much yeast in his system or did it get bad because of his immunity being down because he’s on solumedrol.

      Thanks for the post.

      Love, Lori

    • Anonymous
      February 13, 2008 at 1:13 pm

      [B]Lori[/B], the rash not going away could easily be the result of the Solumetrol since it lowers the immune system. I’m not sure pursuing the issue with the eosinophilia will get you anything especially since the numbers aren’t really that high. Like you said, it’s probably just a reaction to allergies. I wouldn’t worry about it too much.

      If there is in fact a connection with any underlying disease like lymphoma as I suspect in my case, the Rituxan should hopefully take care of that. I have no idea how common something like that would be in children.

    • Anonymous
      February 13, 2008 at 1:23 pm

      Earlier in this thread I posted a chart showing depletion of anti-MAG IgM following Rituxan treatment. Since I could not access the original article I contacted the author directly. Dr. Susanne Renaud in Switzerland just send me copies of the study and a second follow up one using twice the amount of Rituxan. The second one was published last year in “Neurology”. Here is one very interesting finding:
      [QUOTE]At month 1 B cells in peripheral blood were undetectable and this effect persisted until month 9 when B cells began to remit.[/QUOTE] If any of you is interested in getting copies of these two articles, please, send me an e-mail.

    • Anonymous
      February 13, 2008 at 7:38 pm

      There is an article from WEB MD discussing Rituxan shows promise for MS.

      [url]http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/news/20080213/rituximab-shows-promise-for-ms?src=RSS_PUBLIC[/url]

      Sue

    • Anonymous
      February 13, 2008 at 8:48 pm

      Hi Sue
      That is a very interesting article you came across. A friend of mine has MS so I will pass it along to him. There are several different types of MS and I’m not sure if he has the same type as the control group in the trial. Nevertheless, it seems like a completely new direction of research into the disease. It sure is amazing to see the progress they are making in medical research these days.
      Will you be going to the GBS/CIDP hike at the Kortright Center in May? I guess it is quite a drive from Cornwall.
      Take care
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      February 13, 2008 at 9:17 pm

      Hi Andrew I haven’t heard of the hike I don’t on the Canadian website very often. Will have to check it out.

      Sue

    • Anonymous
      February 14, 2008 at 9:09 pm

      [QUOTE=norb]Dr. Susanne Renaud in Switzerland just send me copies of the study and a second follow up one using twice the amount of Rituxan. The second one was published last year in “Neurology”.[/QUOTE]

      Norb
      Thank you (dankeshane) for sending me the two studies. I read through them both carefully and tried to draw some of my own conclusions other than the statistical results of “4 out of 8” type conclusion. For anyone reading this message, it may not make much sense unless you have read the studies. Nevertheless here we go…

      I was able to equate the patients from study 1 (single dose of Rituxan) with those of study 2 (double dose of Riutuxan). Patient 1 from study 1 declined to join the group for study 2. Patient 7 from Study 1 unfortunately did not make it through study 2. The rest were in the same order.

      Looking at the Study 2 results of the patients,#2, #3, #4 and #7 all did very well. It is hard to draw any similarities between them based on sex, age, or disease duration at study entry.

      I wonder about the duration between the infusions of the two studies of almost two years. B-cells were undetectable up until month 9 after study 1 infusion, so they must have been way up at close to normal again after almost two years. I wonder if this could be considered a sort of time lost? If the levels had been kept low by maintenance infusions, would the results have been better?

      Another casual observation I had was that I have never heard the number 100% in any study (except the decline in detectable B-cells). Does that mean that there is no 100% cure? I should not sound negative, but I had hoped that somewhere we would read about a patient who was cured totally and eventually regained total nerve function. Of course, any improvement is to be appreciated, but it would be nice to know that someone somewhere regained full strength and nerve sensation.

      Finally…the most significant observation of all for me! It hit me like a ton of bricks. In the references for the second study, reference number 6…Bril V, Ellison R, Ngo M, Bergstrom B, Raynard D, Gin H. Electrophysiological monitoring in clinical trials. Roche Neuropathy Study Group. Muscles Nerve 1998;21:1368-1373.
      My doctor is V Bril.
      The drug company that supplied my Rituxan is Roche.
      I hope they are both right!!

      Evidently we are still in the middle of the experimentation stage with this drug Rituxan for treatment of antibodies to myelin-associated glycoprotein.

      What are your thoughts on this, Norb?
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      February 16, 2008 at 4:56 pm

      Andrew, yes, the results are rather disappointing and not as positive as I’ve seen in other studies. Somehow I was hoping for a magic bullet. I was trying to find an explanation of the neurological symptoms score and the neurological disability score. The study lists as the source a book by Dyck which costs over $400. An abstract of a Japanese study mentions a score of 69. The scores in Renauds study ranging from +16 to -21 don’t make any sense to me without knowing what they are based on.

      In another place of the study improvement of strength of 13% after one year and of 23% after two years was mentioned. I assume she means physical strength. I must have missed something because in this context Dr. Renaud all of a sudden talks about 16 and 21 patients each for study one and two. All other data refers to nine patients only.

      Although no explanation is given for the limited depletion of anti-MAG IgM (see earlier graph posted by me), I am no longer surprised by that based on data I found elsewhere. Plasma cells in circulation have a life span and IgM has a half-life of only four to five days. Since according to the study one month after the Rituxan treatment B-cells are no longer detected and only start coming back after 8 months, no B-cells should mature into new plasma cells producing antibodies. IgM therefore should decline much faster than shown in the study. Even after 8 months antiMAG IgM does not decline to zero. The median is 59% of baseline after phase I and 16% after phase II (double dose of Rituxan 2 years later). The problem are so-called long-lived plasma cells. According to another study I e-mailed you a few days ago, in addition to memory B-cells some plasma cells (active B-cells) remain in the bone marrow fo more than 20 years producing antibodies. Since plasma cells no longer have CD20 markers, Rituxan cannot remove them. Dr. Renaud did not react to this specific issue in her e-mail to me.

      Overall, I question the usefulness of the study as far as we are concerned.

    • Anonymous
      February 17, 2008 at 3:08 pm

      Hi Norb
      Well, I tried to get through the paper you sent regarding Survival of long-lived plasma cells. Even the abstract was somewhat difficult to understand, but at least it does explain one thing regarding the B-cells. As you say, the plasma cells can live on for 20 years and Rituxan does not attack them because of the missing CD20 marker.

      Regarding the NDS and NSS scoring, I could not find the exact definition, but I did find a couple of things including a similar type of scoring form, as follows:

      [ATTACH]1133[/ATTACH]

      It may be a bit hard to read given the 41 kb maximum size. The text reads:
      [COLOR=”Blue”]Form used for obtaining the neurologic disability
      score. For obtaining a raw neurologic disability score
      as used here, the values in the columns marked
      “Right” and “Left” are added together. The total
      scores for motor function and sensation represent the
      degrees of motor and sensory disturbance, respectively.
      The scoring system is as follows: no deficit (O), mild
      deficit (l), moderate deficit (2), severe deficit (3), and
      complete absence of function (4). A score of 0 indicates
      no neurologic disability, and a score of 64 corresponds
      with full disability.[/COLOR]

      I also downloaded a paper by Dyck which includes the following statement:
      [COLOR=”blue”]Assessment of neuropathy. Neuropathy symptoms and
      deficits were evaluated prospectively by a neurologist
      (P.J.D.) using a standardized approach. His neurologic
      record was used to determine the Neuropathy Symptom
      Score (NSS) (abnormality ≥ 1; the range of possible
      scores is 0 to 18) and the Neuropathy Disability Score
      (NDS) (abnormality ≥ 2; range of possible scores is 0 to
      244).[/COLOR]

      I guess there must be a scoring form like the one attached which was developed by Dyck et al, but I was unable to find it. And, $400 seems a bit too much to get the form. Also, it seems like there are a few scoring methods available.

      I was able to locate the reference to 16 out of 21 patients in the strength test. It came from a study done by A Pestronk et al titled Treatment of IgM antibody associated polyneuropathies using rituximab.

      I guess we have to keep looking for longer term study results as well as other information regarding the harm which those plasma cells can continue to inflict long after all the B-cells have been depleted. If that information is in the paper you sent, then I apologize for not seeing it. It was pretty “heavy stuff” for me.
      Take care
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      February 18, 2008 at 4:06 pm

      To all my friends with IgM MGUS, I have an appointment tomorrow with my neurologist. She is one of the top neurologists.
      So I have prepared a list of some questions as follows:
      [COLOR=”Blue”]
      • When will we do tests to determine levels of IgM and of anti-MAG?

      • Findings show that after differentiation, plasma cells formed from mature B-cells do not carry the CD 20 marker and can last up to 20 years in the bone marrow producing antibodies. Rituxan only targets cells with the CD 20 marker and therefore does not target the plasma cells. What part do the plasma B-cells play in the continued production of anti-MAG, after precursor B-cells have been eliminated by Rituxan prior to differentiation? Is there any way to reduce the plasma cell count?

      • Do you have a copy of the forms used for Dyck’s Neurological Symptom Sign (NSS: 0 to 18) and Neurological Disability Sign (NDS: 0 to 244)? Would be useful for correlation with Studies by Susanne Renaud.

      • What kind of program for repeat dosage of Rituxan do we envisage. Single dose, Double dose, maintenance dosage, frequency?[/COLOR]
      My question for all is whether you have additional relevant questions which need to be asked at this time. If so, let me know.
      If I succeed in getting answers, I’ll for sure let you know.
      Regards
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      February 18, 2008 at 5:12 pm

      Andrew, these questions are great. Off the top of my head I cannot think of any additional ones you might want to ask. I’m curious to find out what her answers will be. Please, don’t mention my name because she might end up hating me for contributing to this.:eek:

      I just send a personal e-mail to Dr. Dyck at Mayo Clinic asking for a copy of the score criteria.

      Here another comment about Dr. Renaud’s study: the changes on the NSS and NDS are not very meaningful without knowing the original scores. This might illustrate what I mean:

      [IMG]http://www.ourbluemarble.us/forum/RituximabNDS.jpg[/IMG]

      Let’s take patient number two: if I interpret the number given in the last column correctly, he improved by 21 points. If his original score was the maximum of 244, in other words totally disabled, his new score would be 223. With a 5% improvement he still would be pretty disabled. However, if his original score was 21, his new score would be zero or completely symptom-free; a 100% improvement.

    • Anonymous
      February 19, 2008 at 10:18 am

      Hello to all my friends,

      The clock it ticking. We have heard we are going to the hospital 2/29th for Dell’s first infusion. Now, I’m scared.

      It’s really all the unknown things and 2 years down the road, I hope I can look back on this and say “it wasn’t so bad.”

      I’m more worried about germs than anything. My husband and I have talked about ppl. taking their shoes off before coming into the home (tracking in junk on their feet).

      Dell has had a rough couple of weeks. He had the butt rash going on with a stomach ache. The stomach ache continues but not as bad. Thursday, he fell and got stitches. Yesterday, we dropped off urine and poop to see about hemocult (negative), ova cysts and parasited and pathogens in stool.

      I’d like to get all this sorted out before the Rituxan.

      Just wanted to keep ya’ll posted.

      Love, Lori

    • Anonymous
      February 19, 2008 at 11:21 am

      Hi Lori,
      good luck to you. I can understand your anxiety. Carol and I were anxious too but everything turned out okay.

      Taking off shoes in the house is a very good idea. Also make sure to ask your visitors to do the same thing. This has been a custom in our house for many years ever since we came back from living in Thailand. Nobody there wears shoes around the house.

      Don’t wait too long to see a doctor if he starts having any kind of infections. About 2 weeks ago or so I hurt my right big toe. It was bleeding quite a bit. I don’t know how it happened because I don’t have any feeling in my feet. A few days later it started to look infected. I put antibiotic cream on it but it didn’t seem to get any better. I decided not to wait any longer and saw my primary doctor who prescribed oral antibiotics. The infection is pretty much gone by now.
      Take care and a big hug for you and Dell.

    • Anonymous
      February 19, 2008 at 8:32 pm

      Hi everyone
      Well, no matter how much you plan something and map it out in your head beforehand, it never seems to go like that in the end, does it?
      The meeting started off with questions about my improvement since Rituxan. I said that I had not noticed any improvement, but that things have not deteriorated either.
      Then they decided to do another EMG. As a reminder, my only other EMG was last May, and I had Rituxan in December. The discovery from this EMG and from vibration testing was that things had deteriorated. In fact the vibration test levels on my feet were double the values of last May. So I tried to explain that there could very well have been significant deterioration prior to the Rituxan and that this would likely exceed any regrowth or repair of nerves, which is a slow process.
      Then they did strength tests and I gave it all I could, to which they said that I had improved in strength!! Wow.
      Then the neurologist came back into the room and we talked about the coverage for Rituxan and what I wanted. I said that Rituxan looks like my best chance for a cure based on all my readings and that I am therefore in favour of more Rituxan, even if I have to pay for it with my pension savings.
      So…here is the interesting part…I will get a 375 mg maintenance infusion of Rituxan once per month for the next three months with monthly follow-up visits to monitor results.

      With regard to the list of Questions, they took a copy and said that they would get back to me.

      One final note…I have been encouraged to write to my member of parliament to pressure our medical system to provide coverage for Rituxan in the treatment of anti-MAG MGUS. In my opinion, once we have breached the dike in one spot, the rest should start to cave in…private insurance, medicare, etc.

      So…more Rituxan…more chance to knock down those B-cells.

      I asked about avoiding travel due to the immuno-suppression, and the answer was that I should continue to do what I normally do, like avoid crowded places, get plenty of rest, etc. I found this answer to be a bit naive given that an impaired immune system is an invitation for bacterial infection. But then, it was not the neurologist who said this…it was the technician.

      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      February 20, 2008 at 2:32 pm

      Andrew,

      The tech. said you could continue to travel and things? Do you wear a mask?

      Our plan for Dell is to keep him out of places but if we do bring him anywhere, he will wear a mask. We FINALLY found pediatric masks. They are real cute.

      Right now, he wears one into the school (to p/u his siblings) and the drs. offices and hospital. I don’t put one on him now in Walmart, I feel like we are doing ok as long as ppl. don’t come up and touch him. He rides in a stroller so he doesn’t touch those nasty carts.

      You, being a man, are you shaking hands alot? I would keep germ x with me if I were you. It’s in my console in the van, I use it EVERYTIME I pay for something at a window, touch a door of a store, etc.

      Looks like we have to postpone the Rituxan. Took Dell to dentist this morning, he needs 2 teeth filled and 1 crown. I am down about it all but tomorrow is another day. lol

      Norb, You wrote about the infection. We have a horrible staph epidemic here. My best friend’s uncle has it in his heart, an ancquaintance passed away this week from it (she lives about 4 miles from us) and our bookeeper’s brother in law died in December. I don’t think these ppl. are getting it in the hospitals, it’s everywhere. I don’t know if they have traced it back to Hurricance Katrina or what or if it’s a national problem.

      I’m waiting to hear back from either the neuro. or the dentist about the Rituxan.

      Love to you all,
      Lori

    • Anonymous
      February 29, 2008 at 11:10 am

      Good morning, all….
      Yesterday I spent some time with Liz (codystanley), and we were just talking about Rituxan. My husband John (CIDP/MGUS) received Rituxan in June 2006 at the New York University Cancer center. Medicare and his supplemental insurance covered it, because of the MGUS. He had really good results and had a single infusion in January 2007. We hoped to be able to continue with periodic infusions, but we’ve been unable to get it covered under Medicare. Instead he gets 3 IVIGs each month, which helps, but hasn’t had the same effect as the Rituxan. We too wonder why Rituxan isn’t available to CIDP patients, especially in terms of the comparative savings over IVIG.

    • Anonymous
      February 29, 2008 at 7:42 pm

      Emily, Rituxan is not approved by the FDA for CIDP/MGUS, only for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and I believe rheumatoid arthritis. There are trials going at Mayo that will take quite a while.

      The only reason I received Rituxan last October after two years of trying was a new diagnosis of lymphoma. Medicare and my additional insurance paid without any problems. I’m due for another treatment next month.

    • Anonymous
      March 1, 2008 at 9:10 am

      In Jan 08 I visited this thread because my moms docs at The Clinic decided to give rituxan along with an IV steroid ( sorry I forget the name)

      Here is my moms story ….. My mom was a healthy 57 year old woman……..GBS dx Aug 07 CIDP dx Sept 07 she was on prednisone, cellcept (which is supposed to take 6 months to start working- whatever that was supposed to do) IvIg every week sorry don’t know the dosage. In Aug she was completely paralized she could only speak & barely swallow she had a loading dose IvIg then she did great she was sent to rehab for about a week to get her walking back steady and swallowing & she was home early Sept then maybe a week later SMACK completely paralized within 2 days back to The Clinic where they started the Plasma Pharesis Wow no response it was horrible my mom was blinking for yes & no it was scary!! So after the 5 treaments with no response they switched her to the IvIg and slowly this time a response they said she was really at her worst so that’s why it took so long to come back she was there for about 3 weeks another does of IvIg before she left. Now she is on that list of meds back at rehab for about 2 weeks and they have her set up to get the IvIg every 2 weeks
      she only made it 10 days tingling & numbness is back & she was sliding back down hill so back to The Clinic they change her to a higher dose steroids
      60 mg & up her to IvIg every week & back to rehab she is doing great with the rehab walking with a walker 50 feet transfering with a transfer board on her own she is feeling great except for her blood pressure the higher dose of steroids is throwing her blood pressure up to roughly 190’s over 110’s so the stupid doc at the rehab takes her off the steroids ( which we now know was her defense to the CIDP along with her IvIg) she is still doing well though & is actually sent HOME!!! the first week of Dec. (In a wheelchair but transferring on her own ) She is doing well for about 2 weeks getting the IvIg at home once a week but little by little sliding downhillwith transferring, feeding herself, bowel control So…… First week in Jan. back to the clinic
      They are angry ( that’s putting it nice ) to learn that she is off the steroids & explain that is the reason she is doing worse. They give her the IvIg & NO response now we are worried this has always worked before. So they discuss the Rituxan & we accept & she gets her first dose along with the IV steroid on Friday Jan 11 08 No response but they tell us sometimes it takes a few doses so Fri Jan 18 08 the next dose we think a little better but her respirations are getting worse this is our worst fear she never lost her breathing before CIDP is known for this & we have been blessed not to have to deal with this But now they are discussing intubation with us & she refuses. They explain this will be a last resort they will work with her she agrees understanding we will not leave her like this if she isn’t getting any better within a certain time frame we would let her go. Fri Jan 25 08 she gets another Rituxan treatment. She fights with all her might on Mon. Jan 28
      I leave school Rush to The Clinic because the Nurse tells me they are moving her to ICU to intubate sometime later that day ( I made an hour & a half trip praying to God please just let me make it there) I got there and they were getting ready to move her to ICU they let me go in I started talking to her telling her I love her & she wrinkles her forhead like she is trying to open her eyes & wriggles her chin like she is trying to talk I tell her Shhhh just rest mommy I’ll be here all day just rest now. Then the alarms start going off & in come three nurses her blood pressure monitor reads 254/137 they are yelling Darlene open your eyes and doing a sternal rub Nothing I start yelling Mommy open your eyes they pull me out of her quad & I hear overhead Code Blue Henry 62 Bed 12 That’s Mommy!!!!! I start screaming & begging Please NO!!!! They drag me into the hall about 50 Doc’s and Nurses are running in & out A doc walks up to me & says that she ahs a bleed in her frontal lobe and they have to due surgery right away they are rushing her by me I scream I am right here mommy be a Big Girl!!! I call family my father, my brother, everyone starts arriving 3 hrs later they come out & say she had a complete right side bleed it was much larger than they thought. They left the bone flap off because of swelling in her brain & the first 24 hrs are critical. My father & I stay through the night. At 6:45 the Doc comes walking over to my father & I & says there has been a complication she just had another large bleed on her left side that she has less thatn 5 % chance to make it through another surgery & even if she did there is so much pressure & where the blled is she would be a vegetable we declined the surgery & asked him to make her comfortable called family & went to say goodbye this was the hardest thing I have ever done she was my best friend for 32 years & I was not ready to let her go! She was an amazing woman!!!!! It has been a month & her birthday is on March 4th that will be another rough day my days are still blurring together and I am trying to be strong for my children Trenton 12 & Christian 7
      I want them to remember how great she was & I will love them like she loved me with ALL my heart!!!

    • Anonymous
      March 1, 2008 at 9:23 am

      Sorry about the post I was gonna say something about the rituxan and just started typing and couldn’t stop I guess I just needed to tell her story it’s only been a month that she’s been gone & everyday is a struggle.

      I think Rituxan was starting to do a little she was getting back a little movement in her hands I know it’s not alot but they had said it would take up to 4 or 5 treatments she only got 3………Her respiratory system was just shutting down…….It was her time to go no matter what they gave her God had decided Jan. 29th 2008 was her day

      She fought till that last day she instisted CIDP would not win!!!
      You all keep fighting!!!!!!!!!!

    • Anonymous
      March 1, 2008 at 11:34 am

      Adina,
      thank you for sharing your story. I’m so sorry for your loss. Losing a family member is difficult enough, but losing someone in such a traumatizing way is even more difficult. I’m sure it will be a very long time for you to get past all this. Clearly you are a strong person because you know the importance of caring for your children and the future. You story touched both of us. Please, know you are in our thoughts.

      Norbert & Carol

    • Anonymous
      March 4, 2008 at 12:26 pm

      It may not be much but there have been some minor improvements since I received Rituxan treatment in October. My tongue is almost back to normal and a few days ago I noticed that I can feel the keys on the keyboard again with my fingertips. I am still almost completely dependent on my power chair and cannot walk without support. I should receive results of yesterdays blood tests in about a week. Hopefully the anti-MAG IgM went down even more indicating that it’s helping.

      A friend of mine in Switzerland received Rituxan at almost the same time as I did just one day later. By now his anti-MAG IgM went down by 50%. His neurologist told him last week that it may not be until in June before he sees any improvements.

      It’s difficult to be patient.

    • March 4, 2008 at 12:46 pm

      Norb,
      I am so happy there is good news. Although they are baby steps, they are steps. You have been patient and optimistic for a long time, so I know you can do it still! Best of wishes and good thoughts are sent your way.
      Dawn

    • Anonymous
      March 4, 2008 at 8:05 pm

      To all my friends,

      Friday was Dell’s first treatment. We were happy to be put in icu and watched very carefully. Dell did fine. Almost at the end of the treatment, his temp went to 100.1 and his blood pressure went up a little.

      After the treatment, we were put in a regular room for his ivig treatment.

      As the Rituxan was going, the dr. came in. He said he had not received the results from the CD subtypes for the lympocytes. I called and got them faxed to the icu. He said he could not understand the lab results, he was not used to reading that labs numbers. He stated if the CD19 numbers were low, Rituxan probably would not do any good.

      I wish we had know this before, if we had seen the numbers, we could have maybe opted not to do Rituxan.

      He redid the CD’s but when we were released from the hospital, the numbers were not yet completed. I just emailed him to see if they were in.

      Dell has a higher temp than normal tonight, 99.9. I gave him tylenol. Did anyone experience a fever days after their treatment?

      Norb, glad to hear your tongue is almost back to normal.

      Adina, That was a very touching story. The drs. seem like they tried their best.

      Love, Lori

    • Anonymous
      March 6, 2008 at 12:00 pm

      [COLOR=”Navy”]This is the continuation of the e-mail exchange with Andrew while the forum was down. This one is from Andrew. It was not me who ran [/COLOR]

      Hi Norb

      I am now getting more and more convinced that there is some improvement in my condition since Rituxan. It does not feel like the stocking effect comes as high on my legs anymore (up to the knees) and I feel like I have more strength – especially endurance. Yesterday I even went for a short run and survived OK. So I think that I’ll go along with the maintenance Rituxan treatments, but I may try to hold off until April/May/June so that there is a gap of 4 months since the infusions of December. From the literature, knowing that the B cells are wiped out until about month 6 to 9, I can’t understand what the maintenance dosages of Rituxan are supposed to do. If they were free, it would be a simple choice (like taking aspirin).

      Take care,
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      March 6, 2008 at 12:15 pm

      [COLOR=”Navy”]While the forum was down, Andrew and I continued our discussion and exchange of experiences via e-mail. Here are some excerpts that might be of interest, not necessarily in the order in which they were sent. The text in blue is mine, and the one in black is Andrews[/COLOR]

      Hi Norb

      I did some searching on the internet for the natural flora and discovered a wonderful site at [url]http://www.textbookofbacteriology.net/[/url]
      It even contains an excellent description of the immune system. From this, I noted that the author talks about plasma cells having a life of only about a week. It would be interesting to know how one might differentiate between the 1-week plasma cells and the long life plasma cells. They must have different functions. Perhaps the long life plasma cells are indeed memory cells, whereas the 1-week plasma cells are innate cells. ????

      The part about the natural flora makes for fascinating reading. I had no idea that we are all filled with such a cocktail of bacteria, starting in the mouth and going all the way through.

      It seems that there is a balance in the natural flora which can be affected by things like antibiotics for one. Hence, I figure that this balance may have been changed as a result of the Rituxan or the after effects of the Rituxan on the immune system.

      I can’t help but think about how much it would mean to me to be able to sit down across from a doctor who really really knows all about IgM MGUS and the treatment with Rituxan. Certainly the neurologist does not know, because it involves so much more than just nerves. The hematologist does not know because it involves the immune system. Would this be the type of thing one could learn about from a trip to Chicago for the GBS-CIDP conference? Have you been to one of them?

      Best regards
      Andrew

      [COLOR=”Navy”]Hi Andrew,

      I ran into a problem with my infected toe. After six days of antibiotics it was still not back to normal. Yesterday I decided to go back to see my primary doc. She referred me to a podiatrist. Last year I lost a toe nail which was slowly coming back but severely ingrown. He said because of reduced blood flow bacteria found a niche under it which antibiotics could not reach easily. He pulled off the nail. I hope he’s right. (he was)[/COLOR]

      I went for a long walk today. Felt good. I believe some strength is returning, but the sensory neuropathy is unchanged. Also, I had a brain wave last night. Ever since the Rituxan in December I have had minor stomach cramps, rumblings, and gas. It ocurred to me at about 4 am this morning that every night I have yogurt before I go to bed and this is made with a bacteria (albeit “good” bacteria). And we know that the level of B-cells is reduced due to the Rituxan, so whatever part the immune system plays in digestion of bacteria bearing foods is probably reduced. Same might be said for milk and cheese. So today I started on a mini diet eliminating the dairy products (except milk on my cereal – a must). Actually, my stomach feels better already. Have you heard anything about this? If you think it is of use to others, I will copy and paste into a posting on the forum under the usual “CIDP – Rituxan Treatment?” thread.

      Take care
      Andrew

      [COLOR=”Navy”]Hi Andrew

      No, I have not heard anything about what affect Rituxan might have on the intestinal flora. I’m not sure that our immune system has any influence since these bacteria probably only populate the matter inside the intestines and not the tissue itself. Antibodies on the mucous membranes prevent micro-organisms from entering.

      Take care
      Norbert[/COLOR]

      Hi Andrew

      [QUOTE]I can’t help but think about how much it would mean to me to be able to sit down across from a >
      doctor who really really knows all about IgM MGUS and the treatment with Rituxan……..[/QUOTE]

      [COLOR=”Navy”]Yes, I know. It’s been very frustrating for me to get good answers. My own oncologist knows everything about cancers and Rituxan but he tells me to ask my neurologist when it comes to anti-MAG IgM neuropathy. As far as he’s concerned the possibility that Rituxan might help with the neuropathy is only secondary to treating my lymphoma. My neurologist actually never set down with me and talked about the immunological part of it. The best answers I ever got were from an immunologist. She participated in the forum for a while probably for professional reasons. This was before the forum was attacked and all the data was lost. Allaug was able to retrieve two of her answers to me. I reposted them but I’m going to include them here in case you missed it.

      Tonight I watched a show on the Discovery Health Channel about one of our forum members who came down with GBS. It was pretty interesting but it did not go into a lot of detail about the pathology. Taking off the commercials it probably was only about 20 minutes, too short to get into it. A lot of it was just drama, interviews etc

      No, I have not been to the GBS/CIDP conference. Heard good reports.

      Take care
      Norbert

      Hi Andrew

      The short-lived plasma cells are the ones in circulation while long-lived ones stay in the bone marrow. If I remember correctly, the author of the article I mailed to you earlier suspects that these are some kind of memory cells which stay around in addition to memory B cells.
      [/COLOR] >
      \
      [QUOTE]Whereas the 1-week plasma cells are innate cells. ???? [/QUOTE]

      [COLOR=”Navy”]They are part of adaptive and not innate immunity. More about that later.

      I read somewhere some time ago that there are more micro organisms in and on our body than our cells. Also, the immune system is more active in the intestinal area than any other place. I still believe that this doesn’t go any farther than the intestinal walls. Within the material inside the intestines antibodies would simply not be able to perform their function. Inside the walls they protect our body from intruders.[/COLOR]

      [QUOTE]Have you had any noticeable change in your condition since the Rituxan? I was thinking that my strength was improving, but today my fingers feel more numb than usual. It might just be from allowing them to get too cold while outdoors during this sub-zero temperature.[/QUOTE]

      [COLOR=”Navy”]I have not noticed any improvements yet. However, Carol seems to think that my hands are getting better. I don’t feel it. Andrew, I would expect that you see improvements much faster than me because your symptoms seem to be less advanced than mine. I also read something to that effect about other patients. To give you a more detailed picture of my symptoms here is a link to a caregiver’s guide Carol just wrote]a few days ago. She will be going to Denver next week for a few days and every other week after that to help out our daughter and her two children. She hired a neighbor girl to come over every day to check on me. The guide is for her.

      [url]http://www.ourbluemarble.us/Norbert/CIDP/Caregiver/caregiver.html[/url].

      See pages 5 and 6

      Take care
      Norbert[/COLOR]

      Hi Norbert
      I had a bit of a cold this week, so it is hard to tell whether my neuropathy is any better or worse at the moment.
      I am frustrated with my Neurologist. In answer to the questions I prepared, the neurologist’s staff clerk (the word nurse would be too complimentary to him) called me today to say that they do not want to test for IgM or antimag because the two tests would tell us nothing. “The only true test of the Rituxan is whether or not the symptoms get better”. He says that if I do not improve, then the test for IgM and antimag would have been useless and unnecessary.
      Have you ever heard such crap? I now wonder whether anyone in the neurology department knows what Rituxan does, other than to reduce neuropathy.
      So I won’t be able to compare notes with you two on blood test results following the Rituxan.
      Maybe I can order them and pay myself. I’ll check out that possibility.

      Take care
      Andrew

      [COLOR=”Navy”]Hi Andrew

      Of course, they are correct in saying that the final proof will be in improvements and not in test results of the anti-MAG IgM. On the other hand, we would like to have some indication that there might be a chance for improvements. The anti-MAG IgM tests would be such an indication. Seems a lot easier here in the US to get those tests some might consider unnecessary.

      Back to the innate immunity:

      1. Innate or inborn immunity is also called natural resistance. It is our first line of defense. It is nonspecific, has no memory, and is not self-limiting (does not stop). It cannot tell the difference between different antigens. It has two parts: external and internal. The external part consists of the skin, body secretions and mucous membranes preventing the penetration of pathogens into host tissues. For example: the skin (better if oily) prevents penetration of most pathogens. Once pathogens enter the body, internal immunity takes over. It consists of physiological barriers, phagocytosis, and inflammation. Cells involved are monocytes, eosinophils and phagocytes.
      2. Acquired immunity is also called antibody mediated immunity. It is our second line of defense. It develops during a host’s life time and is based partly on the host’s experiences with antigens. It is specific, has memory, can distinguish self from non-self, and is self-limiting (except unfortunately not completely in our case). Cells involved are the lymphocites, that is the B cells and T cells. Macrophages, the complement system and inflammation also play an important role.

      Take care,
      Norbert

      [/COLOR]

    • Anonymous
      March 6, 2008 at 12:24 pm

      Hi Norb:

      Do you mean, literally, that you went for a run – as in jogging? If so, then that is quite impressive.

      Continued success to you.

    • Anonymous
      March 6, 2008 at 2:39 pm

      [QUOTE=Dells mom]As the Rituxan was going, the dr. came in. He said he had not received the results from the CD subtypes for the lympocytes. I called and got them faxed to the icu. He said he could not understand the lab results, he was not used to reading that labs numbers. He stated if the CD19 numbers were low, Rituxan probably would not do any good.

