Plasma Exchange (PEX)

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Plasma exchange (PEX or Plasmapheresis) is the treatment that works for me and is the reason why I have the permanent chest line.
 Plasma is the liquid part of the blood. Plasma cells make proteins called antibodies (immunoglobulins). In some conditions, abnormal plasma cells make large amounts of immunoglobulin.
Plasma exchange can reduce the amount of abnormal protein in the blood. However, it does not stop the protein being produced. 
During a plasma exchange, blood is extracted through a cannula in a vein in your arm. The abnormal plasma is then separated out by a machine and replaced with a plasma substitute. The blood is then returned to your body through a cannula in a vein in your other arm.
The treatment has few side effects, but I do often feel light-headed and have a little tingling or numbness in my fingers, mouth or nose. These symptoms are treated easily with calcium in large doses such as Adcal D3. 

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