      I wish we had know this before, if we had seen the numbers, we could have maybe opted not to do Rituxan.
      [/QUOTE]

      Lori, Rituxan has nothing to do with CD 19. It attaches to the CD 20 marker on B cells. I checked my text again but it is not quite clear on these particular markers. They belong to a group of differentiation markers involved in cell development. When B cells are activated and develop into plasma cells, the ones spitting out millions of antibodies, these markers disappear. The text says that CD 19 [U]or[/U] CD 20 are expressed. That sounds like it’s either one or the other. On the other hand, the blood tests I had done before treatment found monoclonal antibodies with both CD 19 [U]and [/U]CD 20. It’s quite confusing.

      Regardless, what your doctor told you does not make a lot of sense to me. Perhaps the assumption is that low CD 19 also means low CD 20, not enough for Rituxan to target.

      This might be of interest: in this study of patients who received Rituxan treatment one month after treatment no B cells could be detected in circulation. They started to come back after eight months.

      By the way, B cells [U]are[/U] involved in defending against [U]viruses[/U] in circulation – among other intruders. T cells, on the other hand, fight viruses which have invaded our cells. I got this wrong in an earlier post. So be extra careful. The oncologist asked me Monday if i had any indication of the flu. I said “no but there isn’t much you can do about it except wait it out.” He answered “yes there is. You just have to take medication as early as possible.” So if that happens to Dell you should see the doctor right away.

    • Anonymous
      March 6, 2008 at 2:47 pm

      [QUOTE=Billt]Hi Norb:
      Do you mean, literally, that you went for a run – as in jogging? If so, then that is quite impressive.[/QUOTE]
      don’t I wish. I’m using a power chair and can only walk a few steps holding onto whatever I can find. Andew must have mentioned that. I couldn’t find it in the earlier post. He did mention a walk somewhere.

      By the way, the text in blue is mine, and the one in black is Andrews.

    • Anonymous
      March 6, 2008 at 5:36 pm

      Yeah Norb, I saw the post about running and was thinking DANG, I need to get what he’s getting:) But I think any improvement that you are seeing is a good thing. I’m watching your post carefully to see how things go and wish you the best….

    • Anonymous
      March 6, 2008 at 6:06 pm

      Hi Gabrielle, like I said it wasn’t me who ran. That would have been a miracle at this point. Or it would have happened in my dreams – which is sometimes the case. Wishful thinking!

      I am anxious to find out how Dell is doing. If you followed this thread he’s the little boy who just received Rituxan. He does not have my anti-MAG IgM variant of CIDP but common CIDP (for a lack of a better term.) But the way I see it Rituxan should work for him just the same.

      Take care

    • Anonymous
      March 6, 2008 at 7:00 pm

      I just read through your outbluemarble story which was a little humbling. Everything started out so benign. I am still a newbie with all of this but spent 8 months thinking it was all going to go away until I got my correct diagnosis. I realize things area changing with me, but in very small amounts. Like fingers numb, and not being able to type well, outside of the walking problems. I did read about Dell too, and will be curious as to his outcome. My neuro is quite amiable and willing to do what I have asked so that is good. Take care, and you live in one of my favorite places in the US:) I spent so much time hiking out there and skiing. I love it there…

    • Anonymous
      March 7, 2008 at 11:02 am

      Hello to all,

      Thank you for your concern for Dell. We had the 2nd treatment yesterday. All went well, actually better than first, although first wasn’t bad either, just 100.1 and a slightly elevated blood pressure towards the end of the 1st.

      Horrible time at hospital, nurses passing the buck, didn’t get started with treatment until had been there for 6 LONG HOURS, but that is another post, lol.

      Don’t have much to pass along, Dell has had 2 very soft stools but that could also be from solumedrol, it does it sometimes but not always.

      Below is the emails my neuro. and I have been sending back and forth. I’m not good on the computer so I can’t color code them like Norb can, lol.
      _________________________________________________________________
      DEAR LORI,
      YOUR CHILD HAS A DISORDER THAT NO OTHER CHILD HAD SO YOUNG. I GOT THE RESULT OF CD19 (SAME AS CD20): ABSOLUTE COUNT 357 (N: 300-1600) AND 18.7% (N: 14-44%). WITH RITUXAN I WOULD EXPECT A DROP OF CD19 TO 0.1-0.6%. THE RISK OF PML IS SO LOW THAT IT GETS PUBLISHED WHEN IT OCCURS. YOU ARE MORE AT RSIK TO BE KILLED IF YOU TAKE THE CAR AND DRIVE EVERY DAY. LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU DECIDE.
      THANKS,

      Paul Maertens
      1505 Oak Bend CT
      Mobile 36609
      USA

      —–Original Message—–
      From: Lori Massey
      To: [email]paulmaerte@aol.com[/email]
      Sent: Wed, 5 Mar 2008 7:13 am
      Subject: from Dell’s mom, again

      Hey,

      I have a serious question that is upsetting me. What is the chance Dell could develope progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy from Rituxan?

      I know it’s mentioned in a MS bulletin.

      Also, if the CD 19 is low, are we going to continue with the next round of Rituxan? If the number is low, I would not want to take another round. I might be making a mountain out of a molehill but this is my baby and I’m worried to death. I know all medictions have side effects, just like tylenol but this is a drug that not many ppl. have taken.

      Thanks, Lori
      _______________________END OF EMAILS____________________________

      We did b/w before we started Rituxan, last Friday. Yesterday we did some more but I don’t think I have the rusults. I haven’t had much sleep but I will look through my stuff from the hospital.

      Norb,
      What b/w do you think you would be interested in seeing? I have CD2,CD4,CD8,CD19,CD56 and absolutes of each. Also have CD4:CD8, they come together on the lab report.

      I asked the dr. what his other patients on Rituxan looked like, (b/w) but he had not done b/w on them each week, like he’s doing on Dell.

      I’ll keep you all posted. Thanks for the tip on the flu. I ordered 2 boxes of pediatric masks today. He wears them when we go into the general public.

      Thanks for all your love, prayers and help.
      Lori

    • Anonymous
      March 7, 2008 at 1:46 pm

      Hi Lori, I’m glad you posted the e-mails between you and your doctor. As far as CD19 (read B-cells) is concerned, there’s nothing to worry about in my opinion. First of all, they were within normal range to begin with, just a little bit on the low side. This probably is due to the Solumedrol which suppresses the immune system. Like your doctor said we actually [U]want[/U] them to go down with Rituxan treatment. Mine are probably down to almost zero 4 months after my treatment. That’s the goal. CD2,CD4,CD8,CD56 are markers on T cells and other immune system cells. They’re probably monitoring them because of the Solumedrol to see how his immune system is doing. Other than knowing what they are I don’t know how to interpret the numbers.

      Hang in there. I can imagine how tough it must be for you with a child that young. I keep thinking about our three year old granddaughter Sydney and how terrible that would be. Carol just came back last night from babysitting her in Denver. I couldn’t go with her because I’m depending on my power chair now. She told me that Sydney kept asking for me. Do you have a picture of Dell?

    • Anonymous
      March 7, 2008 at 1:46 pm

      Hi Lori, I’m glad you posted the e-mails between you and your doctor. As far as CD19 (read B-cells) is concerned, there’s nothing to worry about in my opinion. First of all, they were within normal range to begin with, just a little bit on the low side. This probably is due to the Solumedrol which suppresses the immune system. Like your doctor said we actually [U]want[/U] them to go down with Rituxan treatment. Mine are probably down to almost zero 4 months after my treatment. That’s the goal. CD2,CD4,CD8,CD56 are markers on T cells and other immune system cells. They’re probably monitoring them because of the Solumedrol to see how his immune system is doing. Other than knowing what they are I don’t know how to interpret the numbers.

      Hang there. I can imagine how tough it must be for you with a child that young. I keep thinking about our three year old granddaughter Sydney and how terrible that would be. Carol just came back last night from babysitting her in Denver. I couldn’t go with her because I’m depending on my power chair now. She told me that Sydney kept asking for me. Do you have a picture of Dell?

    • Anonymous
      March 7, 2008 at 2:29 pm

      Hi everyone
      Sorry for the time away from the forum. Thanks to Allaug and Norb for continued dialogue via email while the forum was down. After the forum came back up again I had to make a business trip and was lucky to go skiing with my family and some of my inlaws. The only trouble I experienced was tremendous pain in my toes towards the end of the day, probably from lack of use resulting from changed gait and other neuropathy related imbalance. But the pain came and went so I was able to stop now and then to let the surge subside and then continue on.

      Lori
      [QUOTE]Thank you for your concern for Dell. We had the 2nd treatment yesterday. All went well, actually better than first, although first wasn’t bad either, just 100.1 and a slightly elevated blood pressure towards the end of the 1st.[/QUOTE]
      Glad to hear that Dell is getting the Rituxan and I sure hope it works soon. I think you are doing the right thing by asking all the questions. We are thinking of you and Dell.

      Adina…thank you for sharing the story of your Mom. I know what you must have been going through because I lost my Dad last year, partly because he was sent home from hospital in a terrible condition and when he was readmitted, it was too late. Initially he was in for pneumonia, but must have suffered some mini strokes in there and was unable to swallow and his blood chemistry went crazy. But my Dad was quite a lot older than your Mom, and it does not seem fair that you lost your Mom at such a young age. Your children will appreciate the memories of their grandmother.

      Norb,
      [QUOTE]there have been some minor improvements since I received Rituxan treatment in October. My tongue is almost back to normal and a few days ago I noticed that I can feel the keys on the keyboard again with my fingertips.[/QUOTE]
      That’s great news!! Especially to hear that you have experienced an improvement in the sensory neuropathy which is so important. I was thinking personally that I had noticed an improvement in motor neuropathy, but I could not detect any sensory changes. What is your status with regard to further treatments. Will you get more Rituxan in April?

      News from today…
      Do not trust anyone who tells you how wonderful the Canadian health care system is. After my neurologist refused to check my b/w for IgM levels or anti-MAG, I had a blood test today so that they can monitor my liver and bone marrow for damage from Rituxan. I asked at the clinic if they could measure IgM and IgG levels and offered to pay for it out of my pocket. Answer is that they are not allowed to run any blood tests without instructions from the doctor. Maybe I will go to a separate clinic next week while I’m in New Orleans and have the tests done there.

      Take care everyone and keep getting better!!!
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      March 7, 2008 at 3:22 pm

      Andrew,

      My sister calls the places that offer walk-in service, “doc-in-the box.” Maybe you can go to one of those places. There is one in my home town that cost a flat fee of $40. The dr. is not affliated to the hospital so this is his only source of income. Can’t believe he could stay in business but he is.

      I live about 1-1/2 hour from New Orleans. What are you going to do there and how long will you be there. I can’t promise anything but would love to meet you.

      Norb,

      Thanks for the info on the CD’s. This stuff blows my mind. If we were talking about how to make cakes and the chemistry between salt, baking powder, baking soda, I’d have no problem but baking a cake is alot easier than figuring out cidp.

      As I’ve told ya’ll in the past, I am almost computer stupid so I can’t send photos. I will try my best to get a neighbor to help.

      Love, Lori

    • Anonymous
      March 7, 2008 at 3:41 pm

      Just wanted to write some things after reading Norb and Andrew’s back and forth.

      Regarding flora: I give Dell a primadophilus pill every day to keep good bacteria in his system. He’s also taking zinc. The immunologist said the zinc is very important.

      Andrew: Can’t remember if you go to an immuologist but if not, I’d make an appt. with one.

      Regarding antibiotics: Don’t forget to get your antibiotics when doing dental work. Dell’s PT’s husband had a bone marrow transplant about 1 year ago. He has to have 2 teeth out and the surgeron did not know he should have an antibiotic. Blows my mind!!!!! Thank God they emailed their dr. at MD Anderson and they said, “of course you need an antibiotic.”

      Our neuro. told us the other day, he’s hoping to kill the bad guys and when they come back, “he’s hoping they will have forgotten their memory and forget they were bad cells.”

      Just wanted to put my 2 cents into the conversation.

      Love, Lori

    • Anonymous
      March 7, 2008 at 8:30 pm

      News from today…
      Do not trust anyone who tells you how wonderful the Canadian health care system is. After my neurologist refused to check my b/w for IgM levels or anti-MAG, I had a blood test today so that they can monitor my liver and bone marrow for damage from Rituxan. I asked at the clinic if they could measure IgM and IgG levels and offered to pay for it out of my pocket. Answer is that they are not allowed to run any blood tests without instructions from the doctor. Maybe I will go to a separate clinic next week while I’m in New Orleans and have the tests done there.

      Take care everyone and keep getting better!!!
      Andrew[/QUOTE]
      Hi Andrew,
      We’re in Vancouver, and my husband’s neurologist gave him a requisition for Athena labs in the States to check his levels. He got it done at the local BC Biomedical lab, but we paid approximately $1200.
      Laurel

    • Anonymous
      March 7, 2008 at 9:09 pm

      I just received the results of my blood tests from Monday except the anti-MAG IgM is still outstanding. This time I created a graph to make it more visual. The results are very encouraging. The decline in antibodies is steady and IgG pretty much parallels IgM. I’m anxious to see the anti-MAG IgM number. It would have been interesting to see the numbers for B cells and T cells as is being done in Dell’s case. But it is too late to ask for it now since I don’t have a baseline.

      [IMG]http://www.ourbluemarble.us/forum/IgM_IgG_Graph.jpg[/IMG]

    • Anonymous
      March 8, 2008 at 11:21 am

      [QUOTE=Dells mom]I live about 1-1/2 hour from New Orleans. What are you going to do there and how long will you be there. I can’t promise anything but would love to meet you.[/QUOTE]

      Hi Lori
      thanks for the suggestion re “doc-in-the-box”. I have looked for a New Orleans diagnostic clinic in the yellow pages and there are a few listed so once I get there I’ll make some calls….that is if I get there. We are having ANOTHER snow storm today and flights are delayed and canceled. It has gotten so that we need to shovel the snow way up in the air to get it over the banks along the driveway. What a winter!!

      I will be at a conference in N.O. and it is always a really intensive week with meetings from 8 am until I go to bed (not exactly the “Big Easy”). I’d also love to meet you and hear more about Dell but to be honest, it may be quite difficult for me to get away. I’ll try to get a better reading on the situation once I get there.

      Regarding the need for defense against infections, I have disregarded the words of my neurologist’s clerk. Certainly if our immune system is in any way compromised, we must take extra precautions. Several thousand years ago, man did not live in large urban centres, travel in airplanes or risk exposure to all kinds of internationally prevelant viruses and bacteria. Our immune systems have not adapted as quickly as the change in our social structures, so I believe that we need to take precautions as a general rule, and more so if we have reduced defenses. So I totally agree with you that masks are important in crowded places and one should wash hands often, especially after touching railings, etc in public places.

      Back to shoveling the driveway (my new winter sport)!!
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      March 8, 2008 at 11:23 am

      Laurel and Andrew,

      I’m sure you both think I’m crazy and you are probably correct, I read Laurel’s post and thought it was Andrew that was going to New Orleans. Anyway, Laurel, let me know about your plans to New Orleans, we are 1-1/2 hours away.

      Norb,

      Would it be too much trouble to tell me what page all your graphs are found on. The ones you posted from your bloodwork?

      My husband sent a nasty letter to the hospital regarding waiting for 6 hours for our Rituxan treatment to START. He got a reply back and this coming week (3rd treatment) they are putting us into the infusion room where Dell used to get his ivig about 2 years ago. The nurses are wonderful and they love Dell. It will be good to be away from all the crap on the floor of the hospital.

      Thanks, Lori

    • Anonymous
      March 8, 2008 at 11:28 am

      [QUOTE=laurel]We’re in Vancouver, and my husband’s neurologist gave him a requisition for Athena labs in the States to check his levels. He got it done at the local BC Biomedical lab, but we paid approximately $1200.
      Laurel[/QUOTE]

      Hi Laurel
      Ouch!! Was that the anti-MAG test which drove the cost up?
      Maybe if I can get a referral from my family doctor to an immunologist, as suggested by Lori, I can get it covered (outside of the treatments being prescribed by the neurologist). Gotta check all the angles.
      Take care
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      March 8, 2008 at 11:40 am

      [QUOTE=norb]This time I created a graph to make it more visual. The results are very encouraging. The decline in antibodies is steady and IgG pretty much parallels IgM. [/QUOTE]

      Fantastic Norb!!
      I hope you don’t mind if l send a copy of your graph to my neurologist to show how important it is to track the correlation between the Rituxan treatment and the effect. To me, the neuropathic improvement will be a corollary of the decreased immunoglobulin levels. This is exactly the way I had hoped to follow my treatments (I guess, being an engineer, I love charts).
      Norb, I sincerely look forward to the day that you post a message on the forum to say that you have dumped the power chair and have gone back to cane or better. I hope that that day is soon.
      Thanks for sharing your progress.
      Best regards
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      March 8, 2008 at 11:43 am

      [QUOTE=Dells mom]Laurel and Andrew,
      thought it was Andrew that was going to New Orleans.[/QUOTE]

      Hi Lori
      You were right the first time. I’m headed for N.O. See my other post.
      It sometimes gets confusing with the “quotes”.
      Take care
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      March 8, 2008 at 5:17 pm

      Hi all!

      Regarding infections, be it viral or bacterial, there has been no change for the worse since my Rituxan treatment in 2005. I have not been suceptible to colds for many, many years, and I can’t remember ever having had the “real” flu. My last BAD cold was in January 2004, just after starting trying out Cyclosporine for what was then thought to be CIDP.

      My husband is a high school teacher and he picks up a couple of colds each year, and catches the flu sometimes too, but they never “jumps” on to me.

      In my youth I can remember having colds that lasted for months, though. The few times I have had colds the last – at least – twenty years, they have been REALLY hard!

      But of course – better safe than sorry, but to repeat myself, it seems that Rituxan did not compromise my immunesystem more than it was supposed to.

    • Anonymous
      March 8, 2008 at 7:00 pm

      Hi Lori,
      here are links directly to the place where the graph and the table are stored.

      [COLOR=”Navy”]http://www.ourbluemarble.us/forum/IgM_IgG_Graph.jpg[/COLOR]

      [COLOR=”Navy”]http://www.ourbluemarble.us/forum/blood_tests.jpg[/COLOR]

      Andrew, of course I don’t mind if you use the graph and the table any way you see fit. With 30+ years in computing and having taught project management I like graphs and tables also. I tried to add the data for the anti-MAG IgM to the graph but it didn’t quite turn out because of the large difference in values. Interestingly enough, Excel automatically projected the two missing values but the resulting curve ended up exactly on top of the IgM one. Here is a separate graph with projected values. I will add the missing one from March sometime next week as soon as I receive it from the lab.
      [IMG]http://www.ourbluemarble.us/forum/antiMAGIgM_Graph.jpg[/IMG]

    • Anonymous
      March 8, 2008 at 8:09 pm

      Andrew,

      Which post are you talking about? Maybe Dell and I could meet you in a “non-germ” place.

      Lori

    • Anonymous
      March 9, 2008 at 8:18 am

      I have been following this thread since Allaug started it way back in May 2006! As an IgA PDN sufferer for almost 15 years I have felt to be a sort of intruder but the discussion about T cells and B cells has come together for me as my experience has taken a sharp downhill turn in the past year.

      Allaug has graciously stated that she had learned from me and my website but I have been learning from her and all of you. Here is my thinking aloud. >

      From my own PDN website. “Paraprotein or monoclonal gammopathy is the presence in the blood/serum of an abnormal amount of any single type of protein/antibody/immunoglobulin.
      WHAT CAUSES THE PARAPROTEIN? The anti-body producing plasma cells in the bone marrow or lymphoid organs have gone out of control. They have expanded to form benign or malignant tumours. These are, so to speak, locked in an “on” position and secrete or spew out clones of the same, single antibody (or immunoglobulin). This process is known as Monoclonal Gammopathy.”

      As a matter of information I had gall bladder surgery by keyhole process in mid-February 1993 and in May a small calcaneal spur removal on my left heel. On the time scale of the monoclonal gammopathy and neuropathy occurring I have sometimes wondered.

      As has been said on this thread when discussing anti-MAG IgM PDN/MGUS this cloning results from one single damaged B-cell getting out of control and the cloning to create a proliferation of monoclonal antibodies over the years – in my case of IgA antibodies and since mid-June 1993. Although the pathogenesis (what happened) is not clear about IgA PDN/MGUS neuropathy it seems possible or even probable that there was an immune reaction to an antigen, possibly a bacteria, targeted by IgA rather than IgG and my peripheral nerve myelin was attacked. The havoc was limited to my feet and mainly to the sensory nerves, but over 14+ years pain has increased, greatly in very recent years, and walking has become disabled in the past 8 months being severely limited by the muscles cramping much more than previously as the motor nerves are sending chaotic messages to my feet.

      As I have indicated on another recent thread there is a relationship between my IgA PDN and anti-MAG PDN/MGUS associated demyelinating neuropathy.

      Some IgA PDN/MGUS associated demyelinating neuropathy sufferers ‘can show features similar to anti-MAG IgM patients’. (Cocito et al 2003.)

      A joint task force of the European Federation of Neurological Societies and the Peripheral Nerve Society reported in ‘Guidelines on management of paraproteinaemic demyelinating neuropathies’ that “a minority of patients with IgG or IgA PDN have the DADS clinical phenotype (observable characteristics) and associated electrophysiological features”.

      Most patients with IgM PDN have DADS clinical phenotype most strongly associated with anti-MAG antibodies. The phenotype is distal (away from the centre point of attachment), acquired demyelinating symmetrical. It is chronic, slowly progressive, symmetric, predominantly sensory involvement, relatively mild or no weakness, ataxia and often tremor.

      That description is closely similar to my IgA PDN clinical and my experienced characteristics. Mainly sensory, mild or little weakness, symmetric, slowly progressive. No tremor initially but I have some now, but that could be age related – now 80+ compared with 65 at onset.

      I am in mid-spell of the half life of IVIg after 5 days infusions 3 weeks ago. No significant change yet. IVIg targets the T-cells? So perhaps I need treatment targetting the rogue b-cells? It has been helpful to some of you be you anti-MAG IgM or CIDP in some cases.

      Your comments please.:confused:

    • Anonymous
      March 9, 2008 at 12:24 pm

      Hello Ken, [QUOTE=kenspdn]IVIg targets the T-cells?[/QUOTE]here is what Threads, an immunologists, wrote about IVIG a couple of years ago.* I would think what she says about IgM also applies to IgA.[QUOTE=Threads]…the mechanisms by which IVIG work aren’t fully understood. But I think this is reasonable based on what we do know….The antibodies in IVIG are primarily IgG class – that is the class of most normal serum antibodies. One action of IVIG is to downregulate Fc receptors – for the IgG class. There have been other proposed mechanisms for IVIG action and some or all might be a part of the package. But it seems that most of the mechanisms are related to the massive infusion of a lot of IgG constant regions, and are not due to specific antigen binding properties of the IVIG. You can see that it will not have the same effect on IgM specific receptors because there is not a lot of IgM class antibodies being infused.I think this is why it is important to figure out whether someone has a pathogenic IgM causing the disease (and so less likely to respond to IVIG), vs. someone with typical CIDP that happens to have a benign IgM spike in their serum.My speculation is that there are also patients where the disease doesn’t involve a lot of antibody production; that it is primarily T cell or NKT cell mediated, and that those patients are also IVIG unresponsive. The clinical literature has noted that patients with a longer course of disease tend to be less responsive to IVIG, and it may be that for typical CIDP (unlike anti-MAG IgM) the antibody component decreases over time and the T cell component becomes predominant.[/QUOTE]I created a graph for you showing depletion of my IgA. In my case it’s always been within normal range.* My suspicion is that your numbers would be quite different.
      [IMG]http://www.ourbluemarble.us/forum/IgA_Graph.jpg[/IMG]

      I do hope that you will see some improvement after your IVIG treatment. However to be honest, if my case is any indication, I am not very hopeful. Like you suggested, treatment targeting rogue B-cells might be a better course of action. On the other hand, every patient is different and to try IVIG first appears to be quite reasonable.
      Take care.

    • Anonymous
      March 13, 2008 at 9:46 am

      Hello everyone,

      We are at the hospital receiving Dell’s 3rd treatment. They are almost ready to plug him in. I’ll post the work when I get it back, it’s pretty quick.

      Boy, there sure is a difference between the infusion room and the floor. On the floor, we would have MAYBE had his pressure and temp. done by now. In the infusion room, they’ve done everything and are ready to hook him up. It would be a couple more hours before hook up time on the floor. It’s a much nicer experience for my husband and I and also for Dell.

      Love, Lori

    • Anonymous
      March 13, 2008 at 9:49 am

      Norb,
      Thanks for that response. I was hoping for some other responses too. My submission must have been too boring.
      As DocDavid wrote in his article for PRACTICAL NEUROLOGY 242 in August 2005. © 2005 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

      ME AND MY NEUROLOGICAL ILLNESS.
      Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy
      responding to Rituximab.

      “A search of the web brought me to two sites [url]http://www.gbsfi[/url] .com and http:// [url]www.gbs.org.uk[/url] on which there are many expert patients and a wealth of knowledge.”

      Along with him I have always found great help on these forums.

    • Anonymous
      March 13, 2008 at 1:09 pm

      We got some of Dell’s b/w but not the CD’s.

      WBC 3.5 low range 5.-15.5
      Seg neutrophils 66.00 high normal range 23.0-54%
      Platelet Count 471 high normal 150-400

      Sed rate 35 high, normal 0-15
      sed has been high for the last few times

      Everyone,
      Did your wbc go down? I’m concerned with that.

      Write when you can, I’m waiting to hear about your wbc.
      Thanks, Lori

    • Anonymous
      March 13, 2008 at 8:13 pm

      I did find the white blood count results. The infu sion Center did their own tests.

      According to them the normal range is 4.0 to 10.0

      Before the infusions: 4.5
      after first infusion: not done
      after second infusion: 5.3
      after the third infusion : 4.9
      after the fourth infusion 5.1

      They did lymphocytes separately which includes just B and T cells

      Normal range is 1 to 4.4

      Before the infusions: not done
      after first infusion: not done
      after second infusion: 1.4
      after the third infusion : 1.2
      after the fourth infusion: 1.2

      Do you know what Dell’s WBC was before he started infusions?

      As I told you on the phone earlier, his WBC is not dramatically low, in my opinion. A drop is to be expected after Rituxan. I’m surprised that mine didn’t drop.

      He will be fine. Take care

    • Anonymous
      March 14, 2008 at 8:06 am

      Last night, after we talked, I looked at the info we printed from the computer on [url]www.drugs.com[/url] for Rituxan.

      Under Less common, “this medicine may also cause the following side effects that your doctor will watch for:
      High blood pressure; low white blood cell count

      I called the mother of the 17 year old our dr. prescribed Rituxan for lupus and RA. Her wbc was not affected.

      His wbc count on 2/29/08 was 9.8, normal (5-15.5). It’s always in that range.

      We do ivig next week and I’m going to write dr. today to ask if we can do it earlier in the week rather than wait for Friday. Don’t you think ivig would help the wbc????

      Thanks,
      Lori

    • Anonymous
      March 14, 2008 at 11:16 am

      Lori,
      the IVIG will give him extra protection against infections but it will not affect his WBC. This is a count of his immune system cells while IVIG does not consist of cells but antibodies. Antibodies are proteins. Since Rituxan reduces B cells significantly, the antibodies produced by them will also be reduced. IVIG replaces what is lost.

      You can see how my antibodies went down if you look at the chart I published.

      Carol and I are thinking of you and Dell all the time.

      Take care

    • Anonymous
      March 14, 2008 at 12:00 pm

      I finally received the results of the anti-MAG IgM test for March. At first I was disappointed because it looked like the number went back up to 15.12 (see graph posted 3/8). But then I realized results came from two different labs. Now I consider the data as inconclusive.

      I am scheduled for my second series of Rituxan starting April 18.

    • Anonymous
      March 14, 2008 at 1:23 pm

      Norb,

      I spoke with the immuoloigist today. I was going to fax results but he was leaving to go out of town.

      He said the same thing you did about the ivig not working to help pull up the WBC. He also said as long as Dell’s acs numbers were above 1000, he felt everything would be ok. The acs numbers are the ones to tell if a patient is neuropenic (spelling). Dell’s is 2310.

      I have been on the computer all morning to make heads or tails of all this. Sorry to hear your numbers were not what you wanted but you are right about the different labs doing the work.

      Don’t you want to get a prescription pad and write your own testing. I hate having to go through a dr.

      Love, Lori
      P.S. Thanks for your prayers.

    • Anonymous
      March 14, 2008 at 5:23 pm

      Hi all
      Made it home last night from New Orleans. Before leaving, I took a taxi ride around some of the neighbourhoods that were so badly affected by Katrina. It was a shock to say the least. So many homes totally gone leaving only the concrete slab on grade. So many lives lost that were never counted. So many lives ruined. It was sad. It was also eerie, like a sci-fi movie to see the streets and the curbs, with driveways but only a few houses dotted here and there, mostly brick houses that were too heavy to float away. Painted information on the fronts of the remaining houses tell the number of dead found in the house out of how many total. Some of the remaining houses are occupied, but many are in a state of ruin with clothing and lampshades and things lying outside. You won’t see that that in downtown New Orleans where it looks like it always did, but out in the residential areas on the East side, the real effect of Katrina can be seen. Clearly more money is needed there to help the rebuilding process.

      Lori, I saw that Dell had his third treatment and it sounds like it went well. That’s good to hear.

      Norb, I agree that you should not put much faith in the level of the anti-MAG measured in your last test. Especially since there are a couple of different tests (Western Blot and Elisa). I tried to find information on standard deviation of anti-MAG measurements, but was not too successful. But I did discover that Rituxan is called MabThera outside the USA and a search on MabThera can bring some interesting information. For example, among other things I found a chart showing different types of NHL at the Mabtherea.com website. I tried to attach it but without success.

      Also, I actually just downloaded the Oxford Handbook of Clinical Haematology from [url]http://docs.ksu.edu.sa/PDF/Articles34/Article340851.pdf[/url] Lori, you might find some answers in it to questions about bloodwork.

      I still don’t have a date yet for my next Rituxan treatment. Yours is coming up soon, eh Norb! That’s great. You’ll soon be running.

      Take care all
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      March 14, 2008 at 6:27 pm

      Norb,
      We were talking a while ago about the book by P. Dyck regarding measurement of degree of neuropathy. I finally made it through the chapter “Quantitating Severity of Neuropathy” which I sent you and actually found it quite interesting once I was able to grasp the terminology. I jotted down a few take-aways and I’ve listed them below.
      • A change in the NDS score of 2 or more is considered significant. This seems important because there are so many measurements involved in the scoring and a 2 point movement found among all the measurements would seem quite possible (higher or lower depending on circumstances)
      • VDT (vibration detection threshold) is a useful measurement, especially for repeatability for any given patient.
      • NDS scoring is useful in the case of group studies due to the reproducibility and consistency between scorers.
      • Nerve conduction (NC) can be effected by carpal tunnel syndrome, etc. and as a result, care should be exercised in evaluating results across a group (lack of consistency between scorers)
      For me personally:
      • Hypoactivity symptoms are much greater than hyperactivity symptoms. In other words, I have numbness and weakness as opposed to spasms, cramps, burning, prickling, etc. I think you are the same.
      • NC test and VDT give a good quantitative evaluation – useful for measuring degree of change (progress/decline)
      • Qualitative tests include reflexes, great toe joint position, cotton swab and pin *****. All show current neuropathy and a change in any one would be significant.
      • Have Stage 2 – symptomatic neuropathy.
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      March 15, 2008 at 10:01 am

      Andrew,

      I live in Biloxi and we have rebounded much better than LA but when you drive down our once beautiful beach, it is very depressing. Antebellum homes were washed away and can never be replaced. Hardly any food businesses have returned. Don’t know what they are all waiting for. It was such a thriving area before the storm.

      Can’t remember what I wrote about Dell’s 3rd treatment but we are glad it’s over with. In the 4th hour, after his temp. went up a little, the blood pressure went crazy. The bottom number at one time was in the 30’s. The nurse took it every 5-10 mins.

      After we received the news of the WBC being so low, the dr. has decided there will be no 4th treatment and I am happy with that. This is such a scary thing for us. I thought the 1st and 2nd were supposed to be the bad ones but the 3rd was the worst for us.

      I’m being nosy but what did you do in New Orleans? My mom goes there every month for a treatment of Orencia for her RA, at Ochners.

      Love, Lori

    • Anonymous
      March 15, 2008 at 1:35 pm

      Hi Lori
      Again sorry that I could not get in touch with you while in New Orleans. I had a tough time getting there due to snow storms here in Toronto, and ended up flying from Buffalo on Monday instead of Saturday. Consequently I had to squeeze a lot into the 3 days I was there. I didn’t even try to go to a clinic. I was at a conference and we had meetings all day every day so there was very little time to relax. I only had my tour of the flooded areas while on the way to the airport.

      My goodness, I am also sorry that I missed your reports on how Dell’s third Rituxan treatment went. That is really scary, especially after things had gone well for the first three hours. I agree with your relief that the doctor has cancelled the fourth treatment.

      While in N.O., in the meantime, I heard from my neurologist regarding my request for IgM and anti-MAG measurements. The reply was that there is no correlation between these measurements and my disease. Now I’m wondering what disease I actually have…or why an increase/decrease in anti-MAG would not have a direct bearing on increased/decreased nerve damage. Also, Lauel’s posting about the cost for this test made me wonder whether I shouldn’t keep trying to get it done under our medical system. So I have been working on that line of reasoning.

      I hope that Dell’s treatments show positive results quickly. I am very optimistic about Rituxan as are Allaug and Norb. One would have to think that the three treatments would be enough for Dell given that he is not nearly as heavy as I am (gotta get working on that problem).

      Have a nice weekend. It’s sunny here but there is still a lot of snow.
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      March 15, 2008 at 1:49 pm

      [QUOTE=Andrew]
      Norb, I agree that you should not put much faith in the level of the anti-MAG measured in your last test. Especially since there are a couple of different tests (Western Blot and Elisa). I tried to find information on standard deviation of anti-MAG measurements, but was not too successful.[/QUOTE]
      According to the lab reports both labs, Focus Technologies in California and Mayo used Elisa and Western blot for confirmation. In November I called Focus to find out how I could relate the index number to the absolute number I received from the Washington University lab in St. Louis two years ago. I did not get an answer. However when I asked about the method used to determine their numbers they told me they are using optical density. I recalled the research work I did 10 years ago in the biology lab at the college where I used to work. I used a spectrophotometer for the measurement. First I established a reference chart which I used later to read off the amount of protein found in different liquids. I did this twice and came up with different numbers every time so I used the averages to establish the reference chart. Perhaps this happened because I was no expert. On the other hand, it may be difficult for anybody to do procedures like that accurately. This may indicate a certain unreliability in the numbers I received for the anti-MAG IgM. Here a link to the research I did then:
      [COLOR=”Navy”]http://www.ourbluemarble.us/Norbert/kombucha/Research/research.htm[/COLOR]

      [QUOTE]I did discover that Rituxan is called MabThera outside the USA and a search on MabThera can bring some interesting information. For example, among other things I found a chart showing different types of NHL at the Mabtherea.com website. I tried to attach it but without success.[/QUOTE]
      I knew about MabThera from my friend in Switzerland but have not done any searches on it. The NHL pie chart did come through as an attachment. Thank you. I fall into the “Other” category, none of the others fit me. The diagnostic code my oncologist used also indicated “Other” which was sufficient to qualify for Rituxan.

      I’ll react to your other post about quantification at a later time.

      Take care

    • Anonymous
      March 15, 2008 at 2:09 pm

      This is a pretty exciting post for me because, as far as I can see, after 100 posts, one becomes a senior member. That sounds so much more knowledgable and important than just “member”.
      The topic for my 100th post is “dirty language”.
      I got a big laugh when I looked back at a previous email I had posted talking about neurological tests including one where they poke you with a pin. Not surprisingly, this test is called the “p i n p r i c k” test. The internet decided that I was using a dirty word and changed the phrase to “pin *****”.
      My apologies to anyone who would be offended by the pr word. I was using the version from the Oxford English Dictionary. Not the one normally reserved to describe one’s boss!!
      Have a great weekend and hi to all the senior members!!
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      March 15, 2008 at 4:34 pm

      OK Mr. Senior Member, that was funny! Congratulations….

    • Anonymous
      March 15, 2008 at 7:37 pm

      Andrew, welcome to the exclusive expert club of senior members. 😀 When I noticed the ***** I thought to myself “wow is he ever discrete.”

    • Anonymous
      March 16, 2008 at 8:52 am

      Thanks Gabrielle and Norb!
      It feels great to be a senoir member. I had to ***** myself with a pin this morning to make sure I’m not dreaming.
      Have a nice day
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      March 17, 2008 at 1:14 am

      I am a care taker for my husband and I have been reading some old threads from 2006 regarding qualifications in order to receive rituxan.

      My husband is receiving prednasone and imuran. He has cidp. Not doing well on it. What is antimag igm or monoclonal gammopathy. Everything seems to refer to these things in order to get retuxan. How do we know if we qualify. I know it is not fda approved and I believe only a oncologist can order it. My husband is going to see one next week. Our family doctor is refering.

      He is also going to see a wound specialist as his nerve bioposy is now causing an infection . The swelling in his feet has opened it up. The nero told the practicianer to start getting him off the prednasone and stop imuran for one week followed by blood test. His balance is terrible. I am sure from the meds. sweats, dizziness and falling even with a cane. This all happened since on meds.
      Doc says he has a severe case. His first protocal is what he is on. We wanted ivig but after he told us Medicare will not pay for it if he does it as an inpatient. Only as outpatient but first times doing this he needs to be in hospital. He is retired and started on Medicare about two years ago. Is there anyone who had ivig in hospital and refused by medicare on payment? please let me know from as many of you as possible.

      Thanks
      Joanf

    • Anonymous
      March 17, 2008 at 7:34 am

      Joan,

      You need to post the question regarding medicaid paying for his ivig on another post. You will get more ppl. seeing it there.

      Your husband needs to go through ivig before they talk about Rituxan. I still can’t believe that stupid doctor did not give him ivig. (I’ve talked to Joan on the phone a few times). The first thing you need to do is get rid of that dr. Then, find a way to get him ivig. That is my opinion.

      Good luck,
      Lori

    • Anonymous
      March 17, 2008 at 11:47 am

      Joan, anti-MAG IgM or MGUS did not qualify me for Rituxan. It is only approved by the FDA for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and rheumatoid arthritis. However, there currently are studies going on for anti-MAG IgM patients with MGUS at Mayo Clinic. Since monoclonal antibodies may point to an underlying lymphoma, I insisted that my oncologist look for it. He did a bone biopsy and did in fact find some indication of a low-grade lymphoma. As a result I got the Rituxan last October. There are some CIDP patients here on the forum who received Rituxan without this kind of diagnosis. It probably was a case where their doctor was willing to convince the insurance company that it was medically necessary and other treatments failed.

      To the best of my knowledge, as far as IVIG is concerned Medicare requires that it is administered at an infusion center on an outpatient basis and not at home. This could be at a hospital or a related facility. Medicare is administered on a regional basis and decisions are not always identical from area to area- at least that’s what it seems judging from some of the posts here some time ago. Medicare in this region never presented any problems for me.

      Two years ago my neurologist prescribed prednisone for me to give it a try. She increased it over a short period of time to 80 mg. Two weeks after that I lost control over my legs, lost my balance and had shooting pains all the way up to my neck. I had to start using a rollator to move around. We stopped prednisone right away over a week and everything improved again. Well, it started going downhill again a year later. Now I’m waiting for results from the Rituxan.

      Carol, my wife, wants me to tell you that her heart goes out to you. She knows how difficult it can be as a caregiver. She recently contacted the local county office on aging and found out about services and support groups available for caregivers. She suggests maybe there is something similar in your area.

    • Anonymous
      March 17, 2008 at 2:27 pm

      Joan
      Sorry to hear about your husband’s condition. The loss of balance and loss of feeling can be a scary thing. It is all caused by damage to nerves including the proprioceptors which are nerves which provide feedback to the brain as to the position of the muscle. This of course includes muscles in the toes which tell the brain how much pressure is being applied so that the brain can respond by altering body position, etc. The wiring on these machines (called the “human body”) is incredibly complex, and indeed a marvel. But you don’t realize what is happening in the background until something goes wrong.
      The damage to nerves can be caused by anti-MAG (anti-myelin associated glycoprotein) which is an antibody which is directed toward the myelin sheath surrounding the nerves. This is more predominant in IgM MGUS than other types of MGUS, but not necessarily exclusive.
      Regarding coverage, I cannot speak for the USA as I am in Canada, but the similarity between countries regarding drug coverage is significant. For MGUS there is no allowance for coverage of treatment with Rituxan because it is still considered experimental (despite numerous studies and success stories). I personally had to pay for it out of my pocket because I did not want to risk waiting any longer to fight the insurance companies or government. I am doing this separately. But Rituxan is covered for some other health issues like Rheumatoid arthritis and non-Hodgkins lymphoma as mentioned by Norb.
      So coverage in your husband’s case may not be out of the question.
      There is no guarantee that Rituxan will work for your husband, and it depends on the real diagnosis. Perhaps he should be given a combination of Rituxan and other medication, as has shown success with others. But again, it really depends on what they can find with the blood tests, etc.
      One personal thought is that the imbalance and other abnormalities seem worse when the feet are swollen which generally happens to me later in the day but may be all the time with your husband because of his medication.
      Sorry if I rambled a bit in this posting. I sure hope that your doctors can pull their act together and get a proper diagnosis and the appropriate treatment. This GBS/CIPD/MGUS is an awful disease because it involves three systems – immunology, hematology and neurology. The experts in one field don’t necessarily understand the other fields. I think that is why there are so many really smart people in this forum – because they are forced to learn about all three in order to understand what is happening.
      We are hoping the best for your husband and continued strength for you as the caregiver.
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      March 17, 2008 at 3:18 pm

      Joan,

      I will start a Medicare thread on the main page with some information that may give a starting point to finding detailed coverage from your state carrier. It will also give others here a central place to share their experiences. Hope it helps in obtaining appropriate treatment for your husband.

      As far as ivig, medicare does cover it as inpatient (here in Texas, my daughter had many inpatient treatments which they eventually paid) – is the hospital an approved medicare provider?

      best wishes
      cd

    • Anonymous
      March 17, 2008 at 6:55 pm

      [QUOTE=compactdisc]I will start a Medicare thread on the main page with some information that may give a starting point to finding detailed coverage from your state carrier. [/QUOTE]
      great idea, thanks

    • Anonymous
      March 18, 2008 at 6:26 am

      When 9 days ago I posted [QUOTE]An IgA PDNer thinking forum aloud.
      [/QUOTE] I said that I was at mid-point after 5 days of IVIG infusions with no significant change. That is still the case in the 4th week. Somehow I did get more mental energy and stamina than for many months as previously I had reached the stage of being exhausted by ever present pain and the tightness and numbness in my feet.
      15 years since it all started. Now I need a cyber discussion with my neuro about what next.:o

    • Anonymous
      March 20, 2008 at 7:29 am

      Norb and others have been posting on the General Questions forum under MGUS.
      I have posted this there but thought it deserved being posted here also:

      [QUOTE]Just to add to the stock of knowledge of MGUS associated neuropathy that is now known in Europe as Paraproteinaemic Demyelinating Neuropathy – PDN.

      In 2006 the European Federation of Neurological Societies and the Peripheral Nerve Society published a report of a joint task force on the management of the PDNs.

      You can read the whole of it on a pdf at [url]http://pns.ucsd.edu/Guidelines_paraproteinemic_neuropathy.pdf[/url]
      Plenty to read there[/QUOTE];)

    • Anonymous
      March 20, 2008 at 1:59 pm

      Ken
      Thanks for posting the link to that report on recommendations from the various studies. I will add this to my collection of important papers as I prepare for a meeting next month with my neurologist to discuss treatment and the monitoring (or not monitoring) of results.
      Regards
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      March 20, 2008 at 7:09 pm

      thanks for the web site. I have the IgM spike and this has a lot of info that i need to cover with the MD.

    • Anonymous
      March 20, 2008 at 10:22 pm

      Hello to all our Rituxan friends,

      Please look on the main forum for our news of the day. I am so tired right now but want to do more research and Dell is getting a solumedrol treatment at 10:30 p.m. so there is no reason to lay down for 1 hour, just to get up again.

      I don’t guess any of you can be Rituxan experts and CD4 experts, huh?

      Thanks for being there when we all need eachother.
      Love, Lori

    • Anonymous
      March 22, 2008 at 9:41 pm

      Hello Allaug,
      I too have been asking all my doctors about this course of treatment, since T have heard of the recoveries reported here.It is true that to get Rituxan, you go to an oncologist, or an internist for treatment. I have found a Dr. who is very interested in working with me, but because I have had so many allergic reactions to all the brands of IVIG except for one, we are waiting until that one too starts to fail, and I have no other options. The reason being, there is a 2 year wait to get on IVIG treatment here! But apparently, if you get your neurologist,g.p. and an internist to work on it, it can be done. I get my infusions done at the outpatient oncology unit at the hospital, so the cancer docs are all over… My hands are killing me, I’ve got to go, but keep me posted on your progress.
      Best wishes, Jo Marie

    • Anonymous
      March 25, 2008 at 9:38 am

      Hello Jo Marie!

      I have seen a few CIDP patients reporting on this forum that they have received Rituxan-treatment, but I can’t remember the details. I only know that in the US, Rituxan is very hard to get if you don’t have any of the diseases it’s approved for by the FDA. Norb knows all about how almost impossible it is to get!

      I don’t know how effective Rituxan is for treating the “classical” form of CIDP, but if your g.p. or rather a hematologist or oncologist can establish that your CIDP-like symptoms might be caused by what is called MGUS (Monoclonal Gammopathy og Uncertain Significance), Rituxan might be effective, especially in combination with another chemo-drug called Fludarabine. In a very few words that’s what “saved” me. Now, I don’t live in the US, and we have a totally different medicare system, where, among other things, all medication one receives as an inpatient at a hospital, and the hospitalization itself, are free, so for me getting the adequate medicine was no hustle when a hospital doctor had decided I should try it, even if at that point he wasn’t sure it would help. This was in 2004, so by now there is more evidence that Rituxan (alone, but even more together with Fludarabine) is quite effective in halting MGUS.

      Consult your doctor(s) about this, and please come back and tell us what answers you got, and of course if you have other questions you think we might be able to help you with.

      Good Luck:)

    • Anonymous
      March 25, 2008 at 4:50 pm

      My mom got three treatments of Rituxan at Cleveland Clinic if that helps any of you. Relapsing/remitting CIDP They had tried everything she was on IVIG(at one point she was on it 1X a week), Plasma Pheresis, Cellcept, steroids and so on I don’t know if they hold the Rituxan till last resort & see if anything else works because I did hear one thing about it quite alot I kept hearing how expensive it is!

    • Anonymous
      March 26, 2008 at 8:28 pm

      Please look on my post on the main section. All of Dell’s problems were port related.

      Also, his CD 19 numbers are “non detectable” so that is good.

      Love, Lori

    • Anonymous
      March 28, 2008 at 4:22 pm

      I know that this question is not directly relevant to Rituxan treatment in itself.
      Has anyone amongst the MGUS neuropathy/PDN ‘posters’ on this forum come across any information as to the incidence and prevalence of this form of neuropathy?
      It may be that such informtion will be very difficult to gather. It may depend on how cases are reported.:confused:

    • Anonymous
      March 29, 2008 at 8:52 am

      To all my Rituxan friends,

      This week, the neuro. allowed me to wean Dell off of some Solumedrol. He gets 4 bottles, 6 hours apart and the dr. said I could give him 3 and throw the other away.

      I don’t think this is because of Rituxan but we saw him walk ALL OVER MY MOM’S HOUSE. She has a wood floor and we have tiles, don’t know if that makes a difference to him. Also, they pay him to walk which is a great incentive, we don’t pay at home.

      I left him for about 1 hour at their house. When I got back, they told him to walk. He walked the perimiter of the kitchen, without holding on and also walked the living room. There is a very small step up from the living room (where they added on) and he was able to walk up it very slowly, without holding on.

      He is very wobbly and slow, but I’ll take that over not walking. Only time will tell regarding how good he gets at walking. When he puts his feet down, it’s not very graceful so I have many questins for the PT. Soon, he will be getting a new walker, one with a seat and all terrain wheels.

      I will get the bloodwork numbers for you all on Monday but since the port problem, all the ones we did when the Rituxan was started are not correct. The only “good ones” I have to compare are the ones from Feb, 07.

      Love to you all,
      Lori

    • March 29, 2008 at 11:02 am

      Lori,
      What wonderful news, WALKING UNASSISTED! I had to read the post twice!!!! I guess God is hearing everyone’s prayers! Keep listening God!!! Have a great weekend!
      Dawn

    • Anonymous
      March 30, 2008 at 1:42 pm

      [QUOTE=kenspdn]Has anyone amongst the MGUS neuropathy/PDN ‘posters’ on this forum come across any information as to the incidence and prevalence of this form of neuropathy?[/QUOTE]
      [B]Ken[/B], from an article I had saved by M.Fisher and J. Wilson “[I]Characterizing Neuropathies Associated With Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS): A Framework Consistent With Classifying Injuries According to Fiber Size[/I]” [QUOTE]MGUS (monoclonal gammopathies of undetermined significance) isotypes, which can be IgM, IgG, or IgA, are found in about 3% of the population older than 65 (Kyle andDyck, 1993) and in 19% by age 95 (Radl et al, 1975). Twenty-nine percent to 71% of these patients have a neuropathy (Osby et al, 1982; Nobile-Orazio et al, 1992; Suarez and Kelly , 1993; Vrethem et al, 1993), which is considerably higher than the 6% of the population with a neuropathy by age 65. [/QUOTE]
      here is another quote from an article by N. Latov in [I]”PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY AND MONOCLONAL GAMMOPATHY”[/I][QUOTE]Approximately 10% of patients with neuropathy of otherwise unknown etiology have a monoclonal gammopathy, identified as an M−protein or paraprotein by serum protein immunofixation electrophoresis. Since the incidence of monoclonal gammopathy in the normal adult population is only 1%, the association in most cases is unlikely to be coincidental. Furthermore, assuming that 10% of patients with monoclonal gammopathy have neuropathy, then 0.1%, or one out of a thousand adults, would be expected to have both conditions[/QUOTE]

    • Anonymous
      March 30, 2008 at 6:06 pm

      Norb:
      Have I got lost in all the zeroes if I then come to the conclusion calculating on the procentages given by N. Latov that in the US alone with approx. 300 million people (well, all of them are not “adult” I know, but only to make it simpler) there would be 300 000 with neurological damages caused by MGUS?

      Seems a very high number – or it is [U]vastly[/U] under-diagnosed!

    • Anonymous
      March 30, 2008 at 6:58 pm

      [QUOTE=Allaug]Norb:
      Have I got lost in all the zeroes if I then come to the conclusion calculating on the procentages given by N. Latov that in the US alone with approx. 300 million people (well, all of them are not “adult” I know, but only to make it simpler) there would be 300 000 with neurological damages caused by MGUS?

      Seems a very high number – or it is [U]vastly[/U] under-diagnosed![/QUOTE]
      Allaug, no you didn’t get lost. But remember, MGUS has a preference for us older folk. This is mentioned in the other quote I posted and Threads also referred to that in one of her old posts. I don’t know what the age distribution is here in the US, but the total number would be considerably less than 300,000.
      Take care

    • Anonymous
      March 31, 2008 at 10:19 pm

      Hey Lori, that’s great to hear that Dell was walking unassisted. And I’m glad to hear that they figured out the blood work issue. I tried to find meaningful information about CD4 and did manage to find quite a bit, but nothing that would have been much use.

      I was in France all last week, a last minute thing, so I have been unable to keep up with the Forum. Sorry for the lack of posts and responses.

      Norb, I seem to be following along in your footsteps, reading tons of information these days, mostly associated with biology of the immune system. One thing I cannot seem to locate is detailed information about the CD20 marker which attaches to the undifferentiated B cell (apparently as a conduit into the B cell for calcium to enter resulting in differentiation). In one of your posts, you mentioned that the plasma cells do not carry the CD20 marker and therefore are not targeted by Rituxan. Do you recall where you found that information about the plasma cells and the CD20. I want to include this in my discussion later this month with my neurologist when we get together to talk about Rituxan treatment and my insistance over anti-MAG measurement (or at least IgM measurements). I want to know as much about B cell immunology as she does so that there can be no doubts.

      I made myself a glossary below for anyone’s use:
      Ab Antibody
      Ag Antigen
      CD Cluster of Differentiation
      CH Heavy chain constant region
      CL Light chain constant region
      CR Complement receptor
      CSF Colony-stimulating factor
      TC Cytotoxic T-cells
      DNA deoxyribonucleic acid
      Fab Antigen-binding fragment
      Fc Crystallizable Fragment (of antibody)
      HLA Human leukocyte antigen system
      Ig Immunoglobulin
      IL Interleukin as in Cytokine designation (eg. IL-4, IL-5, etc.)
      IFN Interferon
      mAbs Monoclonal antibodies
      MHC major Histocompatibility complex
      NK Natural killer cell
      PC Plasma cell
      RNA Ribonucleic acid
      SCF Stem cell factor
      TCR T-cell receptor
      TH CD4 Helper T cell
      TNF Tumor necrosis factor
      TGF Transforming growth factor
      VH Heavy chain variable region
      VL Light chain variable region
      WBC White Blood cell

      Finally, Allaug, A very heartfelt thank-you for your nice email about Toronto.

      Cheers everyone
      Andrew

      Best wishes to all.

    • Anonymous
      April 1, 2008 at 1:22 pm

      [QUOTE=Andrew] In one of your posts, you mentioned that the plasma cells do not carry the CD20 marker and therefore are not targeted by Rituxan. Do you recall where you found that information about the plasma cells and the CD20. [/QUOTE]
      welcome back:D
      This is mentioned in the flyer that comes with Rituxan. I have a hard copy but I’m sure it can be found online too.
      [QUOTE] Clinical pharmacology:… CD20… is not found on hematopoietic stem cells, pro-B cells, normal plasma cells or other normal tissues. CD 20 regulates an early step in the activation process for cell cycle initiation and differentiation, and possibly functions as a calcium ion channel. CD20 does not shed from the cell surface and does not internalize upon antibody binding. Free CD 20 antigen is not found in the circulation.[/QUOTE]
      The source quoted is: Tedder [I] “The B cell surface molecule B1 is functionally linked with B-cell activation and differentiation.” [/I] J Immunology 1985;135(2):973-9 (I googled it, cited by others 80 times. CD20 is also called B1.)

      I also found this in Horst Ibelgaufts’ COPE: Cytokines & Cells Online Pathfinder Encyclopaedia at
      [COLOR=”Navy”]http://www.copewithcytokines.de/cope.cgi?key=CD20[/COLOR]
      [QUOTE] This antigen is expressed specifically on B-cells. Expression in human B-cells is seen first in bone marrow pre-B-cells and persists until plasma cell differentiation (Stashenko et al, 1980, 1981; Loken et al, 1987). …CD20 functions as a Ca(2+)-permeable cation channel and is involved in cell activation and growth regulation of B-lymphocytes (Bubien et al, 1993; Tedder et al, 1985; Tedder and Engel, 1994). [/QUOTE]

      Thanks for the list. I did not know quite a number of abbreviations. You probably know that HLA is another term for MHC in humans.

      Take care

    • Anonymous
      April 4, 2008 at 5:10 am

      Norb
      Thanks for the information about CD20. It will be helpful. I am trying to prepare a simplified review of the biology of B cell development for myself to demonstrate to the neurologist that without measurement of anti-MAG (or at least IgM) there is no way of knowing what effect the Rituxan is having and when it should be taken. Otherwise it is like a headache…if one aspirin works, why not take the whole bottle!! In my opinion, pumping Rituxan into my veins and checking the EMG once a year is like ignoring the immunology and neurology which are at the core of this PDN.
      Speaking of Rituxan, I am going in on Monday for a 375 ml/m2 dosage as one of three maintenance infusions over a three month period.
      You must be going in soon for your second series of infusions, eh Norb? Are you noticing further progress?
      For me, I think I have gained some strength and I can walk with a wee bit more zip in the step now, but after a while I have to slow down again. Maybe it is the feeling of spring in the air…but I hope it is the Rituxan. For some reason it seems like it was easier to detect deterioration than it is to detect progress.
      Take care
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      April 5, 2008 at 9:04 am

      Don’t know if I’ve told ya’ll but Dell is being weaned off of Solumedrol. In a couple of weeks, he’ll be totally weaned. Solumedrol weaning is supposed to be different from weaning off of pills. You can do it much faster with iv steroids.

      Dell is doing fine. I need to ask the dr. if Dell is going to get weak “off” of solumedrol, when should I be watching for the weakness.

      Love, Lori

    • Anonymous
      April 5, 2008 at 5:09 pm

      [QUOTE=Dells mom]Don’t know if I’ve told ya’ll but Dell is being weaned off of Solumedrol. [/QUOTE]

      Hi Lori
      I don’t know much about Solumedrol except that it keeps me awake when I get it (as a normal addition when I get my Rituxan infusions).

      Here is what I could find on the internet:
      [COLOR=”Blue”][B]Stopping the medication[/B]: When stopping this medication after having used it for a long time, reduce the dose slowly as prescribed by your doctor. Stopping the medication too quickly could lead to withdrawal symptoms including fever, muscle and joint pain, and a general feeling of being unwell.[/COLOR]

      Hopefully Dell can get off it easily and not experience any problems.

      Take care
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      April 7, 2008 at 11:47 pm

      I had my Rituxan maintenance infusion today and all went well. I slept through about an hour of it and felt fine when I left. We’ll have to see whether this “booster dosage” will have an effect, because it is only 3-1/2 months since my initial series (which was 1 per wk x 4 weeks). I have two more maintenance dosages to go, each a month apart.

      While studying up on the biology of the immune system, I came to a part which talked about Antibody Mediated Immunity (AMI) versus Cell Mediated Immunity (CMI). Under AMI, naive B cells become stimulated by antigens in the blood stream to produce plasma cells producing antigens and memory B cells. Under CMI the resting T cell after stimulation by an antigen produces both effector T cells and memory T cells. These T cells can then, as one mechanism, produce interleukin-4 which causes activation of B cells.
      What I was wondering was about these memory T cells. Assuming they have a long life (similar to memory B cells although I do not know this to be the case), are they able to mediate B cells to attack myelin? Up to now, I had been concentrating solely on the B cell life cycle and what effect Rituxan may have on B cells. But if, post treatments, when B cells ultimately return to their normal population, the memory T cells “tell” the B cells to attack the MAG in the myelin, then the cycle will start all over again. I guess my question is: can the mutation leading to self attacking clones originate in a memory T cell which mediates the B cells to produce anti-MAG?
      Does anybody have thoughts on this? Or as a rookie biologist, am I way off base?
      Thanks
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      April 8, 2008 at 11:38 am

      Andrew, that’s an interesting line of thought. I have not seen anything about long-lived T cells neither do I know what the normal lifespan is. Being just another amateur biologist, I don’t know exactly how the interaction between T cells and B cells work. What Threads, an immunologist, posted some time ago might shed light on this question:

      [QUOTE]The point behind the immunology is that a whole different class of cells is involved with this condition (antiMAG IgM) than with typical CIDP. It is likely that T cells are out of the picture (and might even be helping), so steroids don’t work, along with cyclosporine and various other drugs that alter T cell function.

      In addition, the autoantibody is different than typical CIDP. In many cases of CIDP there is an IgG class antibody (produced by B cells but requiring T cell interaction)……[/QUOTE]

      It sounds like T cells do not play a role in our case. IgM is produced as an immediate reaction to an antigen before T cells enter the picture. How this phase of the immune reaction applies to us is not clear to me.

      My next round of four Rituxan treatment starts on April 18. There seem to be some more minor improvements. I can now hold silverware without dropping it and appear to have some more strength when getting up from the wheelchair. But I don’t want to be too optimistic in order to avoid disappointment later on.

      Take care

    • Anonymous
      April 10, 2008 at 3:09 pm

      Long time no see, but here I am again!

      Andrew, my experience tells me that some T-cells (regulator T-cells? I really don’t remember the proper name for them) are on our side in the battle against our cloned\-ing B-cells. My being able to explain it is also thanks to the immunologist “Threads”.
      Well, when I was given high dosages of Prednisolon (100 – 80 mg a day) I went down like a stone in a matter of days! I have never been so bad before or since! Pain and weakness increased frighteningly fast, and I felt like “a horse swung very fast around in the air by its tail” (the only way to describe it, and living it was just as crazy as the description!) This was in 2001.

      As Norb said, steroids kills off T-cells, including the regulator ones, and when they disappeared the B-cells were able to multiply even faster and my myelin was attacked even more ferociously. My muscles couldn’t obey my brain, because the nerve-signals could not reach them, and the only sensation left in my skin was pain. When I got my first IVIG six weeks after finishing the steroid “cure”, it helped me back on my feet and some of the natural sensations returned to my hands and feet. It might have been because the IVIG made the regulator T-cells come back in such a number that they were able to decrease the number of rogue B-cells to a certain extent. This is only speculation, but to me it seem logical. The next two times I had IVIG I got worse, but I can’t explain why.

      NORB! I’m so happy for you:) 🙂 🙂 ! I’m sure the “minor” improvements are the small creeks that will converge into a stream, and then a river, of getting better by the day!

      Dear Norbert and Andrew! Remember it has taken me 3 years to be where I am to-day, and I still need pain-killers, I still have some problems controlling the movements of my hands and I still tire fairly easily, but Oh Boy! am I a long way from being where I was pre Rituxan!

      I’ll close by telling this meaningful “joke” that I think applies to you two guys:

      “Mom, mom! How far away is Europe?” “Shut up and keep swimming!”:D

    • Anonymous
      April 11, 2008 at 5:49 am

      Hi Allaug and Norb and everyone else reading this thread,
      First Allaug, that is a very convincing evidence of the fact that the regulator T-cells are needed to moderate the activity of the B cells. And the Threads had already addressed it too as Norb indicates. I was inclined to agree with that all along but I guess I was more interested in the effects of the Long Lived memory T-cells which are different from the regulator T cells. However, it may not really be important anyway because things like steroids probably do not know one T cell from another. The last thing I want is to be swung around by the tail. 😀
      After my Rituxan infusion on Monday, my feet feel tight for the last couple of days which surprises me. Maybe it is a bit of an alergic reaction causing some swelling or something and not related to myelin damage. I hope.

      I am writing up a review of what I’ve found regarding IgM MGUS and Rituxan treatment, which I hope to have done in the next few days (its supposed to rain all weekend). It helps me to get a handle on everything as I prepare for a one-on-one with my neurologist later this month.

      Have a good weekend.
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      April 11, 2008 at 5:58 pm

      I was curious to see what the levels of Rituxan are in our systems, knowing from various publications what the half lives are. I took the infusion schedules for Norb and I and plotted the two of them.
      – Norb had/is having two series of infusions spread 6 months apart. Each infusion is 375 mg/sq m and they are 1 per week for 4 weeks for each series.
      – I had one series, but now am having 3 maintenance infusions spread each a month apart.
      – I used 21 days as the half-life for Rituxan whereas literature talks about 19 to 22 days.
      – The horizontal scale represents 52 weeks
      Here are the results

      [ATTACH]1145[/ATTACH]

      [ATTACH]1146[/ATTACH]

      Of course, we do not know whether this makes a difference in efficacy. One of the immediate take-aways is that you can see why they suggest 6 months between infusion series. Otherwise the depletion would be complete.
      Comments are welcome. Allaug, I can add yours too if you want. I just need to know the dates of your infusions and whether they are all 375 mg/sq m.
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      April 11, 2008 at 9:01 pm

      I was curious to see what the levels of Rituxan are in our systems, knowing from various publications what the half-life is for Rituxan. I took the infusion schedules for both Norb and I, and I plotted the two of them.
      – Norb had/is having two series of infusions spread 6 months apart. Each infusion is 375 mg/sq m and they are 1 per week for 4 weeks for each series.
      – I had one series, but now I am having 3 maintenance infusions spread each a month apart.
      – I used 21 days as the half-life for Rituxan whereas literature talks about 19 to 22 days.
      – The full horizontal scale represents 52 weeks
      Here are the results

      [IMG]http://www.ourbluemarble.us/forum/NorbRituxan.jpg[/IMG]

      [IMG]http://www.ourbluemarble.us/forum/AndrewRituxan.jpg[/IMG]

      [IMG]http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/6448/allaugrituxanlevelmi7ut5.jpg[/IMG]

      Of course, we do not know whether this makes a difference in efficacy. It probably depends on the individual circumstances.
      One of the immediate take-aways is that you can see why they suggest 6 months between infusion series. Otherwise the depletion would be complete.
      Comments are welcome. Allaug, I can add yours too if you want. I just need to know the dates of your infusions and whether they are all 375 mg/sq m.
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      April 12, 2008 at 7:28 am

      Very interesting, Andrew!

      I really don’t know the dose I got, but let’s assume (and I don’t think it’s far from the truth) I had 375 mg\sqm too. I remember they calculated the dose using my weight and lenght anyway.

      So I had four infusions 28 days apart, and my doctor told me his book said that it should be exactly 28 days, even if it was a Sunday 28 days after the previous infusion, I should come back. BUT he also said that he would admit he didn’t know why it had to be so exact!

      Looking forward to see my table, Andrew:o – I wonder what conclusions can be drawn from comparing our different infusion rate!

    • Anonymous
      April 12, 2008 at 4:21 pm

      Hi Allaug
      I added your chart under Norb’s and mine based on the information you gave. It says that you need another infusion about 30 weeks after the first one if you want to maintain a level of Rituxan in your system. I can’t say what is right and what is wrong because I am certainly no doctor. If you show this chart to your doctor, it would be interesting to hear his reaction. 🙂
      The curling game between Norway and Canada is still going on.
      Very exciting
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      April 14, 2008 at 8:45 am

      Thank you very much, Andrew – seeing the different graphs for the three of us, should provoke a debate among the specialists, and even though the final results (the recovering rate and eventual level) for each of us aren’t exactly comparable, since I got Fludarabin together with the Rituxan, I’m of the opinion that what one can learn from this might at least be a starting-point for further reseach in the matter of finding out the most effective way of administering Rituxan to patients with B-cell related neuropathies.

      I’m seeing my hematologist on May 7th, and I have filed your graphs among my medical documents for ready printing when the time comes.

      You say that I ought to have a maintenance infusion about 30 weeks after the main treatment, and of course statistically it might seem correct, but when my IgM level and B-cell count have both been within normal range ever since August 2005, it has not been necessary “in real life”. These levels (among many other blood tests) are measured twice a year, and my doc told me very early on that if the signs were ominous, I would get a new round of medication.

      It seems that my first treatment killed off the mother and all the daughter rouge B-cells, but I might still have “cancer” stem-cells somewhere in my system, and one can never know when one or more of them will mature into dangerous B-cells and make my disease (don’t you agree that this ailment is more 😮 than a mere “dis-ease”, though) return.

    • Anonymous
      April 21, 2008 at 7:52 am

      Good morning to everyone,

      Don’t have much to report, just thought I would check in. Dell had 2 crowns and 3 cavaties filled at a hospital Friday. They did a CBC periphial and it showed a slightly elevated WBC.

      Also wanted to report Dell has not had one elevated temp. since he started Rituxan. If you remember, Dell was having elevated temps. about every 2 weeks. So, from Feb, 29th till present, no temp. He’s had that since being dx.

      Still have not had another flow cytometry. The hopsital where we went was going to draw from the port but they would not put it back (the discared). Now, I’m asking for 15 cc’s to be discarded before they put the blood in the tubes.

      Also, Dell weighs 30 lbs. now. He’s gained at least 1 lb. since Rituxan was started. I’m not saying it’s Rituxan that is making him gain weight, he’s always been on the very bottom (3%) of the height and weight chart. Any gain is exciting.

      Love, Lori

    • Anonymous
      April 29, 2008 at 9:48 pm

      Hi folks
      Just thought I’d report back on the results of my meeting today with the neurologist. As background, I had written a report suggesting measurement of anti-MAG to define treatment with Rituxan for IgM MGUS.
      On the positive side, the neurologist congratulated me on a paper well written and logical. But, she still feels that there is no correlation between antibody levels and improvement/deterioration of neurological symptoms. Nevertheless, I was given the option of paying for anti-MAG tests myself. At a couple hundred bucks a test, I declined for the time being. (what a wimp!! if I had paid, and got the results I could possibly have proved my theory but more importantly I would have supported my convictions. Now that I think of it, I was a total wimp!)
      So, they did the normal tests, walking on toes, walking on heels, push feet up, push feet down, etc. Then another VDT and an EMG. Results unknown. But the strange thing today was that there was a big difference between the VDT on my left foot from that on my right foot. They used to be identical. My feeling is that the left foot is improving…maybe the damage is symetrical, but regrowth and repair is asymetrical.
      Surprisingly also, I was able to walk on my heels. I could not do that before starting in January 2007. So that is a big improvement.
      Basically it seems that motor nerves are improving generally, and possibly sensory nerves although not equally or symetrically.
      I will have two more Rituxan treatments – one this Thursday and one in early July. Then my next appointment with the neurologist will be in September.
      One other thing is that I read my charts while the doctors were out of the room. My anti-MAG level was measured as 51,000 back in October 2007 compared to normal of 1500. (this confirms the claim at the time that my level was 30 times that of normal).
      Norb…I noticed in a previous post you made that your level was 12.1. Do you suppose that mine, on the same scale as yours, would show as 51.0? Or is there a different unit of measurement?
      Well that’s the summary of events from today.
      Where to from here?????
      I don’t know what I should study anymore now. Maybe it is best to just bash on…keep taking the Rituxan and trying to get in shape. The GBS/CIDP hike near Toronto is coming up on May 25, so that will be a good challenge.

      Norb, I saw the photos of your new vehicle. Wow…what a great looking car! But surely you will be selling it in a year or so when you no longer need it. Keep up the recovery and enjoy the new car!!

      Regards
      Andrew

      PS. There was another neurologist at the clinic today who told me about a simple strength measuring device that a patient designed with pullies and ropes. It was designed to replace the hospital test used by staff which depended on the size and strength of the attendant measuring the patient and was too variable and inconsistent. With the pulley, rope and weight device, results were consistent and progress was quantifiable. That’s what I had set out to prove today with my paper. Maybe I need to go back and develop/find more proof. Tomorrow. Bonsoir.

    • Anonymous
      April 29, 2008 at 11:03 pm

      WOW, you can walk on your heels? I can only dream… When we do exercises in water aerobics involving the ankles, toes, heels, etc. I just go through the motions, as mine haven’t moved in 6 years now. But I am not complaining, I am happy to be able to walk at all, even if it is with a cane & AFOs. If I were in your shoes, I would be out taking a real walk, how wonderful that would feel after this ridiculously long winter. Enjoy!
      Pam

    • Anonymous
      April 30, 2008 at 8:06 am

      [QUOTE=Pam H] If I were in your shoes, I would be out taking a real walk, how wonderful that would feel after this ridiculously long winter. Enjoy!
      Pam[/QUOTE]

      Hi Pam
      Thanks for the encouragement. I am starting to do ankle strengthening exercises now so that I can get back to walking properly. It seems like the Rituxan is really starting to work.
      You know…being able to walk is such a gift that people just take for granted. It always amazes me at airports that people head straight for escalators and moving sidewalks, especially after sitting on the plane or at the gate for hours. We should all try to walk more and enjoy it.
      Good luck with those exercises Pam. Keep at it and don’t give up. (but don’t overdo it either!!) 🙂
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      April 30, 2008 at 9:17 am

      Well Andrew that sounds like great news! I don’t think I can walk on my heels or my toes:) I’m impressed you can jog though too:) And Norb too, with improvement. I wish you both the best! And keep posting so I know what’s going on with all of you, Dell included! Gabrielle

    • Anonymous
      April 30, 2008 at 9:53 am

      Andrew,
      I did not have the rituxan treatment, I had the cytoxan infusions for 9 months to wipe out my immune system. I guess they were trying to get rid of the bad antibodies that were destroying my immune system & then allow it to reboot. Anyways, I think the idea behind both treatments is basically the same.
      I ended treatments in Sept of 2003 & by Christmas I could feel more strength in my arms in legs. But it took until the following summer for me to actually get into rehab & try walking. That summer my hand improvement also began to happen. What I am saying is that it takes some time for the nerves to heal once treatments have been initiated, and I continued to see minor improvements for the first two years after my chemo ended. I hope it works the same for those of you on rituxan…
      Pam

    • Anonymous
      April 30, 2008 at 1:31 pm

      Hi Pam
      Steady as she goes, and eventually we’ll get there!!
      You bring up a good point about the time it takes to heal nerves. My conclusion from my very limited exposure, especially compared to others, is that the slide downhill is much steeper than the one uphill. I guess I am referring more to those with chronic illness where the progression starts slowly, because GBS is a whole different story. But with something like PDN (MGUS), the symptoms start very slowly but seem to grow exponentially. Then after treatment, there is a time lag, followed by very slow improvement (maybe straight line rather than the exponential damage), and my take on this is that it never reaches 100% because of the scar damage in the myelin. It seems that the lesson from this is that time is of the essence in diagnosing and treating the disease. Sadly, with an immune system disease, so many disciplines are involved including neurologists, hematologists, immunologists and possibly the family doctor (who is 9 times out of 10 unaware of the disease), it is difficult to pull it all together. And it never seems like life or death, so it is hard to get to the front of the line.
      Well, enough philosophy for today! We are all here and that’s good and we should keep moving forward to the best of our abilities. 😉
      Keep smiling.
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      April 30, 2008 at 1:47 pm

      [QUOTE=gab111]I’m impressed you can jog though too[/QUOTE]

      Hi Gabrielle
      Thanks for the comments. Actually, the heel-walking was a total surprise because I couldn’t do it before and yesterday I could manage it. I have another Rituxan infusion tomorrow so maybe I’ll be walking on my hands next week… ha ha 😀
      I tried to go running with the old running group at the Y on Saturday morning, but within 3 blocks I could hardly see the last of them, so I took a shortcut back to the Y. On Sunday I could hardly walk because both achilles were aching. But they are back to normal again now.
      Slowly but surely.
      Hey Gabrielle, you are a nurse, eh!! My wife, Marian is a nurse in ER. I feel fortunate with MGUS compared to what she sees in a shift.
      Take care
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      April 30, 2008 at 3:52 pm

      Andrew you let me know when you are walking on your hands:) I may just run for you then!! I had to get up and try but I can walk on my heels two or three steps but not at all on my toes. But my quads are what are shot and I walk mostly straight legged. It’s a semi graceful waddle but hey it works.

      Yes I am an RN. I worked ER and the unit for a while and loved it. I went into home care many years ago for the autonomy and because I felt like I was doing so much more for my patients in their environment. I love nursing, just despise the paperwork. But you are right, compared to some of the stuff that goes on, I am blessed and trust me, I don’t ever forget that! Take care, Your soon to be running Florida friend, Gabrielle

    • Anonymous
      May 1, 2008 at 6:43 am

      Hi Gabrielle
      I’m getting an early start today as I will spend all morning in the infusion chair at the clinic getting pumped with Rituxan.
      Interesting that you mention the calf muscles. When I found that walking and running were difficult, and that the eliptic trainer was comfortable, I started using it all the time. Then someone told me a couple of weeks ago to try to get some other ankle exercise because the eliptic trainer does not really work the calf muscles. When I tried running again, I discovered that they were right. Both my achilles were aching afterward and I could hardly walk the next day. So now I’ve added a routine of doing lifts onto the balls of my feet while holding onto the bar for balance. A little at a time and doing repeats each day should help out in the long run. Maybe this would be helpful for you too. I imagine that on the recumbent bicycle your calves get some working too.
      I would love to run again in Florida someday, if I can get to that stage. I did the inaugural Disney marathon on 1994. It was excellent. Looking back at the photos brings back good memories.
      Keep up the progress Gabrielle. Maybe we can make up a GBS/CIDP triathlon team someday. You do the cycling and swimming and I’ll do the running!! 🙂
      Have a nice day
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      May 1, 2008 at 5:03 pm

      [QUOTE=Andrew] At a couple hundred bucks a test, I declined for the time being. (what a wimp!! …)..Where to from here????? I don’t know what I should study anymore now. Maybe it is best to just bash on…keep taking the Rituxan and trying to get in shape. [/QUOTE]
      I would not have done that either. Sorry you can’t get the blood tests you wanted. But looking at my own values and how they change over time (see graphs below) and how they may or may not be related to the Rituxan infusions, it really does not make any difference one way or the other. It just satisfies my “scientific” interest or curiosity. [QUOTE] Norb…I noticed in a previous post you made that your level was 12.1. Do you suppose that mine, on the same scale as yours, would show as 51.0? Or is there a different unit of measurement? ….[/QUOTE] I asked my oncologist two weeks ago about this. He told me that this was not a unit of measure but simply an index. So I’m still in the dark.

      Yesterday I finished the third Rituxan session with one more to come next week. Everything is going well except for some discomfort, mild flu-like symptoms actually. Here the updated graphs of my antibody levels. The blood test in April 08 was done before my first session. The slight increase in IgM and IgG levels seems to indicate that the B-cells are starting to come back slowly, sooner than expected based on results of other patients. The anti-MAG IgM continues to go down very slowly. I eliminated the one result of the test done at Mayo from Jan 08 since it does not make sense.
      [IMG]http://www.ourbluemarble.us/forum/IgM_IgG_Graph-0408.jpg[/IMG]
      [IMG]http://www.ourbluemarble.us/forum/antiMAG-Graph-0408.jpg[/IMG]
      I still continue with “baby step” improvements. Some of it I may have reported earlier. I can now hold silverware without a special plastic holder and pick up my daily pills off the counter with some effort and concentration. Getting up from power chair has become easier as long as there is a wall right next to me as a safety net. I no longer have the feeling my knees might buckle. However, I am far away from walking on my heels or hands like you, Andrew.:D
      Take care

    • Anonymous
      May 2, 2008 at 7:25 pm

      Hey Norb…HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUDDY!!!!
      Thank goodness the IgM MGUS should not effect one’s ability to blow out 40 or 50 candles!! 😀
      Thank you for posting the updated charts. I think you might have cause for some big celebration, looking at the anti-MAG chart. To me, it looks like the plasma cells, uneffected by Rituxan, kept manufacturing anti-MAG from November 07 to March 08, then due to their half lives, they died off and so too did the manufacture of anti-MAG. It will be interesting to see what it is like in the next measurement. Will that be this month?
      I have decided to get my anti-MAG measured too, even though I’ll have to pay for it. I think it would have to represent a more scientific way of knowing when and if to take more Rituxan. The only other method is to wait until the numbness starts to spread again, but then it is too late. The short term damage might exceed the long term battle for improvement. I may be totally wrong, but it can’t hurt, especially if I can postpone a few expensive Rituxan infusions and still feel comfortable with that decision. To be honest, I do have some concerns about the long term effect of staying on Rituxan forever, given that no B cells can exist while we are on Rituxan.
      I am sure hoping the best for you Norb in terms of those small things that keep improving and eventually become big things, like walking unaided!!
      As for walking on hands…I’ve never been able to do that, not even in the Southern Hemisphere.
      Enjoy the get-together with family for your birthday. Also, thanks for sending the links today to the NCBI and NLM.
      Cheers
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      May 3, 2008 at 11:20 am

      [QUOTE=Andrew]Hey Norb…HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUDDY!!!!
      Thank goodness the IgM MGUS should not effect one’s ability to blow out 40 or 50 candles!! 😀 [/QUOTE]
      thanks Andrew. Try 75, they almost set my beard on fire this morning.:eek: actually it was only three fourth of a candle, one fourth for each quarter century.
      [QUOTE]Thank you for posting the updated charts. I think you might have cause for some big celebration, looking at the anti-MAG chart. [/QUOTE]
      actually it doesn’t really look that great if you consider the scale with .20 steps. If there is actually a quantitative relationship between the numbers and the amount of anti-MAG IgM, a drop from 15.2 times normal to 14.8 does not appear to be very significant. I would have expected it to drop by the same ratio as did the total amount of IgM. I should substitute with the kind of numbers used by the lab in St. Louis and graph it. But Carol is waiting for me to get off the computer to get started with the “big day”.
      Talk to you later.

    • Anonymous
      May 4, 2008 at 10:21 am

      Happy late Birthday Norb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Just wanted to send a small note to my friends of Rituxan. Dell continues to have NO elevated temps. We are totally off of solumedrol. We are keeping a sharp eye on him. We are still fighting fungus on the *****. He’s on a creme and also diflocan. This is a problem that has existed for about 2 years now.

      Ppl. that have not seen him in months are so impressed by how he looks. Yesterday, he took his walker to our backdoor, he was outside, climbed 2 steps while holding onto the door jam and opened the door. That is really exciting. It’s scary too because he could loose his balance easily but I have to let him do things.

      He has his helmet on at all times when he’s up moving.

      Love, Lori

    • Anonymous
      May 4, 2008 at 12:02 pm

      Thanks for the birthday wishes, Lori. That is good news about Dell. I hope his improvements continue and he can stay off the steroids for good.

      Have a nice Sunday

    • Anonymous
      May 9, 2008 at 4:21 pm

      Sorry I missed your birthday, Norb – but I have only occationally had time to browse the forum lately, but I guess you managed to have a swell day – as your days go – despite my ignoring it at the time!

      A few days ago I saw my hematologist again for my 6 monthly ceck-up. I haven’t got the results of the blood-work yet, but what I can tell you is that he was very interested in Andrew’s charts concerning his, Norb’s and mine different regimens of getting our Rituxan treatment. My doc doesn’t have many ( if any) patients with MGUS induced PDN, but quite a lot with many different kinds of diseases caused by aberrant B-cells, and all of them get Rituxan to kill the monoclonal cells. He was impressed by your work, Andrew!

      He said that one could never be certain that there were no more cancer stemcells, so monitoring for a new increase of monoclonal cells was of the utmost importance, but to give a follow-up dose of Rituxan when all the aberrant B-cells were gone, was in his opinion of no use, since the cancer (MGUS)stemcell avoided being killed by Rituxan until it canged into a B-cell.

      My hematologist and I had a long and interesting talk about his work with MGUS induced illnesses, and he even gave me his e-mail address so I could mail him if anything of interest to him would turn up here or I got\found it elsewhere.

      To-morrow, I’m going down to the island for the summer, so next time I’ll write from my summer paradise – this year with my own camera so I can shower you with beautiful panoramas and wonderful details!

      So long:)

    • Anonymous
      May 11, 2008 at 2:24 pm

      Back at 04-11-2008 Andrew wrote:
      [QUOTE]I am writing up a review of what I’ve found regarding IgM MGUS and Rituxan treatment, which I hope to have done in the next few days (its supposed to rain all weekend). It helps me to get a handle on everything as I prepare for a one-on-one with my neurologist later this month.
      [/QUOTE]
      Have I missed something as to the publication of your review Andrew? I am very interested even as an IgA PDN’er.
      I get to visiting the forum from time to time. My wife is also ill now having been my support for years. She travelled 16 miles by public transport to visit me when in the 15th year of my experience of this neuropathy I had IVIG over 5 days in mid-February. Did nothing for my neuropathy though. Just recently the local atmospheric pressure effects (referred to on my website) have been causing big problems.
      Also I now have wretched skin rash problems that I have never experienced before in my life.
      Now I am trying to support her.

    • Anonymous
      May 26, 2008 at 1:38 pm

      Hello to all,

      You know that Dell has been doing very well and I guess we’ve been bragging too much. He was weaned off solumedrol and had none for 2 weeks. He started SLOWLY loosing strength so the dr. and I agreed there was nothing left to do but to start him back on it.

      He’s administering it a little differently. Instead of 4 doses that equal 160 mg, he’s giving 160 mg all at once. The nurse stays at the house while it goes in for 1 hour and she checks vitals. So far (2 times) his bloodpressure or heart rate has increased.

      Friday evening, he developed a cough and fever and it’s Monday and he still has it. It’s gone up to102.6 and he’s been coughing his head off. We took him to ER last night and chest xray said everything was fine.

      I guess he’s been doing too good for too long.

      Hope you all are having a good Memorial Day.
      Love, LOri

    • Anonymous
      May 27, 2008 at 5:59 pm

      Hi Lori, this must be pretty worrisome for you. It sounds to me like some kind of infection and I hope that’s all it is. I’m sorry to hear that Dell’s condition has gone downhill again but in my opinion it is too soon to write the Rituxan off as a failure. A friend of mine in Switzerland who received Rituxan in October, the same time I did, was told by his neurologist it might take until June to see improvements. Before that his condition might actually worsen. I hope this is the case for Dell. I’ve seen some improvements but nothing major yet. Sometimes I think some of my symptoms have gotten worse but overall I didn’t really go downhill.

      Hang in there and take care.

    • Anonymous
      May 29, 2008 at 5:14 pm

      Norb,

      I’m not writing Rituxan off at all but what I wonder about is…remember Dell had the recurrent fever since cidp symptoms started. He would have them about every 2-3 weeks. Anyway, after Rituxan was started, never saw another elevated temp until about 2 weeks ago (that’s when he was off the solumedrol). Rituxan did something and stopped the elevated temp…. I just don’t know why it started again.

      Lori

    • Anonymous
      June 6, 2008 at 11:56 am

      [QUOTE=Dells mom]Norb,
      I’m not writing Rituxan off at all but what I wonder about is…remember Dell had the recurrent fever since cidp symptoms started. He would have them about every 2-3 weeks. Anyway, after Rituxan was started, never saw another elevated temp until about 2 weeks ago (that’s when he was off the solumedrol). Rituxan did something and stopped the elevated temp…. I just don’t know why it started again.Lori[/QUOTE]

      How is Dell doing? I don’t have a clue what the possible connection might be between Rituxan and stopping elevated temperature. The only thing I’m aware of is a possible immune reaction [U]during[/U] treatment resulting in elevated temperature.

      I have not checked in here for while since I’ve been busy planning our long road trip east in a couple of month. (See thread “just checking in”). June was supposed to be the magic month when major improvement would start showing up. It’s not happening and I’m just about to declare Rituxan treatment for me a failure. This is probably because anti-MAG IgM has not gone down significantly even though total IgM has gone down. I have no explanation for that. On the positive side, it appears that my symptoms have not deteriorated during the last few months possibly due to the Rituxan treatment. As I mentioned earlier, I had a repeat treatment April /May. Maybe this time it will do a better job. 😀 in a couple of weeks I have another appointment with my oncologist and more blood tests. I’m anxious to see the new antibodies values.

    • Anonymous
      June 10, 2008 at 2:10 pm

      Somewhere pages back on this thread is Norb’s link to Doc David writing for medical folk about his Rituxan treatment for his CIDP.
      It was his renal failure, around the time of acquiring CIDP, that made David’s problems very complicated.
      We are all grateful to him.

    • Anonymous
      June 10, 2008 at 3:24 pm

      Norb and friends,

      sorry to hear things are not going well for you. Dell is doing fine. Today, we went to a children’s program at the library and I made him wear his mask. Too many kids around.

      We did a 10 day antibiotic for that last cold and he’s doing well on his strength. The solumedrol is still the same 160 mg and I’m looking forward to his appt. with the endocronologist. Since he’s the steriod man, I’m hoping he can talk with me about lowering his solumedrol to maybe 100 mg. The neruo. is the person prescribing the solumedrol but I know the endo. is the real “specialist” when you’re talking steriods.

      We were going to let him go to the special needs class at the public school but this latest sickness has made me think twice. I wonder if I could just let him wear his mask.

      I’m going to read about DocDavid after I post this.

      Love, Lori

    • Anonymous
      June 10, 2008 at 4:58 pm

      [QUOTE=Dells mom]So far (2 times) his bloodpressure or heart rate has increased.[/QUOTE]

      I don’t know if you are worried about this nor do I know if this might help a child.
      Steroids impair potassium (and calcium which is why people can get bone loss) absorption. Steroids also increase sodium absorption. The increase of sodium and decrease in potassium can raise blood pressure. Increasing potassium while on steroids helps keep the blood pressure lower as it takes fluid (and sodium) out of the cells. Try asking your Dr to see what he says.

      Kristin

    • Anonymous
      June 10, 2008 at 9:12 pm

      Thank you for your post.

      Dell’s potassium has been low in the past and we need to have it checked soon. He takes extra vit. D and 99.9% pure calcium because of the bone problems associated with solumedrol.

      I hate him being on the drug, but what are you going to do? It keeps him strong. It’s a catch 22. Also, have you ever tasted potassium? It is one of the most horrible things I’ve ever tasted. It ranks up there with fish oil and cyclosporin.

      Love, Lori

    • Anonymous
      June 12, 2008 at 8:43 am

      Hi Allaug,
      I began Rituxan treatments in 2003. I believe I was the “guinea Pig” for it’s use here. My doctor fought the insurance company for several months in order to get it approved. It’s been so long, but I believe my first treatment was a series of two. I have a pretty aggressive case of CIDP and prior to Rituxan I was getting lose dosage chemo for 15 months to turn it around. Rituxan has continued to keep the disease at bay and I have a pretty normal life. The first treatments lasted about 6 months, but since then my doctor has changed the doseage/schedule and I receive the treatments about every 10 weeks. After having a bad case of pneumonia, I also get IVIG about every 6 weeks. Rituxan has been wonderful for me. My doctor uses Rituxan for many of his patients here in Albuquerque, NM. Holler if you have any questions I can answer.
      Shelly

    • Anonymous
      June 14, 2008 at 6:30 pm

      Hello Shelly!

      Haven’t had time for the Forum for quite a while, so I have missed your posting until now.

      My big question for you is if you are able to explain how Rituxan works for you to keep your CIDP at bay. My general impression is that CIDP is caused by T-cells (since steroids and IVIG is helpful in most cases), and Rituxan takes out B-cells. Perhaps there is one kind of CIDP caused by T-cells, and something very similar in symptoms to CIDP is caused by B-cells, and in the latter case Monoclonal Gammopathy (MGUS) with a nerve damaging protein like for instance antiMAG is the root of the evil. In short I don’t understand how Rituxan can help a T-cell induced illness.

      All the best from

    • Anonymous
      June 15, 2008 at 6:46 am

      Allaug asked: [QUOTE]My big question for you is if you are able to explain how Rituxan works for you to keep your CIDP at bay. [/QUOTE]

      Clearly it worked for DocDavid’s CIDP when all else had failed. Also yesterday JohnC posted on the “sad news of DocDavid” thread in paying tribute to David:
      [QUOTE]Armed with the information and knowledge Doctor David bestowed upon me, I went into my neurologists office and told my doctor of the anecdotal evidence of Doc Davids success. My neurologist had never heard of Rituxan, but scheduled the treatments anyway as I had absolutely nothing to lose, and long story short, I made a remarkable recovery.
      [/QUOTE]

      So there is something somewhere in the pathology of some CIDP cases that leads to successful treatment with Rituxan, targetting aberrant B cells?

    • Anonymous
      June 18, 2008 at 5:45 pm

      [QUOTE=Allaug]My big question for you is if you are able to explain how Rituxan works for you to keep your CIDP at bay. My general impression is that CIDP is caused by T-cells (since steroids and IVIG is helpful in most cases), and Rituxan takes out B-cells. [/QUOTE]
      the way I understand it IVIG has no effect on T cells. According to a post by Threads, an immunologists, CIDP is typically mediated by antibodies secreted by B cells but with a T cell component (my guess T helper cells). Rituxan could be effective in this case as we saw in DocDavid’s case which Ken pointed out.
      [QUOTE=Threads]My speculation is that there are also patients where the disease doesn’t involve a lot of antibody production; that it is primarily T cell or NKT cell mediated, and that those patients are also IVIG unresponsive. The clinical literature has noted that patients with a longer course of disease tend to be less responsive to IVIG, and it may be that for typical CIDP (unlike anti-MAG IgM) the antibody component decreases over time and the T cell component becomes predominant.[/QUOTE]

    • Anonymous
      June 19, 2008 at 10:51 am

      Hi guys,

      I am going to post here although I am not on Rituxan. I have been on IVIG since November of last year. I started monthly, and had some positive results, but then missed January dose. Started in March with every other week IVIG and had improved strength and energy for maybe a week to 10 days. For the second or third time, I can’t remember, the IVIG has not been effective for more than a day or two. I had two days last week and was great on Friday and Saturday, part of Sunday. This week I have just gone downhill. We increased my Cellcept and I am infusing IVIG right now. Can you become resistant to the IVIG or that is just isn’t as effective, or is the CIDP cyclic with ups and downs and I’m just keeping things from getting worse? I am losing function and strength, although very slowly. I have muscle wasting in my forearms now. I’m only 48 and don’t have any other problems except cholesterol. We are going to try weekly IVIG and see if that helps, but just curious from those of you who have had this longer, how you reacted or progressed. Thank you, Gabrielle

    • Anonymous
      June 19, 2008 at 11:41 am

      Hi Gabrielle, if you read through some of the posts on the forum, you’ll find that a number of members report that IVIG becomes less effective after a while. This happened to me, too, but then I am not your typical CIDP case. I have not found any scientific reports on developing resistance. The only parallel can perhaps be found in the fact that B cells can develop resistance to Rituxan. Rituxan is an immunoglobulin, IgG. Over 90% of IVIG is also IgG. But this is just my guess. The mechanisms by which IVIG and Rituxan work is different so I may be totally wrong.

    • Anonymous
      June 19, 2008 at 11:59 am

      Hi Norb,

      How long after you started with the IVIG did it become less effective? I have such nice results for the couple of days and then back to square one. This week is particularly bad which is why I think I am having a relapse or something. Gabrielle

    • Anonymous
      June 19, 2008 at 12:51 pm

      Hi Gabrielle, I started with the IVIG fall of 2005 after my diagnosis and kept getting it every four weeks or so the following year with moderate success. Beginning of last year it did not do much for me so my neurologist started me on prednisone slowly building it up to 80 mg. This turned out to be a total disaster because I could not tolerate it at all. It got so bad that I had to get a rollator. We tried IVIG couple more times last summer but it didn’t do anything for me anymore. I finally was able to get Rituxan which I started in October 2007.

      Keep in mind that I’m not the typical CIDP case as I mentioned before. The damage to my myelin is caused by IgM which attaches to MAG, myelin associated glycoprotein. IVIG consists mostly of IgG and very little IgM and is therefore not very effective in my case. There are a number of reports that confirm this. But that was until last fall all that was available to me short of chemo.

    • Anonymous
      June 19, 2008 at 1:19 pm

      Hi Norb,

      I know you are not the typical case. At least I didn’t say you weren’t normal:) I have read this thread with interest because of the success with Rituxan for some of you. I haven’t had any extensive lab work indicating any of the variants, so I am plain Jane CIDP for now. I’ll check some of the other posts regarding IVIG though, so thanks for the info and keep me and others posted on your success…Gabrielle

    • Anonymous
      June 20, 2008 at 4:57 pm

      [QUOTE]the fact that B cells can develop resistance to Rituxan. Rituxan is an immunoglobulin, IgG. [/QUOTE]

      Dear Norb – this was news to me! Please elaborate!

      All the best

    • Anonymous
      June 20, 2008 at 9:17 pm

      Hi Allaug, actually Carol found this abstract reporting findings of B cells dropping CD 20 markers. It’s pretty technical and I e-mailed it to you. It also has references to other research with the same findings.

      Take care

    • Anonymous
      June 24, 2008 at 1:02 pm

      Hello Rituxan friends.

      Dell has his 2nd virus in about a month. Thank God, he’s not as sick as he was with the first virus. He’s running a fever but not high.

      His elevated temps. have started again and the dr. seems to think it has something to do with interleukin. We will do a blood test as soon as I can get an order.

      All in all, he’s doing well. The other day, he came in with his helmet on, walking with a walking cane. My dad took an old cane of my mom’s and cut it down. He walks with it in the left hand, although he’s right handed and balances himself with the right. He has a big balancing problem so a cane is not something he can do fulltime, it was just so cute seeing a 4 year old walking with a cane.

      Love, Lori

    • Anonymous
      June 26, 2008 at 7:39 pm

      Have a question Norb-when I was first dx with cidp my first question was if it was heredity and he said no.I was worried about my son and my granddaughter getting it. Is it or isn’t it? I did read that the immune disorders may have a familar tendency and my mom had PMR. Just wondering. Emma

    • Anonymous
      June 26, 2008 at 11:23 pm

      [QUOTE=Emma]Have a question Norb-when I was first dx with cidp my first question was if it was heredity and he said no.I was worried about my son and my granddaughter getting it. Is it or isn’t it? I did read that the immune disorders may have a familar tendency and my mom had PMR. Just wondering. Emma[/QUOTE]
      Emma, please give me a few days to tell you what I know about this. We will be travelling and my MIL will be returning home Monday,

    • Anonymous
      June 27, 2008 at 5:44 am

      Dear Norb!

      Hope you’ll have a nice trip this week-end! When you return, and of course at your convenience, could you please explain:

      Indolent Asymptomatic B-Cell Lymphoma

      in lay-man’s terms? How is it related to MGUS, if at all.

      I just love your signature gif – the animation, film (or whatever you’ll call it).
      I guess having this kind of car is among the blessings you’ll count:D, many times a day too!

      All the best

    • Anonymous
      June 29, 2008 at 7:15 pm

      [B]Allaug[/B], indolent means slow growing and asymptomatic indicates that none of the symptoms usually accompanying lymphoma are present, like swollen lymph nodes. As far as a connection between [U]B-cell[/U] lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma and MGUS is concerned, both are characterized by B cells which are out of control. When I was first diagnosed with CIDP/MGUS in 2005, my neurologist suspected lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (Waldenströms) as the underlying disease right away. As you know, it took two years before it finally was diagnosed. I don’t know if I’m an exception or if this connection is the rule.

      To answer your question, [B]Emma[/B], from what we know today typical CIDP is not hereditary. However, according to one popular theory, there is a genetic predisposition. I’ve talked about this before. If you search the forum for “molecular mimicry” you may find what I posted including a graph. It is not clear to me if this predisposition can be passed on within a family. It is based on one molecule (MHC) within the immune system which is unique from person to person like a fingerprint. I don’t know how similar my dad’s and my children’s fingerprints are to mine. If they are close, it is conceivable that this predisposition can be passed on. But it’s not the same as being plain hereditary.

      I hope this helps. It is not an area I’m terribly comfortable with.

    • Anonymous
      June 30, 2008 at 4:44 am

      Hi there Norb,
      Boys and there toys huh??????? wow what cool wheels you have, very envious!!!!!!!!
      Am stoked you have such a cool car to CRUISE in!!!!!
      I went thru a wee rough patch you could say and being trapped at home or having the taxi man carry you down the stairs and into the taxi can be so humiliating – although in hindsight i should have just asked for their youngest driver with a great 6 pack as well of course!!!!!!! We live and learn I guess but those wheels are definately great to see in action and hopefully somehting i wont need to investigate in but if so then am wrapt to see the possibilities of what is around – albeit on your side of the world!!!!
      cheers
      kiwi

    • Anonymous
      June 30, 2008 at 12:01 pm

      [B]Emma[/B], I found the post for you:

      [COLOR=”Navy”]http://www.gbs-cidp.org/forums/showthread.php?p=2316#post2316[/COLOR]

    • Anonymous
      June 30, 2008 at 3:55 pm

      Thank you Norb – I will look that up and copy. Emma

    • Anonymous
      July 10, 2008 at 6:52 pm

      Today I finally received the last results of my blood tests from June 17. This was two months after my second round of Rituxan. Anti-MAG IgM shut up by 33% while the total IgM count actually went down to its lowest level ever, but still in the upper range of normal. I am very puzzled by these results. I have an appointment with my neurologist next week and will ask her about this.

      There still are not any improvements but symptoms seem to be stable. Maybe that’s the best I can ask for.

      [IMG]http://www.ourbluemarble.us/forum/antiMAG-0608.jpg[/IMG]
      [IMG]http://www.ourbluemarble.us/forum/IgM-0608.jpg[/IMG]

    • Anonymous
      July 19, 2008 at 5:35 pm

      The lab always does a second test using SGPG instead of MAG since it cross reacts with anti-MAG antibodies. According to the printout I just picked up the [U]anti-SGPG [/U]IgM titre shot up also. This means that the last [U]anti-MAG[/U] IgM titre reading was correct, 33% increase after my last Rituxan treatment April/May. I asked Dr. Quan, my neurologist I saw a couple of days ago why this would be the case but she had no answer. To my question why there are any antibodies still present if there are no B-cells left, she answered that the Rituxan does not really eliminate all the B cells just reduces them. I never heard that before. I still think that long-lived plasma cells are involved here. My immunology textbook does not mention them but there are some scientists who discovered them in animal experiments. Since plasma cells have no CD20 markers, Rituxan does not affect them.

      Dr. Quan did confirm that there are no significant changes in my symptoms since I last saw her in November. I mentioned to her that I had read about high-dose Rituxan being given in some cases (Renaud et al, “High Dose Ritux imab and antiMAG IgM associated Polyneuropathy”, Neurology 2006:66) and that some patients who received the standard dose the first year without showing improvements did improve the second year after the high-dose. There might be side effects, she told me, but she would support it. The final decision now lies with my oncologist. I have an appointment with him next month.
      Stay tuned 😀

    • Anonymous
      July 19, 2008 at 6:17 pm

      Norb-glad that your symptoms didn’t change significally with your neuro. If the oncologist next month agrees to give you the high doses of Rituxan, would your side effects be immediate and would the high dose outweigh the side effects? Was hoping for good news-perhaps the no better, no worse has to be acceptible at this point? Know that others are following you closer on this, so will back out, just wanted to say hi and wish you well. Emma

    • Anonymous
      July 19, 2008 at 6:43 pm

      Emma, side effects would probably show up right away caused by my immune system reacting to the foreign antibodies. There even have been reports of some deaths. But since my only reaction in the past has been very mild fever and some malaise for a couple of days, I’m confident that it won’t be worse with high dose Rituxan.
      Take care.

    • Anonymous
      July 19, 2008 at 8:07 pm

      Norb-Death seems to be the report on so many of the drugs we receive. That is a given that I have accepted. I just want to achieve the very best quality of life possible, right? I wish you only the very best results that if the oncologist agrees to the high dose, that you do better.
      Emma

    • Anonymous
      July 20, 2008 at 11:21 am

      This might explain why my antiMAG IgM shot up. I forgot about this excerpt I posted a few months ago under General Questions. It is from a book by Latov, Chapter on antiMAG Pathology:
      [QUOTE]Anti-MAG M protein secretion in vitro is subjected to T cell regulation (Latov et al 1985) and anti-idiotypic antibodies to the M protein has been demonstrated in some patients (Nobile-Orazio 1985) suggesting that anti-MAG M protein secretion, though abnormally increased, is somehow regulated as also indicated by the fact that in most patients anti-MAG M protein levels are stable for years and rapidly return to their original level when treatment directed at their reduction is suspended. Whether these antibodies may also have some as yet unknown regulatory role on the immune system (Tanaka et al 1985) is not known but may prompt some caution on the risks of therapies directed at reducing M protein levels in these patients.[/QUOTE]
      If this is true, this could have happened: Rituxan reduced the overall IgG and IgM levels. Among these could have been antibodies keeping the antiMAG IgM down – albeit not enough in my case. As a result antiMAG IgM went up. Scary prospect for increasing the Rituxan dose if it causes an additional drop in overall antibody levels.
      Could it be that my real problem is not having enough anti antiMAG IgM antibodies?

    • Anonymous
      July 21, 2008 at 7:17 am

      a BIG HELLO to all my Rituxan friends and forum friends!!
      I’ve been absent from the Forum since May 6th…and a lot has happened.
      On the personal side, I’ve been traveling through USA, Eastern Canada, Australia, NZ and France transferring my accounts to my replacement. I retired on June 20 with my last day in Lyon France. Marian and I then toured around Southern France for a couple of weeks, then home and lots of chores with the cottage, etc. Marian took my mother to England but she wanted to come home a month early, so we had to make all those arrangements at the same time. Life has been busy, but I love retirement so far.

      I’ve tried to catch up a bit on the postings. How is Dell doing Lori? I read that he is walking with a cane. I hope he continues to improve.

      I was sorry to hear of your increase in anti-MAG, Norb. That was really shocking news because it means that we are missing something in our understanding of the treatment mechanism. Your explanations of what might be happening seem quite plausible.

      What it also says is that the conclusions I reached in my paper to the doctor were not valid. Interestingly, as you may recall at that time, she told me that the anti-MAG levels and Rituxan treatment were not related. She did not elaborate and her statement has been bothering me ever since. Does the medical community (and drug companies) know something that has not been published? After all, any negative results would not serve well in getting the drug approved.

      Last Thursday, I had my third maintenance Rituxan treatment. This time with no solumedrol and it went really well. I have the usual mild stomach cramping for the last couple of days but that should soon go away.

      I feel that my numbness has improved. There is almost no numbness in my fingers now and I can walk practically normally. I am trying to do some short distance running in order to rebuild some strength in my ankles. I noticed that I can hardly walk down stairs in the morning and the ankles tighten up with inactivity. So I need to stretch them and strengthen them.

      Allaug, you once mentioned that you had no increased susceptibility to infections since taking Rituxan. I have gone for many months without a cold or infection and I wanted to say that I totally agree with you. I thought that the elimination of B cells would affect our immuno defense, but in my mind that has not really been the case. The only question I have right now is that a recent blood test (before Rituxan) showed an elevated ESR which is a measure of the amount of inflammation in the body. Does that mean that the myelin is still being attacked?

      My next appointment with the neurologist is late October. I guess I won’t have any news before that.

      On a positive note, I attended the GBS/CIDP hike at the Kortwright centre in late May. Turnout was excellent and we had a fantastic day. Kudos to the organizers for such a super event.

      It’s nice to be back
      Stay healthy
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      July 21, 2008 at 10:10 am

      Welcome back Andrew I miss seeing your post.
      Glad you are enjoying your retirement. 🙂 I wish I could retire. 🙁

      Sue

    • Anonymous
      August 10, 2008 at 8:23 am

      Thanks Sue for your message. So far retirement has been a wonderful experience. I’ve kept busy 100% of the time.
      I am at the cottage these days with only dial-up access to internet so my visits to the forum have been sporadic.
      But I’ll keep monitoring things to see how everyone is progressing.
      Take care and keep in touch
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      August 11, 2008 at 3:59 pm

      Andrew, welcome back. Can we all come stay at your cottage? That sounds great! I went to my neuro today and oddly enough have elevated ESR and a positive ANA. I have to go to get it checked out now, but he said the elevated ESR can be from the CIDP. Does it mean an active attack, I don’t know. I will check with the specialist when I go and try to remember to post the answer. Gabrielle

    • Anonymous
      August 12, 2008 at 12:13 pm

      Yes, welcome back, Andrew. Other than what I posted earlier there isn’t much news on my part, just a lot of open questions. On the “just checking in” thread I reported about my aqua therapy which is going well. We scheduled sessions twice a week at least through the end of September. I hope that it will help improve my stamina. It’s probably too much to hope for that it might actually help me walk short distances without support.

      On the topic of susceptibility to infections: nothing major happened so far except a small cut on my leg got infected and just won’t heal. I’ll probably started too late putting antibiotic cream on it. Neosporin didn’t do much good so I just started using an antibiotic from Thailand, Fucidin. It is not approved for use here in the US but it is in Canada and other countries.

    • Anonymous
      September 6, 2008 at 5:38 pm

      Things are still the same here which could be considered a good sign. Here the results of my latest blood tests. Unfortunately, they didn’t do the anti-MAG IgM this time for whatever reason. IgG and overall IgM continue to go down at the same rate but still within normal levels.

      [IMG]http://www.ourbluemarble.us/forum/IgM-Aug08.jpg[/IMG]
      [IMG]http://www.ourbluemarble.us/forum/IgG-Aug08.jpg[/IMG]

    • Anonymous
      September 7, 2008 at 5:27 am

      Hey Norb! That is nea chart. I have not seen one in my records before and what does it mean? Is it the nerve damage progressing or the drug showing it’s not working. Really curious? Hope you are having a nice Football Sunday!

    • Anonymous
      September 7, 2008 at 11:08 am

      hey Linda, you won’t see this kind of chart in your patient’s records. I take the numbers off the blood test reports and put them in a spreadsheet. it is so much easier this way to follow a trend rather than having to leaf through a stack of individual reports. what my charts show is that the Rituxan treatment is doing its job as far as reducing B-cells is concerned. That means there are less B-cells maturing into [B]plasma cells[/B], the ones that are producing antibodies. What has not happened yet is a reduction in anti-MAG antibodies, the ones that are doing the damage in my case.
      take care

    • Anonymous
      September 7, 2008 at 5:47 pm

      Hey Norb! Well that is a very neat idea to do! That is strange how Rituxan is used alot for Lupus patients and the Cyclosporine and Cellcept! Most insurance companies will pay for it with Lupus. But can’t understand why they would not consider it for CIDP! Just does not seem fair. Especially when it’s used for other diseases but CIDP to me alone is a disease that I think is very progressing and can cripple you to death! In fact! I have had more problems with the CIDP than I have the Lupus!
      I just hope when the elections are over with in the US that I see every American getting better healthcare and that we no longer have to fight insurance companies for getting treatment. But then I have a fear too! A fear that the government will regulate our healthcare and we only get so much and that will be it! Meaning high cost patients are given only so much treatment and if it goes beyond those regulations then you are considered terminal and there is nothing else further they can do! Now that has me afraid about that one. A medical spending cap! The goverment is only going to put out so much and then have a limit on spending.
      We could either a good thing with healthcare or a bad thing with healthcare! Just hope it turns out good and not bad! Hugs!

    • Anonymous
      September 8, 2008 at 6:16 pm

      Linda, I agree with you on the sad state of affairs of our health care system. However, the problem with Rituxan not being available for CIDP lies with the FDA. As long as they don’t approve it for CIDP insurance companies generally won’t pay for it. There have been exceptions, though. Even if the health care system would be totally overhauled — which in my opinion is a pipe dream — the approval situation would not change. There currently are trials going on using Rituxan for MS and CIDP associated with anti-MAG IgM but things like that take years. You probably know, the only reason I’m getting Rituxan is because on my insistance they found a trace of B-cell lymphoma.

    • Anonymous
      September 11, 2008 at 12:47 am

      Noticed you have cidp with antimag. what is the antimag? I am just looking at other things for when my husbands 2nd opinion comes in mail . Although doc in Clev Clinic (OH) is not sure he has cidp which was dx by neurologist in Ten.
      Thanks,
      Joanf

    • Anonymous
      September 11, 2008 at 11:35 am

      Joan, anti-MAG IgM is an anybody that attacks a protein that sits between the myelin and the axon resulting in a slow destruction of the myelin around peripheral nerves. Progression of this kind of neuropathy is usually very slow over years and tends to be primarily sensory. An immunologist once told me that this is probably caused by the odd immune cell that refuses to die — sort of like a cancer. According to her anti MAG IgM neuropathy usually shows up in older people.

    • Anonymous
      September 26, 2008 at 12:32 am

      Norb its been a while since Ive checked the board, but the dynamics were very similar for me. the anti-mag didn’t change but the IgM went down. i stopped the treatments and actually after 2 years I am doing well not 100% but much much better . it seems to take along time after the treatments more than a year for me to see change

      I am in the gym every day for an hour and bike there and back, also swimming, I was in BKK for the summer teaching and seem strong (I’m down to 9%BF and a 50 resting heart rate based on all this exercise)

      last xmas I saw Dr Latov to calibrate and he was ok with the protocol and suggested maintenance

      I am nervous about high dose protocol.

      as you know Iam doing the turmeric, based on the Anderson work, and I’m a believer.
      best
      michaeljay

    • Anonymous
      September 27, 2008 at 11:49 am

      Although the success rate for Rituxan is not very high, around 30% I believe, what you said about IgM levels versus anti-MAG gave me some hope. Our results appear to be counterintuitive and I’m still puzzled by them. Did you ever come up with an explanation?

      Actually, we are not doubling the Rituxan dosis, just doing it for a longer period of time.

      Great you are doing so well. Maybe I’ll get there someday too. What were you teaching in Bangkok? I never liked Bangkok very much but I guess doing it for just a summer would be doable. We did enjoy living in Chiangmai for three years and miss it a lot.

    • Anonymous
      September 27, 2008 at 3:22 pm

      after a number of rounds of rituxan, theoretically i thought there are no circulating Bcells (according to the literature) and the half life of the anti-body is short
      so why the presence of anti mag in fact not a big change??

      i theorized with the doc that

      1) reclusive Bcells (non serum)
      2) rituxan in fact doesn’t get all the Bcells
      3) Bcells that are producing antibody are in fact unrecognizable to rituxan (in some)

      you gave me a good idea that it maybe a very small number of b cells producing anti-mag I did see a reference some where that individual cells are able to produce large quantities. given a probabilistic model of elimination even a few of these might be left.
      another study indicated that even after marrow transplants with corresponding wipe out of the immune system that there is some mechanism of memory that recalls the auto immune issue. to me this suggests another synergistic mechanism.

      Dr. Latov indicated to keep at it every six months as “needed”. i wonder about the log term implications??

      I am pouring through the literature on cytokines red pepper and turmeric, hoping to eat my way out of this

      I was at King Mongkut University doing a class on LED design I hope to get up to Chiang Mai next trip out. Bangkok was a little intense.

    • Anonymous
      September 27, 2008 at 6:29 pm

      Even though the literature says otherwise, according to my neurologist the Rituxan only reduces and not eliminates B-cells. The possible “reclusive B-cells” would be the so-called memory B-cells which as you said might not be accessible to Rituxan. I also don’t know whether or not they have CD 20 markers. In my lay opinion, the culprit could be long-lived plasma cells which according to the literature do not have CD 20 markers. It could not be “regular” non-CD 20 plasma cells (active B-cells) since they have a half-life of less than a week – unless they turned immortal. Out-of-control plasma cells would, however, be a sign of myeloma.

    • Anonymous
      October 16, 2008 at 11:21 am

      Wow…good stuff! I just got back to the forum here and see that I’ve been missing out on a stimulating conversation between LindaH, MichaelJay and Norb.

      How are you all doing?

      I’ve been busy with some retirement projects like cycling around Nova Scotia (check blog at [url]http://www.terrypryan.com/cycle08.htm[/url]) and then Marian and I went to Greece for two weeks with three other couples. Since retiring, we only have one computer now and it is really slow at the cottage on dial-up, so I’ve been away from the forum for a while.

      Picking up on the topic of anti-mag IgM levels remaining high even after treatment with Rituxan, I will recount the story of what my neurologist said. You will recall that I wrote a paper which suggested using the anti-mag IgM levels in the bloodstream as a determinant of when to prescribe repeat treatments of Rituxan. When I presented it to my neurologist, she said that there is no relationship between the two. This really shocked me, and I am still left wondering why!!! MichaelJay, your posting seemed to confirm this, especially given that you spent time with your doctor postulating as to what the reasons might be. And Norb, you have data to show that your anti-mag levels stopped declining for some unknown reason. I haven’t given up on this subject and will continue to pursue an answer.

      I have another appointment with my neurologist at the end of the month at which time I anticipate EMG tests. In general, I feel that the Rituxan has worked. I have almost all of the feeling back in my hands now and my balance has improved. My gait has definitely improved and I am back to running again (albeit slow and only 4 km or so). All in all, I’d say that the treatments with Rituxan have been successful. But it is certainly not 100% yet, and may never be. Time will tell. I still have some numbness in the soles of my feet and occasional stocking and glove feeling from the ankles down.

      Questions I would have at this time (perhaps unanswerable) are:
      – will the improvement continue without further Rituxan?
      – are further Rituxan infusions needed? If so, how many, how often?
      – will there be any long term side effects of Rituxan?
      – blood chemistry…what levels of anti-mag IgM do I have now?
      – is there hope of 100% recovery, or is there permanent damage?
      – can the IgM MGUS return if no further treatment of Rituxan is prescribed?

      Unfortunately, the hospital makes me pay for the anti-mag tests. They run at about $800. I also have to pay for Rituxan of course (at roughly $4000 a pop). Hence you can see why I’d like to find out some of the answers to the above questions. By the way, I’ve applied to a government drug program in Ontario called the Trillium Program. Hopefully they will help out with the cost.

      I agree with what you were saying Norb about the B cells without the CD20 markers. The fact that there is still anti-mag IgM being produced must mean that the memory plasma cells without CD20 markers can still play a role. I also wonder about the regulatory role of the T cells which should have jumped in in the first place to say that that particular mutant B cell clone should not be allowed to continue manufacturing protein to attack self.

      By the way, if you check the website [url]http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=monoclonal+gammopathy+of+undetermined+significance&recr=Open[/url] you will see that there is a new drug being tested for treatment of IgM MGUS called lenalidomide. I don’t know much about it yet.

      Other news from the director of the Canadian Foundation for GBS/CIDP is as follows: “[COLOR=”Blue”]I wanted to let you know that in the last few days I have heard of some good research that is going on with CIDP/MGUS – one of the doctors who is working on this is going to be making a presentation on this at our next National Conference next April 18th /09 in Toronto. She is a young doctor who was a recipient of the Young Investigator Awards that we gave out this past year. She works under Dr. Hahn in London. ALso later this fall there is a scientific research conference with some European neurologists who are working on this very thing as well, and so I hope that good things will come of this also.
      Dr. Hahn is also going to speak at our next Conference next April on research and all that is going on. So mark your calendar as this will be a good thing for you to come to.[/COLOR]”
      I am going to try to get in touch with this new young doctor to find out if she can answer some of the questions we have. And I will definitely attend the conference in April.

      Sorry for my absense from the Forum. [Hi Allaug and Suewatters if you are reading this too]. I’ll try to be more responsive.

      Take care all
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      October 16, 2008 at 7:36 pm

      Hi Andrew! Good to see you again! Norb really know’s his stuff in here with the AntiMag BCells and other things. I guess when we all have different diseases we learn them very well and even the science behind them. The treatments and our progress.
      It is such a shame how we get stuck having to pay $4000.00 for a treatment.
      You know? I wonder how many of us were not able to pay the $4000.00 dollars and ended up dying because they could not get any help. How many deaths have occured because the insurance wouldn’t pay! That makes me mad thinking about this and even hearing about it!
      It’s bad enough that we are sick and really don’t need the stress of worrying about how we are going to get treated. But I bet we have many not getting treatment because of money issues.
      Norb! I admire your knowledge! You have some really great answers and have been a great asset to this site! Thanks for sharing so much with us!
      Andrew! Glad to see you back online!:D

    • Anonymous
      October 16, 2008 at 8:04 pm

      [B]Andrew[/B], good to hear from you again. I’ve been thinking about you. I can’t believe how much you have to pay out of pocket in Canada. At least here Medicare and my supplemental insurance paid for Rituxan and anti-MAG blood tests. I just finished the second day of infusions on Monday and I’m scheduled for six more. Unfortunately, the results of the anti-MAG test did not come back yet. I am still torn about what to do if the titre is way up.
      [B]Linda[/B], I still feel that I know very little no matter how much I’ve done research. What gets me is the realization that even good doctors don’t have a lot of the answers — not because they have not done their homework but science just is not there yet. Often I get a first-hand insight into this because my daughter is a medical doctor – and I think a good one at that.

      Anyhow, I’ll post the results of my last test as soon as I get it, hopefully tomorrow

    • Anonymous
      October 16, 2008 at 8:04 pm

      Glad to see you back Andrew 🙂

      Sue

    • Anonymous
      October 16, 2008 at 8:56 pm

      [QUOTE=LindaH]I wonder how many of us were not able to pay the $4000.00 dollars and ended up dying because they could not get any help. How many deaths have occured because the insurance wouldn’t pay![/QUOTE]

      Hi Linda
      I couldn’t agree with you more. We often think about people without the means to pay for the Rituxan or other expensive drugs. It is a sad state of affairs. I know that Roche has a patient assistance program but still, it must be very difficult. I won’t say too much about this yet until I hear back from the Trillium Drug Program. Maybe they will come through. The thing that bothers me most is that Rituxan is the one drug offering promise, and without it, there would be a much bigger burden on our health care system over the long term. Ironic!
      Take care
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      October 16, 2008 at 8:58 pm

      Norb! You are right about the science part! So close but just not there yet! One missing piece of the puzzle and hopefully we will all see a cure. I am hoping to see one day a medication that will rebuild the nerves faster. Repairs the nerves faster than they can get damaged. But I am in lala land on that one right now! LOL!
      I am seeing alot of progress being made though! They just recently did an arm transplant on a man that had no arms and had not had them for a long time. Now this man has arms. They have learned how to repairs nerves in that field. The woman that got the face transplant! Stem cell research!
      The one thing the US has messed up on is the Stem Cell research.

      While other countries are doing more than we are but yet we have some of the best doctors in the World we are lagging behind on Stem Cells which could be saving millions of lives! But moral laws are stopping alot of that from happening. I don’t believe in killing babies. But we have all these women having abortions and there are stems cells there that could save many lives.
      I have a cousin with Amyloidosis and has had it for years. He has seen so many clinical trials and still sick. He’s a fighter though! This past year though has not been too good for him. The last time I saw him, I could see the disease has finally taken over.

      You must be very proud of your daughter. Alot of hard work to become a doctor. Of course she’s a good doctor! You taught her well!;) Takes a good parent and good teaching. Hugs

    • Anonymous
      October 16, 2008 at 9:21 pm

      [QUOTE=norb][I just finished the second day of infusions on Monday and I’m scheduled for six more. Unfortunately, the results of the anti-MAG test did not come back yet. I am still torn about what to do if the titre is way up.

      Anyhow, I’ll post the results of my last test as soon as I get it, hopefully tomorrow[/QUOTE]

      Hi Norb
      Thanks for swift reply.
      Well…if it is any consolation, my neurologist says that there is no relationship between Rituxan treatments and anti-Mag levels. So let’s hope that with anti-Mag either up or down, you still see improvements in nerve functioning. How are you doing these days, anyway? Seeing some improvements?

      Also, on another note (maybe there is a separate thread I’ve missed), how did you make out with Honda? I’ve told the story to many people and they are shocked when they hear it.

      I’ll be watching for your posting of anti-mag levels.

      Good luck
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      October 17, 2008 at 12:56 pm

      [QUOTE=Andrew]Hi Norb
      Thanks for swift reply. Well…if it is any consolation, my neurologist says that there is no relationship between Rituxan treatments and anti-Mag levels. [/QUOTE]
      Andrew, if I remember correctly we talked about this before. It still doesn’t make any sense that there should be no connection. Why in the world would we want to use Rituxan if not for the reduction of the one protein that does the damage. I have a number of references pointing to a connection between the two.
      [QUOTE]Treatment with rituximab was followed by improved strength (an increase of mean (SEM) 23% (2% )of normal levels of strength), a reduction in serum IgM autoantibodies (to 43% (4%) of initial values), and a reduction in total levels of IgM (to 55% (4%) of initial values). There was no change in levels of serum IgG antibodies. There were no major side effects, even though B cells were virtually eliminated from the circulation for periods up to two years. [I]”Treatment of IgM antibody associated polyneuropathies using rituximab”, A Pestronk et al, J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2003;74:485–489[/I][/QUOTE]
      or this one:

      [QUOTE]We and others have shown that treatment with rituximab in anti-MAG–associated polyneuropathy reduced the anti-MAG IgM to approximately half of the baseline… [I]”High-dose rituximab and anti-MAG–associated polyneuropathy”, S. Renaud et al, NEUROLOGY 2006;66:742–744[/I]. [/QUOTE]

      About the Honda. After we received notification that they turned down our application, we sent a letter to the vice president marketing weeks ago which remains unanswered to this day. We just about gave up on it.

    • Anonymous
      October 17, 2008 at 8:38 pm

      I agree with the literature and we both know my position on this as I wrote a paper for my doctor. So why then did your levels of anti-MAG IgM go up? This is very puzzling. Maybe there has not been enough time for the half lives of the memory B cells which are cloning the anti-MAG IgM to fully take effect and start to die off at a statistically noticeable rate. I am extremely hopeful that you will see a decline in the anti-MAG IgM levels from this latest testing.
      How about your actual health, Norb? Has there been improvement? I’m hoping so. At least a halt in any deterioration.
      Had you heard of lenalidomide (alternate treatment for IgM MGUS under trials)?
      Re the Honda affair…did you hear back from John Stossel at ABC news? Or the ADA advocacy office in Washington? I read your postings on Disaboom and I’m amazed that the VP of Honda has not had the courtesy of sending a reply to you. I’d send another copy to the President (with copy to the VP).
      I’d like to help if I can.
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      October 17, 2008 at 9:17 pm

      Received results of blood tests today. 3 graphs below. More in response to your post later:

      [IMG]http://www.ourbluemarble.us/forum/antiMAG-1008.jpg[/IMG]

      [IMG]http://www.ourbluemarble.us/forum/IgM-1008.jpg[/IMG]

      [IMG]http://www.ourbluemarble.us/forum/IgG-1008.jpg[/IMG]

    • Anonymous
      October 18, 2008 at 12:52 pm

      I wonder if the high anti-MAG protein reading from four months ago was just a false one especially since the latest one is below baseline. My condition has not changed much as far as what I can and cannot do. The only difference is in my hands which appear to be number than before. But I still can hold silverware without too much effort something I was not able to do a year ago. Perhaps you can consider that progress. I am concerned that I’m not getting enough exercise right now. After a few weeks of aqua therapy we started going to a local pool at the senior center here in Ft. Collins. They have a long ramp going into the water with handrails on both sides which made it relatively easy for me. Doing exercises in the water was really useful and actually fun. But now with the PICC line in my arm I cannot do that. I still have six more weeks of treatment ahead of me.
      About the Honda, we have not heard from anyone. It’s probably not newsworthy enough.

      PS no I have not heard of lenalidomide . I will look it up later.

    • Anonymous
      October 19, 2008 at 10:11 am

      [QUOTE=norb]I wonder if the high anti-MAG protein reading from four months ago was just a false one especially since the latest one is below baseline.[/QUOTE]

      I remember at the time in June you felt confident with the result because the anti-MAG is also tested by alternate means. However, I would tend to agree with your suggestion now that it was a false reading. Maybe they mixed your sample with someone else’s! 😀

      I took out your June result and plotted the other four and the trend looks very impressive. (I’d post it but I’ve forgotten how). Even taking the standard deviation of the four at 1.07, there is no way the June result could have been 19.66.

      [QUOTE=norb]My condition has not changed much as far as what I can and cannot do. The only difference is in my hands which appear to be number than before. [/QUOTE]

      I’ve wondered about the same thing with my feet. One thought might be that they “feel” number because I can actually “feel” them now. Perhaps neighbouring nerves are growing back and those nerves are communicating with the brain telling it that the nerves next to it are numb.

      I can see a return of feeling in other ways, maybe like holding silverware. When I am working with wood with my hands, I can now feel the grain (roughness). I can do up buttons again. It’s a slow process but even my family comments on how I seem to walk better now and don’t have to hold onto things as much. The EMG tests will be interesting.

      [QUOTE=norb] I am concerned that I’m not getting enough exercise right now. [/QUOTE]

      The most important thing is that you recognize that you need more exercise. I checked on the internet and there does seem to be a relatively modestly priced cover for the PICC line so that you can get wet. See:

      [url]http://www.squidoo.com/piccline[/url]
      [url]http://www.allegromedical.com/infusion-iv-supplies-c6448/dry-pro-picc-or-iv-line-protector-p554952.html[/url]

      Maybe there are some other exercises you can do in the home for the time being. It’s important for the sake of the cardiovascular system and to burn a few calories. I hope you can find something.

      Later
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      October 20, 2008 at 10:35 pm

      Norb, I did another look at your numbers and I think I saw pretty much the same type of response, the anti-bodies didn’t really change over the course of the treatment, however over a longer period we did see a steady drop in protein (IgM) it’s been almost 2 years now since my last and round I think that I’m certainly alot better than I was at the lowest point of what I’ve seen of this disease so far

      Again it’s hard to understand why we don’t see a corresponding reduction in antibodies and further the apparent abatement in disease progression. If this disease is progressive one would expect symptoms to be worse over time not better, particularly with anti-bodies unchanged Given this there must be another mechanism to explain, and also given that this is a uncontrolled experiment it could be just about anything

      the things that changed significantly for me (never done before) in terms of lifestyle and diet include
      – lots of turmeric (my docs smile on this one)
      – Fish oils
      -lots of alpha lipoic acid (I understand that there may be some nerve protection associated with alpha lipoic, which may allow time for remylination
      – alot red pepper (my doc smile on this one as well)
      – lots sleep (a by product of the excerise program)

      and of course the training program swimming and bicycling and gym.
      Some combination of those in my mind appears to be working?? at least slowing things down

      I am trying to dig up some additional references on alpha Lipoic, I know doctor Latov did some kind of study but Ive been unable to get the paper, if you have, could you share the reference??

      I have one additional thesis that I ran by the docs and they don’t know either, and that is given the reduction in proteins and maintenance of anti-bodies, it may be that anti-bodies lose their efficacy, temporally either at the beginning of life or at the end of life.

      What think you on alpha Lipoic??

    • Anonymous
      October 21, 2008 at 3:21 pm

      [QUOTE=michaeljay]I have one additional thesis that I ran by the docs and they don’t know either, and that is given the reduction in proteins and maintenance of anti-bodies, it may be that anti-bodies lose their efficacy, temporally either at the beginning of life or at the end of life.[/QUOTE]

      Interesting line of thought! I did some digging with regard to the half-lifes of antibodies and found a number of papers suggesting that modification of half-lifes may be possible. However, I could not find anything specific about Rituxan or IgM or anti-MAG. Nevertheless, if we theorize that Rituxan can cause a reduction in the half life of IgM (normally 5 to 10 days), it would explain a drop in the efficacy of the anti-MAG. Maybe I am way out to lunch on this. It sure would be good to have input from someone who works in the field.

      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      October 21, 2008 at 6:08 pm

      I can try and answer your questions, although the data may not be available to tell you what you want to know.

      I can’t think of a process where rituxan would directly change the antibody half-life (per se). It binds to the cell, not to the antibody itself.

      As you know, rituxan binds to the protein CD20, and causes death by immune-mediated mechanisms of cells that have the CD20 protein on their surface.

      B cells differentiate in a lineage, moving from pre-B to B to plasma cell. CD20 is a B-cell-restricted antigen that, for the most part, is expressed from the pre-B-cell to the mature B-cell stage of B-cell differentiation. As B cells differentiate to plasma cells, CD20 expression is down-regulated. Analogous to their normal B-cell counterparts, CD20 is expressed on malignant lymphoplasmacytic (B-type) cells from most patients and on malignant plasma cells from a fraction (20%) of multiple myeloma patients. CD20 also is expressed on subpopulations of normal donor plasma cells, which may include autoantibody-secreting plasmacytes.

      So – in some cases rituxan will cause a decrease in disease-causing plasma cells, but only for a small percentage of patients. Whether it helps an individual is going to depend on whether the disease causing antibody is primarily made by B cells or by plasma cells (since plasma cells are normally short-lived this would indicate some associated cellular abnormality); and if it is plasma cells, whether the cells are CD20 positive.

      For example, in a Phase II trial of myeloma patients (a malignant disease of plasma cells), it was shown that peripheral B cells significantly decreased at 3 months, while no significant change of bone marrow myeloma cells (plasma cells) was noted at that time. Mean paraprotein levels (made by the malignant plasma cells) increased slightly during follow-up but IgM levels dropped in all patients, indicating an effective targeting of normal, short-lived plasma cells. Taken together, rituximab treatment yielded significant reductions in circulating B cells and serum IgM levels but had no beneficial clinical effect.

      In other words, the rituxan worked to target normal B cells and the antibodies that they produce, but did not change the level of disease-causing cells and the antibody-like proteins that they make.

    • Anonymous
      October 22, 2008 at 7:13 am

      Threads:
      I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the explanation you posted. This helps me (and others I am sure) to understand why Rituxan works better with some than with others.
      I’ve read your post several times now, and will do so a few more times so that I can digest what it means in my case specifically and for others as well.
      Thanks again
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      October 22, 2008 at 9:28 am

      Hi Andrew and welcome back! I am also glad to hear you are doing better, although I thought you were doing great jogging for me:) It has been suggested to me to try Cytoxan at this point by my rheumatologist, but my neuro is not in agreement. He does support Rituxan though and I am going to ask about that tomorrow. Again, nice to see you posting…Gabrielle

    • Anonymous
      October 22, 2008 at 6:51 pm

      Welcome back, Threads. I was quite surprised this morning when I saw your name pop up again after a long absence. How have you been?

      I certainly missed your expert input these last two years since the forum went down and I hope you don’t mind if I have a few questions right away. If you’ve read this thread here, you probably noticed that I’m now undergoing Rituxan treatment every six-month since last fall. I’m currently in the middle of my third round. So far I have not seen any kind of improvement.

      A few days ago I posted three graphs showing my antibody titres since I started treatment. What puzzles me is the fact that the titre for IgG and IgM is only going down slowly – and still is in normal range -given the short half-life of antibodies and plasma cells as well as the reduction in B-cells which should be significant. Some authors even state that B-cells are absent beyond detection after Rituxan treatment. Is it possible that this is because of the existence of some long-lived nonmalignant plasma cells similar to memory B-cells. I remember reading one article in which the author reports the presence of long-lived plasma cells – I believe it was in animal studies (I did save the report but I would have to dig it up again).

      The other question I have is why doesn’t the anti-MAG protein go down at the same rate as the overall population of antibodies? Do you have any thoughts on that?

      By the way, my Rituxan treatment officially is not for my anti-MAG IgM neuropathy but for an asymptomatic indolent B-cell lymphoma which my oncologist – on my insistence – diagnosed after a bone marrow biopsy. I hope the effort is not wasted but I do know that chances for success are not very great.

      I hope you’re well, take care

    • Anonymous
      October 22, 2008 at 7:18 pm

      Thank you Norb. My son (now almost 16) was diagnosed with CIDP several years ago, but with a clinical profile rather different than most, with pronounced relapses and remissions, often within a very short time frame. The experts disagreed as to almost everything, except to agree that he was unresponsive to steroids and to IVIG. About 2 years ago the relapses tapered off and then stopped, and he has been focused on growing through adolescence and doing physical therapy to restore as much function as he can. I stopped reading the boards, but happened to follow a link and saw there were some B cell questions.

      As far as what I can tell you – it is limited to what is published in the field, and sometimes the right experiment just hasn’t been done. However, there is a lot more interest in using rituxan and related therapies to treat autoimmune conditions, with papers coming out weekly.

      For your specific question – antibodies do have a long half-life, and so some persistence in the blood is to be expected.

      However, if the anti-MAG is not decreasing at the same rate as the overall IgM, then I would speculate that it is not being produced by CD20 positive cells, and so most likely by plasma cells that are CD20 negative. In general, rituxan is pretty good at B cell depletion, and so I would be inclined to blame plasma cells if there is a lack of response.

      In answer to your question about long-lived plasma cells – current reports say that they exist and like to hide in “survival niches”. This article is not freely available but you can buy it from the journal, or might be able to get it from an academic source. Here’s the abstract, anyway (it’s a reputable journal):

      Nat Rev Immunol. 2006 Oct;6(10):741-50.
      Competence and competition: the challenge of becoming a long-lived plasma cell.
      Plasma cells provide humoral immunity. They have traditionally been viewed mainly as short-lived end-stage products of B-cell differentiation that deserve little interest. This view is changing, however, because we now know that plasma cells can survive for long periods in the appropriate survival niches and that they are an independent cellular component of immunological memory. Studies of the biology of plasma cells reveal a mechanism of intriguing simplicity and elegance that focuses memory provided by plasma cells on recently encountered pathogens while minimizing the ‘fading’ of memory for pathogens encountered in the distant past. This mechanism is based on competition for survival niches between newly generated plasmablasts and older plasma cells.

    • Anonymous
      October 23, 2008 at 10:25 am

      [QUOTE=gab111]…I thought you were doing great jogging for me:) …It has been suggested to me to try Cytoxan at this point by my rheumatologist, but my neuro is not in agreement. He does support Rituxan though and I am going to ask about that tomorrow.[/QUOTE]

      Hi Gabrielle
      Nice to hear from you. Sure wish I was in Florida now. We had snow here on Tuesday and last night it was below freezing. But the sun is out now and things are warming up.
      I looked up Cytoxan and the side effects sound quite scary – loss of hair (would not be a problem for me), nausea, possible kidney failure and other bladder problems, etc. If you can get the Rituxan paid for, it would probably be worthwhile having a series of infusions to see if there are positive effects. I noticed improvements a few months after the initial series. And there have not been any noticeable side effects.
      Running. Ah yes…but nothing like I had hoped for. Anyway, I’ve done 180 km so far this year, and have done some cycling too. It feels so good to be out there again, no matter what the pace. I’ve found some other injured runners at the Y and we all go at about the same pace.
      I hope that you are improving, Gabrielle, with the IVIG’s. Keep up the positive attitude. Again, nice to be back here and to hear from you.
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      October 23, 2008 at 1:01 pm

      I am sorry about your son and the difficult times you had and still have to go through. I wasn’t aware that he has CIDP.

      Thank you for your explanation and the abstract. Interesting material. I’ll try to get a copy through my DIL who has access.

      We didn’t define what I meant by [U]short[/U] and you by [U]long[/U] half-life of Ig. Would you agree that this table is fairly representative?

      [U]Isotype Biological half-life (days)[/U]
      IgA1 5.9
      IgA2 4.5
      IgD 2-8
      IgE 1-5
      IgG1 21-24
      IgG2 21-24
      IgG3 7-8
      IgG4 21-24
      IgM 5-10

    • Anonymous
      October 23, 2008 at 4:21 pm

      Those are the textbook values for serum half-lives, although I suspect there is some natural variation. At least with recombinant antibodies there are half life differences, and the carbohydrates (antibodies naturally have carbohydrate side-chains added to the protein core) can make a big difference, as well as the receptors on the cells that are clearing antibodies from the serum.

      I don’t have data, but it is likely that the half-life of an individual antibody will vary 5-10 fold from the average.

      But if you are talking about a year-long time frame, and there is no drop in the titer of a specific anti-MAG antibody, then it seems likely that the cell responsible for producing the antibody is still alive and functional. The time frame is too long to be explained by persistence of existing antibodies.

      There is research into plasma-cell directed therapies, particularly for multiple myeloma; and for idiotype specific therapies, but unfortunately I don’t believe any of them are reasonably close to the clinic yet.

    • Anonymous
      October 23, 2008 at 8:24 pm

      These last two days of postings have really been rich in knowledge and have gone a long way in answering many of the questions I’ve wrestled with in the last year. Thanks Threads for your help.

      If I narrow our discussion to anti-MAG IgM MGUS, then I take it that there are really several subclasses of this disease:
      – B cell sourced anti-MAG IgM MGUS
      – Plasma cell with CD20 expression sourced anti-MAG IgM MGUS
      – Plasma cell without CD20 expression sourced anti-MAG IgM MGUS
      – a combination of the above?
      I wonder first of all whether there is a way to test a patient to determine which type of anti-MAG IgM MGUS the patient has. This would help to direct the appropriate recommended course of treatment.
      For example, theoretically of the above first 3 subclasses, the first two would likely respond to Rituxan whereas the third would not. And timing for detectable clinical change would be different for the first two because of the different half lives of the dysfunctional cells.
      Conversely, without clinical improvement from Rituxan treatment, would the patient conclude that the anti-MAG is being produced by a plasma cell without the CD20 protein?
      Also, does the disease progress from one type to another? If so, how fast does this generally happen? Is catching the disease early a critical factor in treatment (apart from being able to limit the damage to peripheral nerves)?
      Maybe this is a bit of an over-simplification, but, hey, I’m only a chemical engineer looking for those engineering-type cause and effect answers!!!
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      October 23, 2008 at 9:29 pm

      Hi Andrew! Gosh I wish I was there instead of here! Actually my friend has arranged a very accessible trip for us to Niagra falls in two weeks. He has made arrangements with the airport for scooter transport, hotel, etc. We are staying on the Canada side and I am so looking forward to the trip! I am doing good today, but I had IVIG today. I do quite well for a couple of days maybe and then decline. And I have been slowly losing strength and function which has been quite frustrating. I also developed some borderline lupus positive tests which is why I ended up at the rheumatologist. We repeated all of the tests today but he is hesitant to order the Rituxan because of cost. I promptly asked him how much he thought once a week IVIG was costing as well as Cellcept??? That is about 12K a month for the two at least. Cytoxan is quite cheap, but he has seen nice results with CIDP as well as lupus. The dosing is lower than for a malignancy so I am hoping the side effects aren’t as bad. We’ll see what happens. I want to try something else for at least a little while as this just isn’t holding me. I am quite impressed by your running. That’s over 100 miles in the past year! I’d just be reaching the first mile:) Well good luck and again, nice to see you back. Also, I’m enjoying the threads by Threads…

    • October 23, 2008 at 9:53 pm

      Hi Threads,
      I am Dawn Kevies mom, my 11 y/o son has cidp and is responding to ivig. It was just his 2 year anniversary w/gbs and cidp back and forth. Your posts about the rituxin are way beyond my comprehension as I have not studied it. I would love to learn more! I was curious, is your sons relapse cycle due to a treatment regimen that is continued, or has all treatment stopped and the remmission was spontaneous? Do you feel that the crossover to puberty and the changes taking place in the thymus gland have any connection to the taper in relapses? I REALLY think there is some connection between the changes that take place in the size of the thymus between birth and puberty somehow redo and correct the way the thymus gland throws out the bad t-cell receptors. What do you think? I have been less than positive (understatement) this last 10 days or so, so much that it worries me. But your post stating your son is focusing on growing and being an adolescent has given me a recharge. If you can spare any time or advice regarding your experiences it would be so appreciated. I understand if you are too busy. I am so happy your son is being a teenage boy. It truly brought tears to my eyes as if it were Kevin. Best wishes and prayers sent your way.
      Dawn Kevies mom

    • Anonymous
      October 24, 2008 at 7:00 am

      [QUOTE=gab111]Actually my friend has arranged a very accessible trip for us to Niagra falls in two weeks.[/QUOTE]

      Bundle up warmly…it could be a wee bit chilly around the falls at this time of year. If you get a chance, take a short drive up the parkway into Niagara-on-the-Lake. It’s a nice area with several wineries, theatre etc. You may find the city of Niagara Falls a bit tacky – it caters to the tourism industry. But the falls themselves are awesome. I’m not sure if the Maid of the Mist is wheelchair accessable, but if so, it is a memorable way to see the falls.

      When you mention the cost of IVIG, for sure Rituxan would be less. Sounds like the Cytoxan would be worth a try at lower doses like you say. I certainly hope that one of the alternate medications will provide results for you. I’m sure that if I had as positive an attitude as you, I’d have done 500 km this year instead of 200!!

      I have an appointment with my neurologist on Tuesday which I am quite looking forward to, as I don’t know what the next step will be for me. I’ll report back afterwards on the findings.

      Enjoy your trip to Niagara Falls.

    • Anonymous
      October 24, 2008 at 9:49 am

      OK thanks for the advice! I figured it was a little bit of a tourist trap so we planned to spread out a little on the second day. I am looking forward to the cold. I am still biking, although less than I would like, but at least it is something! I think i have done 1200 miles on the bike, but a lot of that was in the beginning, and some of it was being pulled by my friend when I pooped out!!! Talk about lazy:) Good luck at the neuro and I’ll post again after my neuro in November…Gabrielle

    • Anonymous
      October 24, 2008 at 12:52 pm

      Andrew:
      Yes, it should be possible to determine which cells are producing the undesirable antibody, but I suspect you would need a hook-up to a research lab, as it isn’t a standard clinical procedure. It would require differentially labeling a sample of blood cells with (a) a marker that selectively binds the anti-MAG antibody; (b) anti-CD20 (that one is easy to get, you could label up rituxan and use that); and (c) some other marker that is differentially expressed on B cells and plasma cells. The sample would then be run through a flow cytometer, which “counts” the different markers on the cells, and you see which subset has the anti-MAG.

      The problem is marker (a) is not commercially available, and is probably patient-specific. Also, plasma cells tend to be difficult to stain for antibody, because they don’t have a lot of it on their cell surface, so it isn’t as easy as staining B cells. You need good controls, anyway. It might be possible to label up MAG protein itself and use that in staining, I don’t know if anyone has tried that approach.

      Dawn Kevies Mom: It’s so hard with kids. Like I said, my son was rather atypical, with extreme relapses followed by periods of fairly normal function (except for residual damage). He would have relapses of 3-5 days once a month on average, but that was also very variable. For about 4 years there was no pattern that we could find – no association with anything. He did IVIG with no benefit at all, so we discontinued, then he did high dose solumedrol for several months, with no benefit to that, either.

      But 4 months after discontinuing solumedrol he started to have longer periods between relapses. We also switched to bottled water and organic milk at that time, which may have helped or may have just been coincidence.

      At that time (he was 13 then) the relapses stopped being random and became very tightly linked to viral infections. After the flu he had a bad relapse, and after catching colds. That convinced me more than anything else that this was truly an autoimmune condition (there was a lot of disagreement between Stanford and UCSF as to the cause of his condition). Given the association with viral infection and the lack of response to IVIG, it is probably a T cell dysfunction.

      The last relapse was when he was 14, about 6 years after onset. My belief is that the medical intervention was not helpful in his case, and that adolescent changes in body chemistry brought him into remission. But I also think that we could have really immunosuppressed him and brought it under control that way as well, it’s just that for him the side-effects would have outweighed the benefits.

    • October 24, 2008 at 2:08 pm

      Thank you for the response Threads and I pray that your son stays in remmission forever. I am so happy for your family.
      Best wishes,
      Dawn Kevies mom

    • Anonymous
      October 24, 2008 at 6:32 pm

      [QUOTE] case #1. – B cell sourced anti-MAG IgM MGUS
      case #2 – Plasma cell with CD20 expression sourced anti-MAG IgM MGUS
      case #3 – Plasma cell without CD20 expression sourced anti-MAG IgM MGUS
      [/QUOTE]
      this has been a source of confusion for me for some time. According to my textbooks – wich may be outdated by now or simplify the process – there is no such thing as [COLOR=”Red”]- B cell sourced anti-MAG IgM MGUS[/COLOR]. B-cells per se do not produce antibodies. They have to be activated first and change to plasma cells which then start producing antibodies. Perhaps you are referring to a B-cell expressing antiMAG on its surface which then turns into an antiMAG protein producing plasma cell. That would make sense to me. If there are antiMAG proteins in circulation wouldn’t it follow that there is or was such a B-cell at the outset?? Your case #1, Andrew, would then be redundant (for lack of a better term in English 😀 )

      I also was under the impression that plasma cells do not express CD20. Threads, you referred to [COLOR=”Red”]down regulation [/COLOR] and not to [COLOR=”Red”]elimination [/COLOR]of CD20 markers during the transition from mature B-cell to plasma cell. This seems to indicate that plasma cells may in fact express CD20?

    • Anonymous
      October 24, 2008 at 9:18 pm

      Since you are an engineer you might be interested in this illustration of the use of flow cytometry in immunology. Here it is used to identify concentration of different cells using their CD markers.

      [IMG]http://www.ourbluemarble.us/forum/Flowcytometry1.jpg[/IMG]

    • Anonymous
      October 26, 2008 at 11:53 am

      [QUOTE=norb]…you might be interested in this illustration of the use of flow cytometry in immunology…[/QUOTE]

      Thanks Norb,
      I’ve gone down to the basement to check what equipment I have under the workbench, but sadly am missing some parts to assemble a flow cytometer.

      On another note, I plotted your Anti-MAG results into the chart of anti-MAG levels in Susan Renaud’s paper. Your levels (excluding the faulty reading of 19.66 in June) as a percent of baseline over a 12 month period are relatively flat compared with results in her study. I found that surprising. Could it be that the anti-MAG is being produced 15% by B cells (now eliminated) and 85%by plasma cells without the CD20 antigen? In that case, would plasmapheresis at the same time as the Rituxan treatments hold some possibility as a cure? Assuming one treatment every week, you could get an anti-MAG measurement after a few weeks to determine whether the anti-MAG titers are showing any significant drop from the October measurement of 12.94. it’s just a thought and certainly not a medical recommendation because I really don’t know a lot about plasmapheresis.

    • Anonymous
      October 28, 2008 at 12:56 pm

      yes, it does look pretty flat. I still have four more treatments ahead of me. Who knows, maybe this is going to make a difference. [QUOTE]Could it be that the anti-MAG is being produced 15% by B cells (now eliminated) and 85%by plasma cells without the CD20 antigen[/QUOTE]
      The way I understand it, B-cells per se do not produce any antibodies, only plasma cells do. B-cells have to get activated which causes them to change into plasma cells. I still don’t understand the entire process, especially how Rituxan works in some cases and not in others. Only in their last stages of development do B-cells express specific IgM antigens (same shape as later the antibodies) on their surface and CD20. In that sense Rituxan would eliminate B-cells and thus prevent them from changing into antibody producing plasma cells. In your scenario there would be antiMAG protein producing long-lived plasma cells [U]without CD20 [/U]that would escape the Rituxan. This is exactly what I have been suspecting for some time. On the other hand, THREADS used the term “[U]downregulation[/U]” of CD20 when B-cells change to plasma cells, not “[U]elimination[/U]”. I wonder whether that means that plasma cells still express a very small number of CD20 markers which simply makes it more difficult to get targetted by Rituxan. If that is the case there may still be hope that my continued treatment will help eventually. This would explain why Michael (see his earlier post) had results similar to mine and improved later and also – as Dr. Renaud in Switzerland reported – why some of her patients only improved the second year after continuation of treatment at a higher dose.
      I did find a reference that humanized antibodies may have a half-life 2 to 2 1/2 times longer than regular ones. In addition, THREADS mentioned that antibodies in general may persist much longer than the textbook values you and I have been using. There goes you Rituxan chart 😮 My extended treatment over 8 weeks then amounts to a higher additive dose.

    • Anonymous
      October 28, 2008 at 5:08 pm

      That makes a lot of sense, Norb.

      One thing that is probably very basic but for which I have seen different descriptions is the cloning activity. By “cloning”, do we mean that the plasma cell is cloned so that there become many identical copies of the same plasma cell making the antibody? Or do we mean that one plasma cell “clones” the antibody…making many identical copies of the same antibody. I’ve seen it described both ways and I wonder which way is correct.

      Like you, I also noted Thread’s mention of downregulation as opposed to elimination, backed by the incidence of small populations of plasma cells with CD20 markers in normal plasma donations. That lends hope of course to the idea of Rituxan continuing to target anti-MAG producing plasma cells.

      I had my appointment today with the neurologist and she agreed to request our Ontario medical system to approve testing of a blood sample for anti-MAG. My levels on the first sample 12 months ago came back as [B]52,000 [/B]compared with a normal titer of [B]under 1500[/B]. In your chart you mention your highest level of 19.6 and an average of 15.5. Are your figures x 1/1000? In other words, on your chart, would mine show as 52.0? If so, ouch.

      On a positive note, there was an improvement in my reflexes, both knees and ankles. However, very little change in nerve conduction (EMG) since April. Still, I am convinced that the Rituxan has had a positive effect.

      The plan now is to wait 6 months without more Rituxan treatments to see if the improvement continues albeit with a time lag and in order to lessen the possibility of side effects. These I understand to be hypogammaglobulinemia and/or Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). The former is relatively easy to handle but the latter can apparently be quite debilitating and fatal.

      I have always wondered until now whether there is a cure for IgM MGUS or does it somehow go into a remission. My understanding now is that it is chronic with no cure, but the clinical symptoms of neuropathy can be improved by the Rituxan treatment. However, and I saw this in literature, after stopping Rituxan completely, the anti-MAG levels will gradually return to their old levels. I am therefore now at the point of realizing that this will be a balance for the rest of my life between prescribing the right amount of Rituxan to allow a certain quality of life, maybe not 100% of what it was two years ago but still OK, and overprescribing the Rituxan to the point where the likelihood of side effects becomes dangerously high. (Am I panicking on the side effect issue? Who knows!!).

      There was both good news and bad news today…but at least a few more pieces of the puzzle have fallen into place.

      Regarding the charts of Rituxan levels, I felt all along that those were open to debate. My guess is that the shape of the curves is more or less correct, but the time line axis is questionable.

    • Anonymous
      October 28, 2008 at 5:09 pm

      Wow Norb! I’m lost! I read all this but am having a time understanding all this science stuff! Gosh do you know your stuff here! When I see my doctors on the 6th of November you may be getting a hollow from me online! It’s confusing learning all this. You really have studied very well. I wished I knew more! Gonna have to get my brain thinking and then reread everything! LOL! My brain is certainly in lala land right now! 😀 Hugs

    • Anonymous
      October 29, 2008 at 12:34 pm

      Norb and Andrew:
      Antibodies have two different protein chains, a heavy chain and a light chain. Some antibodies (IgG) have two of each chain, while others (IgM) have 10 of each chain. Both the heavy and the light chain have “constant” sequences at one end, which are the same for all antibodies in that class. That is, all IgM heavy chains have the same protein sequence at their constant end. The other end of each protein chain is “variable”, which is different from antibody to antibody. It is the variable end that actually binds to antigens (in this case, the is the part that binds to MAG). The particular combination of a heavy chain variable region and a light chain variable region is what gives an antibody its unique binding properties, which is often referred to as its “specificity”.

      The biology behind B cell differentiation is that the “pre-B cell” starts to undergo changes in its DNA that bring together variable regions and constant regions. There is a fair amount of trial and error in this process, so lots of pre-B cells don’t make the cut, and naturally die off.

      When a pre-B cell manages to put together the genes to make a functional antibody, it is then called a “B cell”. All B cells start out by making IgM antibody on their cell surface, but very little of it is secreted from the cell. The B cells then leave the bone marrow and go off into circulation looking for antigen and getting directions from other immune cells.

      If the B cell is appropriately stimulated, several things can happen. One is that it can switch from IgM to IgG antibodies. When that happens, the same variable sequence is pasted to a different constant sequence. So the specificity stays the same, but the antibody has some different properties at the constant end.

      The B cell might also start to secrete antibodies (which could be IgM, IgA, IgE, or IgG), so instead of just being on the cell surface it is spitting them out into the blood. The level of secretion is typically low compared to a plasma cell.

      The B cell might also make other changes in its cell biology and differentiate to become either a memory B cell, or a plasma cell. In either case, it retains the specificity of the B cell from which it was derived.

      As far as “down-regulation” of CD20 – that is the term used by the researchers. Because these are biological systems, it is unlikely that a switch would be absolute, and I would expect a gradation of CD20 on the cell surface of plasma cells.

      The term “clonal” usually refers to many cells that are derived from a single cell, but it is often used loosely to also refer to “monoclonal antibodies”, which means antibodies of a single specificity. The term was picked up for antibodies because a monoclonal is typically made from the progeny of a single cell – the complexities of gene rearrangement to put together a variable region sequence mean that it is rare to get identical specificities from two different cells.

    • Anonymous
      November 1, 2008 at 12:49 pm

      [B]Threads[/B], thanks. What I am learning from your posts is that many biological processes are not black and white the way they are explained in textbooks. B–cells secreting antibodies, plasma cells expressing CD20.
      [B]Andrew[/B], rather than cloning I like to compare the creation of the armies of antibodies — or any other protein for that matter — to the old method of duplicating. The message is typed on a stencil and the machine keeps rotating spitting out copies of that message on sheets of paper. The message is the stretch of DNA containing the code (in groups of three) for a particular protein. The underside of the stencil has a mirror image (transcription) of the code (RNA), the rotating action (ribosome) is duplicating the code, the ink is the substance (amino acids) needed to create the printed paper copy (the protein). It’s pretty simplified but it may help a layperson understand the process.
      I don’t know what the relationship is between your and my antiMAG numbers. When I first was diagnosed my number was 142,000. I don’t know what the unit of measure is here. Subsequent readings were done at different labs, one at Mayo, the rest at the Focus Technologies lab in California. They call it an index. Neither my neurologist, my oncologist nor Focus lab were able to be explain to me what it represented. If it’s more than 1, it’s positive for anti-MAG. That’s all I know. Any kind of calculations trying to compare the two did not get me anywhere. So I guess I just have to live with it and hope my next number is lower yet.
      No change in my symptoms. 4 more infusions to go. I am getting used to the PICC line in my arm. It finally stopped bleediing.
      Take care

    • Anonymous
      November 3, 2008 at 7:52 pm

      I agree with what Norb says…that the biology of the immune system is certainly not black and white as suggested in the literature. The existance of plasma cells with CD20 and of B cells producing antibodies is understandable as explained by Threads, and, in my view, goes a long way towards explaining the variablility of results from treatment with Rituxan.
      Consequently, rather than considering different types of IgM MGUS as I had suggested in an earlier posting (which would likely be too black and white), the disease is probably more of a progression with overlap between the sources of anti-MAG.

      Norb…while looking for a definition of the units of measurement of anti-MAG titers, I came across the following paper. Had you seen it before? Is it worth trying to get a copy?

      [B]Polyneuropathy associated with anti-MAG IgM antibodies[/B]

      By: Mazen Dimachkie

      Disclosures:
      Dr. Dimachkie has received honoraria from Merck and Pfizer for serving as a guest speaker.

      Historical note and nomenclature
      Anti-myelin associated glycoprotein antibodies were first described in 1980 in a patient with neuropathy and IgM monoclonal gammopathy (Latov et al 1980; Braun et al 1982). More than 200 patients with this syndrome subsequently have been described. Several studies have delineated the clinical, laboratory, electrodiagnostic, immunologic, pathologic, and therapeutic aspects of this condition (Latov et al 1988; Nobile-Orazio et al 1989; Ellie et al 1996; Chassande et al 1998; Nobile-Orazio et al 2000; Eurelings et al 2001; Gorson et al 2001).

      Clinical manifestations
      Patients typically have an insidiously progressive, distal and symmetrical, sensory or sensorimotor neuropathy. The disorder usually afflicts men over the age of 60 years. Initial features include acral numbness, paresthesias, reduced proprioception, and Romberg sign. Sensory ataxia occurs in half of the cases and often is the most disabling symptom (Chassande et al 1998; Nobile-Orazio et al 1994; Nobile-Orazio et al 2000; Gorson et al 2001). Neuropathic pain is rarely a presenting feature but develops in a minority of patients as the condition advances (Gorson et al 2001). Sensory disturbances invariably begin in the feet in a stocking distribution and frequently involve all modalities, but vibration sensation and proprioception are preferentially affected. Strength is usually normal or only mildly affected at the outset, although as many as 50% of patients develop substantial weakness (Ellie et al 1996; van den Berg et al 1996; Gorson et al 2001). Deep tendon reflexes are absent or diminished (Ellie et al 1996). An intention tremor is common, may occur at any stage of the illness, and frequently becomes a disabling feature (Nobile-Orazio 1994; Pedersen et al 1997; Chassande et al 1998; Nobile-Orazio et al 2000). Cranial nerves and autonomic functions are rarely affected. A minority of patients have a fulminant, predominantly motor neuropathy with rapid progression, profound weakness, and fatal outcome (Antoine et al 1993; Van den Berg et al 1996).

      I am still waiting to hear back from my neurologist about an anti-MAG test, and a visit to the hematologist. So no news on that front. Fingers are crossed.

      Norb…you mention that you see no change in symptoms. Do you think that there has been a termination in the worsening of the symtoms? I hope so.

    • Anonymous
      November 10, 2008 at 8:44 pm

      Andrew, that article is just a clinical summary. I am afraid we won’t learn anything new from it. What makes you think we might find clarification of Unit of Measurement?

      [QUOTE]Norb…you mention that you see no change in symptoms. Do you think that there has been a termination in the worsening of the symtoms? I hope so.[/QUOTE]

      hard to say since progression has been very slow.

      Dawn Kevie`s mom just send me an email with very encouraging info she brought back from the symposium:

      [QUOTE]The docs at the symposium say that they now feel 18 months is necessary to see improvement.[/QUOTE]

    • Anonymous
      November 10, 2008 at 9:47 pm

      Norb, I’d be interested in knowing which symposium, i can follow-up with the abstracts/papers.

      interesting to note its been about about 2 years since my last treatment and as you know I’m allot better. very hard to understand causality here given half life’s an all.

    • November 10, 2008 at 11:20 pm

      The 18 month comment was a comment. The symposium did not allow taping. It was discussed amongst the crowd and doctors when an audience member asked about Rituxin. They both agreed that it probably does not work for some patients because the doctors do not give it enough time. I do have a bunch of abstracts on all sorts of topics related to gbs, cidp, mgus, and other diseases that they did pass out, I could fax it to some of you and maybe we could get a chain going.
      Dawn

    • November 10, 2008 at 11:24 pm

      Norb,
      Dumb blonde in me does not get it, are you saying that ivig does not have a full life of 42 days? We were told by our doc, Baxter, that it lasts 42 days max with a half life of 21. The symposium suggests shorter and your numbers suggest in the hundreds. I know the concepts are difficult, but I am really not getting it. If you can explain it in typical dumb blonde math, it would be appreciated.
      Dawn Kevies mom

    • Anonymous
      November 11, 2008 at 11:41 am

      [B]Michael[/B], it was the symposium just put on by the GBS-CIDP Foundation in Chicago.

      [B]Dawn[/B] a 21 day half-life means that every 21 days the amount of the substance in question is cut in half. Actually, it is a gradual decline. If we use the textbook value for IgG it would look like this:

      day 1 = 100%
      day 21 = 50%
      day 42 = 25%
      day 63 = 12.5%
      day 84 = 6.25%
      etc

      Here is a graph showing serum levels for IVIG over several infusions:

      [IMG]http://www.ourbluemarble.us/forum/Ig_half_life.jpg[/IMG]

      Problem: as I posted earlier, according to Threads half-life for Ig can be 5-10 times longer than textbook values. Threads is an expert in immunology with several publications.

    • November 11, 2008 at 11:43 am

      Thanks Norb.
      Dawn

    • Anonymous
      November 13, 2008 at 9:21 am

      [QUOTE=Dawn Kevies mom] I do have a bunch of abstracts on all sorts of topics related to gbs, cidp, mgus, and other diseases that they did pass out, I could fax it to some of you and maybe we could get a chain going.
      Dawn[/QUOTE]

      Hi Dawn
      I would be very interested in abstracts concerning mgus. However, my fax machine requires that I plug it in when I am expecting a fax (because we have call-waiting). Would it otherwise be possible to scan them and save as PDF? That way we could disseminate by email. Then we can work on getting copies of the interesting papers through our individual contacts in the medical field or by ordering them on-line.
      Thank you for offering to share the abstracts.
      Andrew

    • November 13, 2008 at 9:01 pm

      I received my first series of Rituxan January 2007. I did not improve any but it did seem to stabilize me. After a year and a half my hands and arms have gotten worse. My Neurologist and my Hematologist have decided to do another series of 4 treatments with Rituxan and follow up with IVIG a few months later. I have never had IVIG?

      The Rituxan cost $6000 per treatment. My insurance company covered a little more than half, leaving me with a $10,000 balance. I am hoping that my new insurance will cover more than the previous one. My Hematologist told me that the worst side effect of this drug is you will be broke:eek:

      My Best Regards,
      Lori

    • Anonymous
      November 13, 2008 at 9:30 pm

      [QUOTE=Lori McCormick]I received my first series of Rituxan January 2007. I did not improve any but it did seem to stabilize me.

      The Rituxan cost $6000 per treatment. My insurance company covered a little more than half, leaving me with a $10,000 balance. I am hoping that my new insurance will cover more than the previous one. My Hematologist told me that the worst side effect of this drug is you will be broke:eek:
      [/QUOTE]

      Hi Lori
      Welcome to the forum (based on your post being the first one).
      I was wondering what your diagnosis is. Do you have IgM MGUS (a variant of CIDP) or is the diagnosis CIDP? It is interesting that you were able to get coverage for half from your insurance company. I found that Rituxan in the treatment of CIDP or IgM MGUS is normally not covered. However, Norb was diagnosed as having non Hodgkins lymphoma as well as IgM MGUS and for that he was covered.
      I’ve had 7 infusions and had to pay the full amount. Ouch.
      Andrew

    • November 13, 2008 at 9:42 pm

      Hi Andrew,

      So you could tell that this is all new to me? I’ve been a member over a year and it has taken me this long to figure things out.
      I’ve been diagnosed with CIDP the antimag is non specific for IGM if I have any clue what I am talking about.
      Other than Rituxan have you received IVIG as well? They would like to start this following 4 treatment oif Rituxan.

      Best Regards,
      Lori

    • Anonymous
      November 13, 2008 at 11:29 pm

      Lori, did they actually tell you had antiMAG. If they did there had to be an antibody to be anti (against) something like MAG. Do I make sense?

      I was gettIng IVIG for two years right up to switching to Rituxan without much success. This was last fall. I am currently in the middle of my third round but no improvement yet.

    • Anonymous
      November 14, 2008 at 8:31 am

      [QUOTE=norb]Lori, did they actually tell you had antiMAG. If they did there had to be an antibody to be anti (against) something like MAG. Do I make sense?[/QUOTE]

      Lori
      Further to what Norb was saying, you can find more information from the Washington University web site [url]http://www.neuro.wustl.edu/neuromuscular[/url] and more specifically on anti-MAG at [url]http://www.neuro.wustl.edu/over/labdis.html#mag[/url]. They list the various antibodies vs MAG.

      In my case, for example, they tested IgM vs MAG and found the levels to be way above normal. The interpretation was “The binding of IgM in this serum to MAG has been confirmed by Western blot. High titers of serum IgM anti-MAG antibodies are often associated with demyelinating sensory>motor neuropathies”. Which is what I have with this IgM MGUS.

      I wish I knew more about the treatments, but I was a bit surprised that they would prescribe 4 treatments of Rituxan and then switch to IVIG. Recent posts suggest that it takes up to 18 months to realize improvements from Rituxan. (I found it personally to be much faster). And if it is IgM MGUS you have, there seems to be a consensus that IVIG doesn’t work that well. But for CIDP, IVIG is frequently given, and Rituxan seems like a second alternative after taking IVIG. As usual, I may be in over my head on this (I’m not a doctor), and I hope that someone will correct me if I am wrong.
      Andrew

    • November 14, 2008 at 12:31 pm

      Dear Norb,

      I know in the past there was a trace of the IGM Antimag. Since my first Rituxan treatment they no longer see any evidence of it in my bloodwork. I have never been told that I actually have it? The Rituxan did not make any of my symptoms go away but it did help stabilize me.
      My understanding of why my doctors are doing both treatments Rituxan & IVIG is the Rituxan will stop the antibodies from forming and the IVIG will remove any that are already attacking my nerves. Perhaps it will sustain the Rituxan for a longer period as well.

      My Best Regards,
      Lori

    • Anonymous
      November 14, 2008 at 12:54 pm

      [QUOTE=Lori McCormick] My understanding of why my doctors are doing both treatments Rituxan & IVIG is the Rituxan will stop the antibodies from forming and the IVIG will remove any that are already attacking my nerves. Perhaps it will sustain the Rituxan for a longer period as well.[/QUOTE]

      Very interesting. I wondered about something similar recently…Rituxan first followed by plasmapheresis, first to stop the B cells from forming and then to remove the plasma cells still producing the antibodies. Perhaps with your diagnosis the IVIG will do the trick.

      What symptoms do you have, Lori? Do you have symmetric neuropathy (both sides evenly)? Both sensory and motor (one more than the other)?
      It would be interesting to know, if you can find out, exactly what your diagnosis was. Feedback regarding the treatment of CIDP with Rituxan is of huge interest to me and others here on the forum.

      Thanks for your input Lori.
      Andrew

    • November 14, 2008 at 3:14 pm

      Hi Andrew,

      To the contrary of what I am hearing. 18 months following Rituxan my numbness and lack of feeling in my hands started to worsen and spread up my arms.
      I have numbness and sensory loss in both feet and hands. Not at all equal on both sides. My Right foot and left hand are worse. I have slight weakness as well. My knees buckle and I have sprained my ankle a few times now. Is this referred to as weekness?
      I have two wonderful doctor’s in NYC. My Neurologist offered me 4 choices (Rituxan, IVIG, nothing or both) he suggested I do both.
      I have never had IVIG I believe they could not verify the necessity for insurance coverage until my most recent EMG.
      This is such a great tool to be able to speak with people who are going through the same thing and are so knowledgeable. Thank you for responding to me.

      Best Regards,
      Lori

    • Anonymous
      November 14, 2008 at 6:38 pm

      Lori, was that 18 months [U]after[/U] your last Rituxan treatment?

    • November 14, 2008 at 9:32 pm

      Hi Norb,

      Yes, correct. I pretty much stabilized for 18 months following my Rituxan treatments. I will go for another series starting this monday. It has been almost 2 years since my last treatment.

      Best Regards,
      Lori

    • Anonymous
      December 9, 2008 at 12:53 pm

      I have just joined this international forum. It seems to me that the greater numbers of you may provide answers.
      A brief history of my CIDP is
      2001 September Sensations in finger tips
      2002 July Diagnosed CIDP
      2003 September Spine Operation to free up my spinal cord.
      2004 July. Second post Op check
      2005 Problems now with hiking over rough ground. I fall down often.
      2006 This winter, the cold turns my face and hands blue black
      2007 March. Walking problems and balance get worse, falling more often, hands much less dexterous
      2007 July. Back to hospital, steroid trial.
      2007 September. Steroids are failure.
      2007 October. IvIg trial
      2007 November. No significant change from IvIg
      2008 February. Repeat Ivig
      2008 March. Decision not continue with IvIg
      2008 April. Nerve biopsy
      2008 July. Rituximab treatment
      2008 October. Neurologist concludes that immunosuppressant treatments are unlikely to improve my condition, because the nerve biopsy showed deterioration to the nerve axons rather than the myelin, and there was no deposition of a protein called amyloid
      Now I walk with a rolator, I cannot do anything while standing unless I have support, and I am totally dependant on sight for balance. my muscles are disappearing, particularly in my hands.
      So far I have not noticed any change for the better, if anything the downhill slide has continued.
      My questions are; Is rituximab the final option, and is it common to get repeat treatments when no improvement is apparent.
      Thanks for looking
      brianh

    • Anonymous
      January 15, 2009 at 6:38 pm

      I have just joined the site and not sure if were talking about the same reatment but I have Antimag Neuropathy diagnosed about two years ago now after a few years of doctors telling me to do foot exercises etc yeah right.
      Last year I had a course of Retuximab treatment it seemed to help me over a long period of months but im now awaiting another course being planned by my specialists.
      Love to chat to anyone suffering this same problem.
      Geoff

      [QUOTE=Allaug]I seem to remember that some-one (or more) wrote about successful treatment of CIDP using Rituxan alone and\or combined with some other medication. This was on the “old” forum sometime between January this year and the hacking of the forum.

      It would be very nice if that\those person(s) could retell his\her\their story(ies), because it is important information since so few are yet to get this option.

      Hopefully[/QUOTE]

    • Anonymous
      January 15, 2009 at 7:11 pm

      I was not able to tolerate that Rituxan. It was making me very sick and I just could not handle it. They are trying me on Methotrexate and Prednisone. But I don’t have the Anti Mag either. Lupus with CIDP!
      Very interesting conversation though! A good learning experience!

    • Anonymous
      January 18, 2009 at 11:18 am

      [QUOTE=geoff_c_lewisuk]I have just joined the site and not sure if were talking about the same reatment but I have Antimag Neuropathy diagnosed about two years ago now after a few years of doctors telling me to do foot exercises etc yeah right.
      Last year I had a course of Retuximab treatment it seemed to help me over a long period of months but im now awaiting another course being planned by my specialists.
      Love to chat to anyone suffering this same problem.
      Geoff[/QUOTE]

      Hi Geoff
      Welcome to the forum!! When I read your posting this morning, I couldn’t believe my eyes. You and I are about the same age, discovered the neuropathy about the same time, and are on the same treatment – Rituxan.
      There are a few others here in the GBS/CIDP forum who have the same ailment, and have been undergoing the same treatment, but we are at different stages. Nevertheless, the first thing I’d like to say is that they, and many others on the forum have been incredibly supportive and the knowledge I have gained here has been fantastic. It is very important to know exactly what is happening so that we can converse with the doctors. The disease is relatively rare and so many GP’s etc, are totally uninformed. Your mention of foot exercises, etc. reminds me of my first complaint to my family doctor who just shrugged it off and made me feel like I was wasting his time. Unfortunately, time is important, and I beleive that I lost about 6 months because of him…that was 6 months of irreparable damage.
      Briefly, I noticed numbness in my feet about August 2006, sought professional help in January 2007 when it was getting much worse, was diagnosed in September 2007, confirmed with anti-MAG testing in October 2007, and received 4 infusions of Rituxan in December. Since then, I’ve had 3more infusions and have noticed a great improvement. My hands are now back to normal, I have regained some strength in my lower legs and feet, and my balance is much better. Still, there is some numbness in my feet which I hope will gradually be reduced with time and perhaps occasional further Rituxan treatments.
      What I’ve learned from the forum includes the cause of the disease, what Rituxan does, etc. Other subjects include insurance coverage for Rituxan treatments, which is hard to get and which I have not been able to achieve.
      Where are you at in the nerve damage. Are you able to walk? Are your hands affected? Do you have any pain?
      Certainly Norb and Allaug will also also glad to hear from you and compare notes as we all try to battle this disease. You can read some of their posts on this thread.
      Again welcome Geoff. You will find all kinds of help here on the GBS/CIDP forum.
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      January 19, 2009 at 4:16 am

      Thanks for responding its good to find someone with the same disability well not good but you know what I seen .
      Are you sitting comfortably then ill begin lol
      Im now 58 and started with this curse well over 10 years ago simmilar to you numbness in toes moving into feet and despite several trips to the doctors was always fobbed oft until about 2 years ago when i eventually convinced my now doctor if was getting to be major problem having stayed the same for all those years I now felt it was progressing.
      I was sent for rheumatics checks and then to my first neurologist who sent me for nerv conduction electro test this guy would have been good as an interagator kept shocking me till my arms and hands were jumping about not a fun thing to have done but it was through this i was diagnosed with chronic peripheral poly neuropathy.
      After suffering two painful bone marrow tests that gained bone only and refusing further attempts i was given specialist blood tests that revealed the anti mag problem.
      Lots more to go through treatments ive had if you want to know im happy to post here or we can message .
      Regards
      Geoff

    • Anonymous
      January 19, 2009 at 8:53 am

      Hi Geoff
      10 years!! What a bummer to wait so long for a proper diagnosis.
      I am a runner so that when I first noticed the problem of numbness on the soles of my feet, I knew something was wrong. I tried different shoe remedies, etc. but I was feeling tired when I ran too, which was further evidence of a problem. Luckily my wife Marian is a nurse and she consulted with some doctors at her hospital, which resulted in my first appointment with neurologists. My family doctor was as useless as a screen door on a submarine! Presumably the damage to nerves can progress at different rates with different patients, but my anti-MAG levels were over 50,000 (units?) compared with normal of about 1500 maximum. Thank god for Rituxan because it has so far had a remarkable effect.
      I have an appointment with a hematologist tomorrow as well as another anti-MAG test. Fortunately, this was approved by the Ontario (Canada) health care system, as cost is about $800 plus shipping and handling. Yes, no joke, I have to pay an extra $50 for shipping. But its worth it.

      Geoff…you asked about whether to post or send emails. I think that it is better to post because we all learn from the experiences of others. It is like one big family. Also, ,as an aside, there are some other excellent photographers on this forum, so check around. One such thread is “Do you have a photo to share?” at [url]http://www.gbs-cidp.org/forums/showthread.php?t=2017[/url]

      For information on our particular ailment, you should check Ken Sawyer’s website at [url]http://www.pdn-info.co.uk/[/url]. Also, there are some very informative posts on this thread “CIDP – Rituxan treatment?”

      I gather from your bio that you have been forced into retirement due to your polyneuropathy. I also took retirement this past year, mainly because I felt that this problem was a wake-up call and there are a lot of things I want to do before it gets the better of me. Hopefully the Rituxan continues to bring improvement, or at least stops the deterioration.

      What other treatments besides Rituxan have you had?

      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      January 21, 2009 at 8:14 pm

      Yesterday I finally got to visit a haematologist. This is something I had been looking forward to for some time in order to fill in some of the blanks, absent in a purely neurological diagnosis. IgM MGUS is of course really a blood/immunological disease with resulting neurological symptoms.
      The haematologist reviewed my last blood test information. Electrophoresis results showed a decline in the IgM level from 3.73 in May 2007 to 2.46 in October 2008, a drop of over 30% . This is further evidence of the encouraging effects of Rituxan treatment.
      The haematologist has scheduled a CT scan of my abdomen and pelvis to check the lymph nodes. Also they have scheduled a bone marrow biopsy to check for NHL or other possible diseases. At that time, it is planned to discuss a program for regular blood testing to monitor the situation, and watch for changes which might indicate a cancerous condition (approx 1% per year transfer to cancer).
      All of this is encouraging because it adds to the database in order to better understand underlying changes and react more quickly if further treatments are needed.
      Finally, I am hopnig that they don’t find anything, but if they do, I’d be in the same category as you, Norb, in that I’d be able to get coverage for the Rituxan treatments. Bad news/good news situation I guess.
      One other thing is that I have to go in to give a blood sample for the anti-MAG test to be conducted at University of Washington in Missouri sometime in the next few days. Results can take 6 weeks or so, but I’ll let you know when I get them.
      That’s the update on my battle with IgM MGUS.
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      January 24, 2009 at 12:15 pm

      Hi Andrew and Allaug
      Thanks to both of you for sending forum and private mail regarding our simmilar conditions.
      I have almost total numbness in my left foot moving up the leg my right is going the same way, my fingers are also stiffening and have to little or to much feeling.
      I was originally started on prednisalone 60mg but had bad side effects sweating dizziness and left me very week so i was weened of them.
      I then had a CT scan followed by a bone marrow test that failed to get marrow just bone this was rather uncomfortable to be honest.
      They tried a second test with the same result this was very painful on my meekest side i refused a further test and had specialist blood tests that revealed the anti mag problem.
      As i was at that time suffering nerve pains and bad cramp and leg spasms they started me on Pregabalin tablets 75gm twice daily im now on 225gm twice daily maximum i can go up to is 300gm twice daily.
      more to follow next post

    • Anonymous
      January 24, 2009 at 7:52 pm

      Treatments continued
      My hematologist told me my anti mag level was 70.000 very high so they started me on cyclophosphamide for 6 months not much improvement so the i was given Retuximab over the same period and was told it would help over a a few months now almost 12 since i was given it.
      i slowly felt stronger my energy improved and balance, but eventually i reverted back a little and I knew the condition was progressing again.
      It was then suggested i go into hospital for 4 days and had immunoglobulin ivig so i did .
      Unfortunately the effects were negligible but i had bad side effects of a
      eczema eruption that removed almost all the skin on both my hands and lasted over a month of itching not good.
      ive had no further treatments since for about 6 months but my anti mag has now come down and medically i should be improving but symptomatically im getting worse.
      i can now only walk slowly and only short distance and standing up for long is not good, also get tired quickly and suffer with fatigue.
      they are now discussing another course of retuximab
      we will see if it helps.
      today as i type this both feet and legs have gone numb and the pressure in them is quite irritating, does anyone else get this symptoms?

    • Anonymous
      January 24, 2009 at 9:06 pm

      [SIZE=”4″]OH YEAH !!!!
      IVIG did nothing for me,but make me worse. Now I take steroids & I do get flairups, numbups, balance issues, fatigue,etc.. This disease really sucks. Now I’m worried because my urine is coming out thick & orange. What’s going in,isn’t coming out.UGH !!![/SIZE]

    • Anonymous
      January 25, 2009 at 5:42 am

      Yes it is a real hard one to deal with at times, and although certain treatments help in the short term im beginning to think as ive been told by my specialists they are just trying to slow down the speed that it progresses.
      I don’t have the urine problem but today the numbness and pressure in both feet has moved up my lower legs and is very intense in it approach quite scary actually,, also my fingers have stiffened overnight and are number than yesterday.
      Im a bit down but i don’t give in we have to fight this curse or it will get the better of us and depression sets in.

    • Anonymous
      January 25, 2009 at 5:55 am

      Hope the prednisalone
      Works for you it just made me worse they started me on 60gm per day.

    • Anonymous
      January 25, 2009 at 7:48 am

      [QUOTE=geoff_c_lewisuk]…so then i was given Retuximab over the same period and was told it would help over a a few months. now almost 12 since i was given it.
      i slowly felt stronger my energy improved and balance, but eventually i reverted back a little and I knew the condition was progressing again.

      ive had no further treatments since for about 6 months but my anti mag has now come down and medically i should be improving but symptomatically im getting worse.
      i can now only walk slowly and only short distance and standing up for long is not good, also get tired quickly and suffer with fatigue.
      they are now discussing another course of retuximab
      [/QUOTE]

      Geoff,
      Allaug is the greatest. Glad to hear that she contacted you.
      With regard to your treatment with Rituximab, there are a number of papers written regarding trials of Rituximab on patients with the same condition as us. From those papers, and from my own experience as well, the Rituxan can take up to several months to show effects. There is a half-life of about 20 days for Rituxan, so that the infusions will eventually slowly die out. Of course, if there are still rogue cells producing the anti-MAG, then the disease will start to come back. My understanding is that this is a chronic illness, so we are stuck with it and will probably have to continue to monitor and treat as necessary. At least, I have not heard of anyone with the IgM MGUS being able to cure it once and for all. The discussion on the part of your doctors about repeat Rituxan treatments makes a lot of sense. I had three more treatments about 6 to 9 months after the initial four in a row. And Norb has just completed a second series, this time with double doses. (Norb, pls correct me if I am wrong).

      Anyway, I have my own theories on the relationship between treatments and results. I feel that there is usually a delay between treatments and results because you are dealing with biology – half lifes, huge quantities, an internal war of cells battling it out. Then too, I find that if you are already numb, it is hard to notice whether you are getting better or worse because you can’t feel anything! You have to look for the small indicators, like suddenly being able to do buttons up, or feel wood that I just sanded, or walk on my heels again. The pressure you mention, often referred to “stocking and glove” was right up to my knees at one point but now occurs only infrequently in my feet only up to the ankles. These were some of the indicators. Actually now there is no numbness in my hands at all – touch wood (sorry for the pun)!
      Another thing I noticed before treatment was that my gait changed and that meant that I was using different muscles to walk. Then my achilles seemed to get sore because I was walking differently and not exercising the ankles. So, after Rituxan, I started running again, albeit slowly and not far, in order to strengthen the ankles. That worked and now I can come down the stairs in the morning without hanging onto the handrail for dear life.

      You are lucky to know that your anti-MAG levels have come down. I can’t see how any further damage could occur while the levels are down. Are you seeing a physiotherapist to help with recovery? Maybe something like yoga classes or an excercise program could provide some benefits.

      Keep working at it and don’t give up, Geoff. You’ll get it under control.

    • Anonymous
      January 27, 2009 at 1:50 pm

      Hi Andrew and Geoff, I have not participated in any discussions here for a long time. I’ve been in a strange mood lately, just trying to deal with my disability and the fact that I have not seen much improvement if any. Yes Andrew, I did receive eight rounds of Rituxan treatment in October and November, twice the normal amount. Tomorrow I should receive the results of my blood tests including anti-MAG IgM levels. I still have not found anybody who could help me with translating the numbers into the unit of measure that apparently your labs are using.

      Andrew, you mentioned getting a bone marrow biopsy. In my opinion, that is a good idea especially if it gets you the approval for Rituxan payments. When I was first diagnosed in 2005 at anti-MAG IgM, my neurologist raised the question of Waldenstrom’s right away. But because he could not see the typical symptoms, the oncologist I saw did not pursue it. It took two more years until a different oncologist finally did the bone marrow biopsy and confirmed the mild B–cell lymphoma and prescribed the Rituxan. If you recall the study published by doctor Renaud in Switzerland, several of her anti-MAG IgM patients had low levels of B-cell lymphoma.

      [QUOTE]Eight patients, five men and three women aged 50 to 79 years (median 63.5 years), were included. All were diagnosed with anti-MAG–associated polyneuropathy severe enough to affect quality of life. All patients had either a monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance or a [I][U]low-grade non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma[/U][/I] not necessitating treatment by itself.[/QUOTE]

      By the way, we are planning to go on our trip east this summer – finally – but don’t know if we will make the detour through to Canada. It is a long trip and the last one we made to Oklahoma over the holidays was rather painful for both of us. Carol has spinal stenosis causing a lot of nerve pain and I find it rather unbearable sitting in my wheelchair in the car for more than two hours. But I am in the process of finding a special cushion I might be able to use. My doctor I saw last week does not think it is anything related to nerves.

      Take care

    • Anonymous
      January 27, 2009 at 10:18 pm

      Hi Norb
      I believe I may have the answer with regard to units of anti-MAG. The levels which were reported by Washington University in St. Louis by Elisa and confirmed by Western Blot for me were in BTU. If we convert BTU to kilocalories x 1000, then my level of 52,000 BTU equates to 13.10 kcal x 1000. If I take your measurement of 12.94 in October and covert it to imperial, it would equate to 51350 BTU. That’s just a guess on my part. Is there a way to determine if your results were in metric?
      Most of the literature I found was in imperial.
      Also, I discovered that the Elisa test does not correspond with the Western Blot test, but when they both indicate high levels of anti-MAG, it seems to invariably indicate damage to the myelin.
      With regard to your comments on the bone marrow biopsy, I had exactly the same thoughts. I am quite pleased that these further tests are being done. The haematologist I saw last week seemed very competent and versed on this condition. As he said, there is usually a source to the problem of MGUS and he is hoping to find it. I’ll keep you posted, although it may take a couple of months for all of the tests and a final diagnosis.
      Regarding your trip East, I hope it works out ok for you, and we would really like to see you in Toronto. I might add that we will be away the second half of August. Our eldest daughter is getting married in Halifax.
      Finally, don’t get down about your progress Norb. I am convinced that we who are numb have a hard time knowing if things are getting better or not because they have to change a lot for us to actually feel the change. Sort of a catch 22. My advice would be to look for suttle changes at first. In time, you’ll get there.
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      January 28, 2009 at 4:40 am

      Geoff,
      Writing from the east side of the Pennines in Halifax (UK) when you report [QUOTE]both feet and legs have gone numb and the pressure in them is quite irritating,[/QUOTE] does pressure in them mean tightness of the structure – in the feet along the tendons from the ankles to the toes?[

      QUOTE]i can now only walk slowly and only short distance [/QUOTE]
      Like you I can only walk a short distance now but almost 16 years into this IgA PDN.

      Well the literature describes this family (anti-MAG IgM, IgM, IgG, IgA) of neuropathies as “slowly progresssive”.

      I’ll explain why I am asking these particular questions another time.

    • Anonymous
      January 28, 2009 at 11:43 am

      Andrew, I was quite surprised to learn that the antiMAG protein is measured in energy units. If your assumption is correct and the index my lab is using is in fact kcal/1000, then the 140,000 that was measured back in 2005 by the lab in St. Louis would correspond to 35.28. The 12.94 measured in October would then represent a significant drop, more than 50%. In November 2007 after my first Rituxan treatment it was already down to 15.24. However, my condition has slowly deteriorated since 2005. Then I was still doing fine with just a cane. Today I am in a wheelchair. It doesn’t make much sense to me.

    • Anonymous
      January 28, 2009 at 12:07 pm

      😮 😮 😮 😮
      Ooops.
      Norb, I read your posting and decided to go back and check again the units. Yes, they are BTU, but on further scrutiny, the BTU stands for “Bühlmann Titer Units”. I found this at [url]http://www.diagenics.co.uk/documents/buhlmann-ek-mag.pdf[/url]
      which describes the anti-MAG testing procedure. I guess I must have been tired last night when I was trying to look up units of measurement for anti-MAG.
      Which leads to the question…”what units does your lab use?”
      Sorry for the misleading information. It would be most informative to know what the 12.94 (your October result) means. Does it refer to 129,400?
      Norb…sorry for the quick conclusion on BTU.
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      January 28, 2009 at 1:20 pm

      Andrew, glad you clarified that. Interesting publication. Still have to mull things over but will be leaving for Denver shortly to babysit for a few days. Using the graph your titre would correspond approx. to an optical density (OD) of 1.4. All the people at my lab were able to tell me was that their number represented and index and that they are measuring optical density.

      got to go

    • Anonymous
      February 3, 2009 at 4:12 pm

      My latest blood test results are in. antiMAG IgM went down a very small amount, both total IgG and IgM went up some. After two months of Rituxan infusions in October and November I expected to see significant drops in antibody titers but that has not happened. When I go to see my oncologist in 2 days I will suggest to him to discontinue treatments. According to the lymphoma protocol there should have been another series of infusions in April. Since I started Rituxan 1 1/2 years ago I have been fairly stable with perhaps some minor improvements. I don’t know if the improvements are real or just a result of me learning to adapt better to my limitations. The water aerobics three times a week we started together last month certainly seem to strengthen my legs and arms. Continuation of the Rituxan treatment doesn’t seem to be justifiable under the circumstances.

      [IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3268/3251577622_422c9a0119_o.jpg[/IMG]

      [IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3428/3250749991_d3713153f3_o.jpg[/IMG]

      [IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3021/3251577534_58cec39d98_o.jpg[/IMG]

    • Anonymous
      February 8, 2009 at 12:37 pm

      Geez Norb, I am sorry to hear that the Rituxan is not having much effect on the anti-MAG.
      I hope you don’t mind my questions, but in my general ignorance of biology, I have to ask them.
      First…I couldn’t help notice that you feel that there has been some improvement. I feel that this is a terrific sign, given that it is so hard to see any improvement when one does not have feeling to begin with. This was reinforced to me a couple of days ago when I was buying some new running shoes (couldn’t resist…60% off!!). The guy asked me where my toes were in the shoe and could I feel them touching in the front of the shoe. I had to tell the guy that I couldn’t feel a damn thing and I didn’t have a clue where the ends of my toes were. Yet, I’ve noticed so many other improvements, for example in my hands. So, if one was to ask if there was any improvement based only on what I can feel in the ends of my toes, I’d have to say there is no improvement. It’s a long way around but what I am trying to say is that if you [B]think[/B] there is some improvement (and no deterioration), then it is potentially a great sign!
      Which leads back to your results for anti-MAG. They have not shown any improvement, but we still don’t know what the units are. Did they by any chance tell you what the normal range is for anti-MAG against which your numbers are being compared. Perhaps that way we can establish a multiplier because for BTU, the normal control value is <1500. (reminder that mine is 52,000 BTU by comparison).
      Next, I notice that the IgG has come way down. Can we explain an improvement by virtue of the reduction of IgG? Maybe there are two factors working against you at the same time. Both IgM and IgG. Could IgG vs GM1 be an explanation? The fact that IgG has come down might explain the improvement in neuro. I note that one of the tests at the Washington University Neuromuscular Laboratory is IgG vs GM1 (normal titer <800).
      It sure would be easier if we were fixing a car engine, because this biology stuff is pretty complicated. But I figure that at the root of it all, [B]there has to be[/B] an explanation.

      One last question, on a different subject. I notice that you still have the Honda shown in your messages. Did you ever get the financial issue settled with them? They should be thankful for the free advertising they get from your posts.
      Take care
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      February 11, 2009 at 6:35 pm

      Andrew, my oncologist encouraged me to continue the treatment to the end, in other words one more time in May. He felt like you do that being stable and possibly show some improvement was a good sign. The fact that treatment was started so late may be the reason why change in symptoms is so slow, he said.

      He also told me that there is a new generation of engineered antibody against the CD20 marker currently in the trial phase. This one does a better job targeting CD20. He didn”t give me the name, though.

      Normal range of antiMAG IgM using the index is <1

      The reason my IgM and IgG dropped so much is probably the IVIG I received the month before I started the Rituxan.

      No progress on the Honda front. Carol is thinking of taking it to small claims court but is dragging her feet and I don't feel like getting into it. I just about have given up on it.

    • Anonymous
      February 11, 2009 at 8:08 pm

      Norb
      That is very interesting about a new antibody. I did a quick search and came across something called [B]Ofatumumab[/B] at: [url]http://www.clltopics.org/ClinTrials/SmarterMonoclonal.htm[/url]
      Have a look and see if this is what you think your oncologist was referring to.
      Another one courtesy of the same site is [B]Veltuzumab[/B]: [url]http://www.clltopics.org/MOABs/Veltuzumab.htm[/url]
      There is a GBS/CIDP conference coming up here in Toronto on April 18, so I will make a point to ask about new drugs such as the two above in the treatment of IgM MGUS.

      Anti-MAG normal of 1 versus UofW at 1500…hmmm….could it be as simple as your result needing to be multiplied by a power of 10×3 to get same units as UofW. Who knows?

      How come the IgG didn’t come back up to where it originally was after the IVIG wore off in your system?

      Damn this stuff is complicated.

      I think that 60 minutes should take a look at the Honda story!!!

    • Anonymous
      February 16, 2009 at 3:28 pm

      I heard a story on the news that there was a study done with people that had MS. A young man had been in remission for 5 years after stem cell therapy using his own stem cells from bone marrow . I have read on line that there have been a few people with CIDP that have benefitted from this too.

      My son has had cidp for 31/2 years, starting at age 15. One thing I noticed when I first suspected something was wrong was that his hair was thinning and he wasn’t growing. a few months later he developed the numbness in his legs and hands leading to the loss of reflexes, strength and balance. He has been up and down ever since.

      He is up right now. He had Rituxin in Sept 08 and has been inproving since. We area not sure if it is the Rituxin or just the natural course of the disease. Although it was a definite turn around. He is still on IVIG 1/month, 20 mg of prednisone /day and atenolol for blood pressure and hand tremors. He works out at the gym religiosly and tries to eat healthy.

      THe young man with MS was part of a a small study. He was pretty bad before the treatment. One of the things he said was that when he started getting better, his hair grew back.

      I was wondering if anyone else with CIDP had experienced hair loss at the onset of the disease.

      I also would like to know what studies or proof (that rituxin is used with CIDP )did everyone use to get the insurance company to pay the bill?

    • Anonymous
      February 21, 2009 at 10:50 am

      I guess no one has responded to your post because no one can answer the questions you pose.

      I would comment on the hair loss, but mine started long before any diagnosis, so I must blame it entirely on hereditary factors.

      Regarding stem cell therapy, I noticed today that there is a thread on this subject and I draw your attention to it at [url]http://www.gbs-cidp.org/forums/showthread.php?t=5356[/url]

      With regard to getting the insurance company to pay the bill, in my experience you need to show evidence of other underlying disease like MS or MM or NHL.
      I beleive that we need to all work together to break this impasse. It almost seems like there is an international cartel of insurance providers to block any one insurance company or government from providing coverage for Rituxan to treat CIDP. The drug companies obviously are fighting to show proof of positive results in order to get the drug covered through sponsored research work. We need also to work at it so that eventually one will break down and then a precedence will be set for the others (domino effect). Maybe it is wishful thinking?

      Glad to hear that your son has improved with the Rituxan treatments.

    • Anonymous
      March 2, 2009 at 2:10 pm

      I just got back my results from the blood test for levels of anti-MAG in January. Anti-MAG has thankfully fallen from the original 52,000 BTU (Buhlmann Titer Units) in October 2007 to 19,000 BTU in January 2009 following Rituxan treatments (4 in December 2007, and 3 mid year 2008). This reduction is also reflected in a reduction in the IgM electrophoresis, although not quite as much. It is still way above the normal 1000 BTU, and I suppose that more Rituxan treatments will be needed at some point, but the results are thankfully heading in the right direction (a drop of 63%).
      Now…the question becomes, how does one know when more Rituxan is needed? It seems like the best gauge is IgM level, because access to the anti-MAG test is quite difficult (cost > $800 for the test).
      Funny…two years ago I didn’t know what “Chronic” meant!! 🙂

    • Anonymous
      March 2, 2009 at 4:06 pm

      Great news, Andrew. I wished my titer would drop that significantly. I guess you’ll know when your symptoms worsen that you’ll need another round. There probably is not enough experience with Rituxan/antiMAG to establish a maintenance guideline if that is possible at all given that each case is different.

    • Anonymous
      March 2, 2009 at 8:54 pm

      Thanks Norb
      Unfortunately the stock market is falling faster than my Anti-MAG titers, and soon I won’t be able to afford any more Rituxan!!
      On the subject of a maintenance program, I fear that the symptoms alone are not a satisfactory guide because by the time I notice things (loss of balance, numb hands, stocking and glove feeling advancing up legs, etc.) it may be too late to avoid further irreversible nerve damage. So I am hoping to convince my haematologist that I should check IgM levels every couple of months or so. Hopefully a shift in direction over two consecutive measurements might be an indicator of increased need for monitoring symptoms or even the need for an infusion.

      By the way, it sure is hard to find out any information about PDN patients who have taken Rituxan for a few years. Another good question for the upcoming conference next month here in toronto.

    • Anonymous
      March 2, 2009 at 10:18 pm

      Andrew, i’ve been thinking about what you posted earlier. I don’t think there is a direct relationship between overall IgM levels and antiMAG IgM. I can’t give you a logical reason off the top of my head, it’s just a gut feeling right now. My numbers are difficult to compare because of the difference in scale. Here a try: maybe I will interpolate the missing values and multiply them to better visualize the two. too tired tonight.
      am

      [IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3658/3324028387_238c193929_o.jpg[/IMG]

    • Anonymous
      March 3, 2009 at 10:15 am

      [QUOTE=norb] I don’t think there is a direct relationship between overall IgM levels and antiMAG IgM. [/QUOTE]

      Unfortunately Norb, you could be right. In the trials by Susanne Renaud, all patients saw the IgM go down but not all saw the anti-MAG go down. I guess I have been ignoring some of the facts in trying to find a quantitative way to determine an effective maintenance program.

      Damn this stuff is frustrating:
      – There is no relationship between anti-MAG and IGM levels
      – My neurologist says that the level of anti-MAG should not be used to gauge the efficacy of Rituxan treatments
      – The last EMG test I had showed no changes yet I know that my neuropathy had improved (balance improved, reflexes, etc)
      – I can’t tell whether my feet are getting more numb or less numb because…ironically…they are numb.

      It seems like we are pioneers in this field…no maps, no compass…just some general knowledge from qualitative studies funded by stakeholders.

      Sorry to sound down on this subject. From both engineering and business, I’ve always been taught to MEASURE, MEASURE, MEASURE. But with this disease, we don’t really know what to measure.

      If Rituxan cost the same as aspirin, the decision would be a lot easier.

      Maybe what we need to do is develop a do-it-yourself home testing system to measure the numbness we experience. The Dyck scoring system for neuropathy is useful for large populations, but it does not help for day-to-day monitoring on a personal level.

      Let me work on that!!

    • Anonymous
      March 3, 2009 at 11:33 am

      “funny thing happened to the way to the office”

      I eliminated the high value, interpolated the missing values and multiplied all by 15. Surprise 😀

      I have to redo this. My Excel program didn’t do it right

    • Anonymous
      March 3, 2009 at 12:12 pm

      [QUOTE=norb]”funny thing happened to the way to the office”

      Surprise

      [/QUOTE]

      BRAVO NORB
      That is the nicest looking chart I’ve seen in months.

      I guess I need to pinch myself and remind myself that it is not conclusive proof of a direct relationship applicable to all cases. (I’ve been known to jump to conclusions before).

      I looked through the nine patients in Susanne Renaud’s study again, and yes…there does appear to be a relationship between IgM and Anti-MAG for each individual patient, but it is a different relationship for each patient (no set factor to apply to the one variable in arriving at the other). Still, this is encouraging.

      Thanks for posting, Norb.

    • Anonymous
      March 3, 2009 at 1:02 pm

      I’m sure there is some kind of relationship Andrew, but to know more about it we would need to understand more about how antibodies are created in detail. Here are some thoughts I want to share:

      White blood cells — which include IgM — tend to stay within a certain normal range and only when there is an infection, they generally increase. What this s telling me is that our immune system — in our case the B–cells among others — is [U]constantly[/U] reacting to antigens including bacteria and viruses by creating the appropriate antibody. The rest of the immune system kicks in and removes the threat without letting it come to an infection.

      Anti-MAG IgM comes about in a different way. These are just theories, of course. At one point one or more B-cells may have reacted to an antigen which has the same structure as the MAG. Instead of dying off after its normal lifecycle it continues to live. A fluke.

      If Rituxan works as expected, it reduces overall IgM as well as anti-MAG IgM. The overalll IgM will come back eventually but the anti-MAG IgM – assuming it is a fluke — will not. At least this is my hope and wishful thinking. But, of course, I may have gotten it totally wrong.

    • Anonymous
      March 5, 2009 at 4:13 pm

      here are the new graphs. They obvisiously share a similar trend, at least during the given time period. When I tried to combine them into one graph earlier, my Excel program did weird things.

      [IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3624/3330927409_caaeee2971_o.jpg[/IMG]

    • Anonymous
      March 10, 2009 at 8:40 pm

      Just had my appointment with the hematologist today. Results of CT scan were thankfully negative. New IgM electrophoresis results from a blood test today should be available next week.

      I asked about a correlation between IgM and anti-MAG. The short answer is that there is definitely a relationship but not a direct correlation. The thinking is that not enough data is available to establish a correlation at this stage.

      What was said was that in my case, we need to develop a program to monitor IgM so that we can watch for sudden increases. This would more than likely indicate an increase in anti-MAG.

      This was good news to me because of the difficulty and cost associated with the anti-MAG testing. The readily available IgM levels together with neurological symptoms and general health can be used to gauge the need for Rituxan. Because of possible side effects, I will likely decide not to have further Rituxan for the time being…instead opting for the monitoring program.

      I was pleased with the meeting today. Also…good news…on Obama’s announcement with regards to lifting the ban on stem cell research.

    • Anonymous
      March 22, 2009 at 1:20 pm

      I am Tousley’s mom. I just wanted everyone to know that Tousley, age 19, received 4 Rituxan treatments in August of 2008. He has been improoving since. He went to his Dr. last week for another follow up and for the first time ALL of his reflexes were back and strong. It surprised the Dr. Tousley says this is the strongest he has ever felt. He has had the disease since he was 16.

      Now we are trying to get the insurance to approve it. I need any help I can get. Names , addresses of people that have had good results with Rituxin, studies that have been successful, info on any group effort that is working for the approval, and any other ideas any one has. 🙂

    • Anonymous
      March 22, 2009 at 4:53 pm

      [QUOTE=tousley hyde] I need any help I can get. Names , addresses of people that have had good results with Rituxin, studies that have been successful, info on any group effort that is working for the approval, and any other ideas any one has. :)[/QUOTE]

      Hi Mom of Tousley
      I would gladly help because success stories are exactly what is needed to convince the insurers that Rituxan should be covered.
      Unfortunately however, I have IgM MGUS which is not exactly the same as CIDP. The neurological symptoms are quite similar, but the underlying cause is different and the recommended treatments are dissimilar as well.
      I would be interested in knowing why Tousley’s doctor prescribed Rituxan in the first place. It is not as commonly prescribed for CIDP as other treatments like IVIG. Was his/her decision based on studies or specific knowledge of the use of Rituxan for treatment of CIDP? Perhaps this might provide an interesting path for further research in your quest for success stories.
      Glad to hear that Tousley is doing so well.
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      March 22, 2009 at 8:01 pm

      We had read a little about it on this forum over a year ago and asked the Dr. about it. He was familiar with it and said he would be interested in trying it . He asked us to read all about it first. We did and decided to go ahead with it.

    • Anonymous
      March 24, 2009 at 12:08 am

      Andrew may I ask the rationale for the CT scan, is this standard procol for your doc’s as they follow anti-mag??, if so first Iv’e heard of it. I’d welcome any insight you have??

      Ive have anti-mag and did the rituxan for 5 or so courses

      thx so much

    • Anonymous
      March 24, 2009 at 9:02 pm

      [QUOTE=michaeljay]Andrew may I ask the rationale for the CT scan?[/QUOTE]

      Hi Michael

      I am not sure exactly, but I can give you the background and what I figure are the reasons…

      Until last year, I had only seen my neurologist. Knowing that the source of the anti-MAG is related to a blood disorder, I had always wanted to see a haematologist too in order to better understand the underlying phenomenon. In addition, it is reported that there is a 1% per year conversion from MGUS to cancer (Waldenstroms macroglobulenemia or multiple myeloma). So late last year I requested of my neurologist a referral to a heamatologist.

      Last month I got to see the haematologist at Princess Margaret Hospital (which is hospital well known for cancer treatment). I should add before going further that both my neurologist and haematologist are top notch doctors, well known in their fields. The haematologist did some tests but wanted to look deeper to make sure there were no underlying causes of the MGUS (like Non Hodgkins lymphoma for example). The CT scan was of the chest and abdomen so that they could see the lymph nodes and other parts associated with the immune system.

      His comment was that the results were negative…i.e. no cancer. So the short answer, after all that above verbage, is that they were checking for cancer.

    • Anonymous
      May 19, 2009 at 9:32 pm

      Rituxan seems to be working for me in the treatment of IgM MGUS (variant of CIDP).
      Today my haematologist advised that the trivial spike in the gamma region revealed in the Protein Electrophoresis prior to Rituxan treatment had disappeared and PE now shows diffuse gamma region. On this basis he feels that for now no further Rituxan treatments should be administered at least until such time as the neuropathy reoccurs and/or there is a trivial spike in the gamma region again.
      I am not sure whether this means the rogue B-cells have been eliminated or not. The last anti-MAG reading of 19,000 BTU versus pre-Rituxan of 52,000 BTU could perhaps represent the decline as the anti-MAG cells die in accordance with their half-life. Maybe another test of anti-MAG levels would help to answer this, but at $800 per test, I think that I may have to wait a while before I can convince them that another test is needed.
      Follow-up at this stage is another Protein Electrophoresis in 6 months time.
      Meanwhile, things are stable. It is hard to tell if they are improving or not.
      I am very happy about the progress thanks to Rituxan and the excellent professional care and consultation I’ve received.

    • Anonymous
      May 28, 2009 at 3:45 pm

      I’s been quite a while since I had some news worth sharing with you all. My condition has been stable at about 80% of what I would call normal, and I’m happy with that really, when i think of how I was in 2004 pre Rituxan treatments. I have mostly good days, but fatigue and pain set in if I overdo it, and I also tend to become worse if a low-pressure sails in from (usually) the Atlantic.

      I went to my bi-annual check-up at the end of April, and all the tests were good, my IgM at 0,7. In the course of our conversation, my hematologist mentioned that in the case of my living into my 90’ties, he would probably have to give me a couple of new Rituxan\Fludarabine treatments, as he supposed that my MGUS wasn’t completely cured, so that the number of rogue B-cells would slowly but steadily increase again over the years. Since nothing indicates that they have done so yet, I’m not too worried that a new treatment will be immient.

      In spite of the pain, fatigue and a hint of intentional tremor, I’m fine as long as I accept the way things are and don’t envy other people’s abilities and energy.

      Hubby and I just returned from a four nights’ cruise onboard the Vision of the Seas to Hamburg, Germany, and to-morrow we’re going to the island where I’m staying until the end of August. See you there!

    • Anonymous
      May 29, 2009 at 5:39 am

      Allaug and Andrew! I am so happy to hear the good news for both of you and will keep you both in my thoughts. Allaug! You mentioned about how bad it was for you in 2004! I must admit even though there is no cure for my disease and it will come and go like it always has, I am having quite a good year myself and it looks like this summer is going to be much much better than last year! Last year was my 2004 that you had. I don’t wish that upon anybody!
      Andrew so glad that it’s no cancer! Whew! That word to me is a scary word. And too many are getting diagnosed with it with so many lives lost because of it!
      I try to say to myself each and every day no matter how bad I feel that there is someone doing far worse than me. Maybe that is what keeps me going! But am very happy for both of you! Hugs
      Linda H

    • Anonymous
      May 31, 2009 at 11:13 am

      Thank you Linda for your kind words.
      I just returned from a 7 day bicycle tour and was able to keep up with the rest so I was quite pleased. Last year I had trouble standing up on my pedals, but this year it seemed easier – so maybe there is gradual regrowth of the nerves to replace damaged ones. I hope!
      Knowing how much worse many others have it, I am thankful each day for the prescribed Rituxan which in my case provided excellent results. Despite the efforts we take to stay healthy, eat properly, avoid smoking, etc, life still seems to be filled with so much unpredictability and luck. We need to all be thankful to be alive. I think about this often as the doctors say the MGUS neuropathy could come back at any time. It is an incentive to “carpe diem”.
      Kind regards

    • Anonymous
      May 31, 2009 at 2:19 pm

      Hi Andrew! Wow! You are able to ride a bike and that to me is indeed a blessing for you! I am so Happy that you are seeing a life again! And I will pray that you never see this stuff again!
      I wished I would have stayed on the Rituxan but the first Infusion that nurse gave me made me sick as a dog. They arranged for me to get it locally at a hospital that was close by and I really hate that hospital. It has a really really bad reputation. Half the people in my town end up going to other hospitals that are a bit further away because they don’t like the place either. After that one infusion I came home and was terribly ill. I mean terribly. I am very hypersensitive to medications and when a drug scares me half to death I refuse taking it. Which was the case for the next treatment! The worst part was I think the girl that gave it to me was new for she kept going to another person asking her questions on what to do! So then they placed me on Prednisone which is not really helping much at all. Lower the dosage and the mess comes back. Now they are talking about using another drug! Just waiting for the doctor to call with my lab results that have not come in yet! Still waiting on labs! I just think the wrong person gave me that Rituxan in the wrong way. She was in a rush too trying to give it to me. And I told her I was getting sick! When I got discharged from the place that day I kept telling them that I better not leave just yet for I was getting sick! I ended up having Andy driving me home and was barfing my guts out. So now because of this one lady I am scared of taking Rituxan!
      But am so happy for you! I really am! May your life become fulfilled with much joy and happiness and I pray you don’t see this stuff ever again! Hugs
      Linda H

    • Anonymous
      June 3, 2009 at 12:55 pm

      I’m sorry to hear that you had so much trouble with Rituxan, Linda. For sure it can be dangerous if it is not administered properly. If you go to the Roche website and inquire about Rituxan, there are many pages on how to properly administer it and what to watch for. In my case, the Rituxan was given at a special clinic for Rituxan, IVIG and other chemotherapy drugs requiring infusion. The clinic was owned and operated by Roche and the nurses were well trained and extremely attentive. The clinic was located in a doctor’s office so that there was always a doctor on staff in case of need. The nurses checked pulse and blood pressure every half hour to watch for side effects and in case they saw something, they slowed down the rate immediately. Before the Rituxan was started, I was given solumedrol, benedryl and tylenol to lessen the chance of a reaction and to avoid feelings of illness. So all 7 infusions I went through were very smooth – especially the one where they goofed on the calculation and it took 8 hours instead of 4. 🙂
      Linda, perhaps the hospital where you were given the infusion did not understand the correct procedures for infusion of Rituxan, and maybe it would go smoother at an alternate facility.
      I should add though, that while Rituxan can be particularly effective for treatment of IgM MGUS, I am not so sure that it is that useful for other immune system diseases. Do you have the same IgM MGUS that Allaug, Norb and I have? I often think that what we need here on the forum is a separate sub-forum for “Variants” or MGUS, same as for GBS versus CIDP in order to reduce confusion. Although the neurological symptoms can be the same or similar, the causes and treatments can be quite different. Just thinking out loud.
      As my scottish uncle used to say…”bash on”.
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      June 3, 2009 at 4:37 pm

      Hi Andrew! They just recently opened up a Cancer Treatment Center close by that does Rituxan and other Infusions besides Cancer Treatment. But this time I am going to let the doctors know to find me the correct place. Think that is why they now have me going to Pitt in Greenville. Getting me ready to go in and get treatment.
      By what the doctors have explained so far is that I have Lupus with CIDP. They think the Lupus is causing my form of CIDP but I did test positive for a Kamda Paraprotein. Or Lamda Paraprotein. Also have had a positive IGA in the past. They are waiting for another lab report to come back and then we go from there.
      So really the only thing I know is that I just have CIDP. But I think the doctors are still checking me out This last doctor I saw said he wanted to see a new set of labs and then we will decide my fate! See him again on Monday and hope they start treatment soon! This stuff stinks!
      They got me on prednisone but that just don’t seem to be working anymore! I am beginning to think it is making it worse!
      Will keep you posted! But glad you have good news! I like seeing someone getting better! I hate seeing people get sick! I really do!
      This may sound evil of me! But I see so many good people get sick! It’s seems like the good get sick and the bad people in the world get to live to see 90! Someone can go out and kill somebody and get thrown in prison for life making us taxpayers feed them, clothe them and everything else and that sucker will live to see 90 years old! Then you have this very sweet person out there that is so good and good to others and they get sick! And have to suffer in pain and agony!
      I know that is not all the case but it just seems like it~ LOL!
      Take care Andrew! Stay well!
      Linda H

    • Anonymous
      October 1, 2009 at 12:38 am

      Hi Allaug, Norb, Deb and John,
      I posted under Rituxan the other day. I have a Peripheral Neuropathy
      Diagnosis. There is disagreement as to whether or not it’s CIDP. My primary
      Dr. feels that it is. I had a Fibromyalgia diagnosis forever.

      I have tried IVG for well over a year. It did nothing for me. I tried IV Solumederol. It helped a little but did me in emotionally. I had the worst case of insomnia. It was pretty bad. Prednisone in large doses helps but my Dr. won’t let me stay on it. I am now down to 15mg a day.

      I am having a complete relapse. I haven’t been able to go out in a week. I am shaking so much in my hands that its hard to use them. My feet feel very weak. They don’t want to hold me up. The pain and fatique is overwhelming. I take 6 Tramadol/Ultram 50mg each a day. It helps a little. My lab work is a mess.

      I am going to University of CA (UCLA) tomorrow for a 3rd nerve conduction study. The other 3 all showed problems in my hands and feet. I am a lot worse now. This is someone who has not done the other ones. I want another opinion.

      Now I have to decide about Rituxan and I am scared. Is it a form of Chemo? I know that it used in Cancer treatment. I read about its success with MS and Arthritis. How do you make the decision to try Rituxan? What is the protocol? My Dr. says it can take up to 3 months to see results. He wants to try a treatment on week 1. A repeat on week 2. Then nothing for 3 months.
      Is that standard? I feel so confused.

      Any help you can share would be so appreciated. I’ll share any info I can find with you.

      Thanks for being here. Take care.
      Sandila :confused:

    • Anonymous
      October 1, 2009 at 12:44 am

      Hi to Linda and Andrew too!

      Andrew you are an inspiration. Rituxan helped!
      Thanks.
      Sandila :confused:

    • Anonymous
      October 1, 2009 at 4:20 am

      Hi Sandila
      My history is posted here but having read your post I wanted to respond having undergone Retuxan treatment twice in the last two years.
      I suffer with a Lymphoma of the marrow that is causing ataxic Neuropahy.
      My feet legs hands balance energy are all affected and my health is up down daily.
      My last treatment was a injection of cyclophosfamide then 4 hours infusion of Retuximab then a week of 17 Prednisolone tablets daily for a week. I take Pregablin for my pain daily.
      This was repeated monthly for 4 months, apart from some constipation and bowel pain (i have ibs anyway) for a few days after I feel it was worth it for me as it has given me some energy and allows me to get about a bit although i cant walk far unaided.
      Retuximab seems to be the one that works best for Neuropahy but my consultants are trying to treat the cause rather than the symptoms ie slow down the progression.
      If they suggest you have Retuximab they must feel you need it as its a very expensive treatment , so go with it and trust them I have and feel I would be in a much worse state if I hadn’t.
      If you’d like to mail me of the board id be happy to keep in contact.
      Geoff

    • Anonymous
      October 1, 2009 at 7:44 am

      Hi Sandila
      It sounds like you do not yet have a firm diagnosis as to what the problem is. Rituxan works by targeting the B-cells because they carry a CD20 marker. My understanding is that it tends to work well on patients with IgM MGUS because it is one of the B-cells that is cloning the anti-MAG that attacks the nerves. However, I am not sure that it works so well with CIDP. For CIDP they tend to prescribe IVIG – which conversely does not do anything against IgM MGUS.
      Having said all that, I know that they prescribe Rituxan for arthritis, so maybe it will work in your case against fibromyalgia. I don’t know.

      Rituxan is given like a chemo drug, by infusion, but it is not a chemo drug. The only side effect I know of is possible reaction to it early in the injection. But the clinic administering the drug will usually be able to detect any reaction and adjust the rate of treatment accordingly. They will usually give solumedrol etc along with the Rituxan in order to limit the reaction to the Rituxan. For me, I was wiped out for the rest of the day, but only from the Solumedrol. The next day I was fine.

      It will take some time after treatment to know whether it is working or not. I sure hope that it does!!

      Good luck Sandila

      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      October 1, 2009 at 1:06 pm

      Hi Geoff and Andrew,
      Thanks so much for your responses. I feel a little better
      now after hearing from you. I am going to be optimistic
      about Rituxan instead of fearful.

      Today I go to UCLA to Dr Graves for another electrical
      conduction study. I am hoping this will finally help nail down
      a diagnosis. I’ll let you know what happens.

      Thanks again for taking the time to help me.
      Sandila 😎

    • Anonymous
      October 1, 2009 at 9:35 pm

      To add to the other posts: the protocol in my case was the one used for nonHodgkins lymphoma, treatment once a week for four weeks repeated every six months over a 2 year period. Dosage depends on body weight. Premedication with Tylenol and Benedryl (IV). In my case the only reaction was very mild flu-like symptoms for a couple of days. More severe allergic reactions are very rare but not impossible.
      What I forgot to mention in my answer in the other thread, my symptoms have been fairly stable over the past 2 years and improvements have been minor.
      I am in the process of relocating to the Seattle area and already have an appointment with a neurologist at the U. of Washingon next month who is specializing in my CIDP variant. I am anxious to find out what he has to say.

    • Anonymous
      October 2, 2009 at 8:58 pm

      [QUOTE=norb]…I am anxious to find out what he has to say.[/QUOTE]

      So are we, Norb! The more information, the better.

      I hope your trip is going well. Marian and I are thinking of visiting our daughter in Victoria next February, and will come down to Seattle for a weekend to see old colleagues from the industry I worked in. It would be great to see you and Carol.

      Cheers
      Andrew

    • Anonymous
      October 10, 2009 at 6:43 pm

      my son was dianosed with cidp in 2006. He was 15 and in very good physical shape iand in three months he couldn’t run and could barely get up stairs. He was treated with ivig, prednisone and responded well but when the treatments were reduced the symptoms got worse. He is now with a Dr at Shands in Gainsville fl. They tried Ritusin a year ago , August 2008, 4 doses.. He has been improving since. He is still on lose doses of prednisone and ivig once/ month. He works out daily and watches what he eats. He ran a 5k in 24 minutes last month. He had no side effects from the rituxin.

      The rituxin is very expensive and ins. doesn’t cover it for cidp. If it works for you, do whatever you can to help get this drug approved for cidp. Good luck.

      [QUOTE=Sandila]Hi Allaug, Norb, Deb and John,
      I posted under Rituxan the other day. I have a Peripheral Neuropathy
      Diagnosis. There is disagreement as to whether or not it’s CIDP. My primary
      Dr. feels that it is. I had a Fibromyalgia diagnosis forever.

      I have tried IVG for well over a year. It did nothing for me. I tried IV Solumederol. It helped a little but did me in emotionally. I had the worst case of insomnia. It was pretty bad. Prednisone in large doses helps but my Dr. won’t let me stay on it. I am now down to 15mg a day.

      I am having a complete relapse. I haven’t been able to go out in a week. I am shaking so much in my hands that its hard to use them. My feet feel very weak. They don’t want to hold me up. The pain and fatique is overwhelming. I take 6 Tramadol/Ultram 50mg each a day. It helps a little. My lab work is a mess.

      I am going to University of CA (UCLA) tomorrow for a 3rd nerve conduction study. The other 3 all showed problems in my hands and feet. I am a lot worse now. This is someone who has not done the other ones. I want another opinion.

      Now I have to decide about Rituxan and I am scared. Is it a form of Chemo? I know that it used in Cancer treatment. I read about its success with MS and Arthritis. How do you make the decision to try Rituxan? What is the protocol? My Dr. says it can take up to 3 months to see results. He wants to try a treatment on week 1. A repeat on week 2. Then nothing for 3 months.
      Is that standard? I feel so confused.

      Any help you can share would be so appreciated. I’ll share any info I can find with you.

      Thanks for being here. Take care.
      Sandila :confused:[/QUOTE]

    • Anonymous
      November 3, 2009 at 12:56 pm

      Yesterday I finally met with my new neurologist, Dr. Weiss at the University of Washington Hospital in Seattle. He is very knowledgeable, likable, and has experience in research with antiMAG IgM neuropathy. We are pleased to have found him. He told us about a new double-blind study showing the effectiveness of double-dose Rituxan in treatment resistant antiMAG IgM neuropathy. He wants to do an EMG in 2 weeks to establish a new baseline and to see to what extent the demylenization has led to axonal damage.

      After that, we will decide on a treatment plan. If there has been too much damage of the axons, an aggressive plan may prove relatively useless. If, on the other hand, axon damage is minor, we may first go forward with the double-dose rituxan. Another alternative is plasmapheresis followed by a course of cyclophosphamide (less than typically give for cancer, so with fewer side effects).

      BTW, Andrew, it is beginning to look like we will be in our new house by December. It is about 30 minutes north of Seattle (Mill Creek). If there, we can put you both up in the guest house. Just let us know.

    • Anonymous
      November 3, 2009 at 4:30 pm

      Sounds like your son is responding very well to the treatment.

      I like your son, am relatively young, 27 and just got diagnosed with CIDP this year.

      Also like your son, I responded very well to the initial IVIG prednisone treatment, and felt back to my normal self within 2-3 weeks.

      I ended up having a relapse of symptoms at about week 5-6 because my neuro was trying to wane me off of the prednisone at too fast a pace. We had begun at 60, and got down to 30 when I had another flare up.

      I am currently back up to 60mg and feel a lot better. I have only gotten 1 treatment of IVIG, but am thinking I will most likely need one somewhere down the line.

      How does your son feel month to month? Does he still feel the symptoms coming on? Or does your neuro just give him the IVIG treatment regardless?

      How much do you think the rixutan has improved your son’s condition?

      Thanks for your time,

      Mike

    • Anonymous
      November 19, 2009 at 12:40 pm

      I had my EMG at the University of Washington in Seattle. Compared to the one from 2 years ago it shows further damage, still mostly sensory with some axonal. Damage is severe, the neurologist told me. Based on what he sees in others, it is as bad as it gets. However, he is willing to try either the double-dose Rituxan or the PP and cyclophosamide (Cytoxan) but does not expect big improvements because the disease has advanced too far. The Rituxan may continue to be ineffective. We discussed again the risks of either treatment. A small one may be PML (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy) which is always lethal. There have been 2 cases in CIDP patients recently. Another risk is living with small children now who tend to come down with infections frequently that might find me defenseless. Right now I feel it would be best not to get any treatment and just live with it. It seems risks outweigh chances for improvement. I might change my mind later, though. Who knows 😀

    • Anonymous
      January 8, 2010 at 5:07 pm

      After many denials, insurance has approved a couple of trials with Rituxan to see how I respond. I’m going for it.
      I’ll let you know how it goes. First Doc appointment is Jan 28, set up the first infusion date from there.
      Peace
      Soapy

    • Anonymous
      January 8, 2010 at 5:46 pm

      Yay, yay, yay. Got the ‘double’ good news from you…..on the forums and on my facebook mail. I’m so happy, I REALLY hope it makes a difference.:D

    • Anonymous
      January 9, 2010 at 5:13 pm

      Let’s hope it is very successful and that it will get FDA approval for this disease. What is your ins company?

    • Anonymous
      March 20, 2010 at 8:05 am

      I have the axonal version of CIDP, and have had rituximab treatment twice, at yearly intervals. It seems to have slowed my decline,(it is not very measurable), and as it is the only thing on offer to me, I want to have another go. It is too late wait and see if not having it, leads to accelerated decline, because there is no going back.
      My haematologist is not keen to proceed, even though I have no bad reaction to this chemo.

      Has anyone experience of multiple treatments, with good or bad reactions, that I can use to plead my case ?

      Brian

    • Anonymous
      March 20, 2010 at 2:01 pm

      Brian,
      I had Rituximab treatments over a 2 year period at 6 months intervals tolerating it well. There have been no significant improvements. However, progression appears to have slowed perhaps there is not enough myelin left in easy to reach locations. Actually, in my CIDP variant, it’s a glycoprotein associated with myelin (MAG), that gets attacked. Sometimes I think certain functions like typing, holding silver ware or putting on socks have gotten better. But that maybe because of practice.

    • Anonymous
      March 21, 2010 at 10:10 pm

      Tousley had one set of treatments of rituxin over a year ago. He is still on IVIG 1/mo and steroids. He has progressively gotten stronger. He gets checked again on April 1.

      Tousley’s mom:)

    • Anonymous
      March 23, 2010 at 7:53 am

      Norb
      I know what you mean about differentiating between practise and improvement. My typing is down to one finger on one hand, and the spell checker corrects all my keying errors.
      As an engineer, I have devised my own tests for balance and dexterity which are more controlled than those used by the medics. Even so they are subject to variation, so I do not use them often, so that familiarity does not affect the results.
      Brian

    • October 27, 2011 at 6:48 pm

      wow!!! i just finished 51 interesting pages on rituxin 🙂 the last post was a while ago—2010. If any of you are still on i would love to hear about how the rituxin is working for you and what your dose schedule is? looking at possibly doing rituxin in the near future. I hope it is accepted more easily by insurance companies than it was when you were all starting on it—sound like you had to really fight for it. Lori

    • Anonymous
      October 28, 2011 at 9:50 am

      My son tousley did receive 1 set of 4 infusions of rituxin 3 years ago. He was also on steroids/daily and ivig infusions once/month. He has very slowly gone off the steroids and is also very slowly going off the ivig. He has not had a relapse since the rituxin and continues to get stronger. If you cannot afford the rituxin and the ins won’t cover it, call the company that makes rituxin. they may help you out. His Dr has tried it with other cidp patients.

    • October 28, 2011 at 9:18 pm

      thanx–that’s good to know. i have not got as far as the insurance part yet—I’m hoping when the time comes they may cover it due to the fact that it will be less costly than the ivig…..but who knows with insurance companies?? Glad to hear that it worked for your son 🙂 Lori

    • December 17, 2011 at 12:26 am

      Diagnosed approximately 6 years ago. Have been receiving IVIG for 2 1/2 years. I have recently received Rituxan for the 3rd time. It seems to stabilize things for on average 2 years. Does anyone else receive this as part of their treatment?

    • December 17, 2011 at 12:35 am

      Let me know when you get to the insurance part I may be of help? What state do you live. I live in NJ.