I went in for my biweekly plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) treatment on Monday.  I had Sal, one of the pheresis technicians take a few photos for me.  I have my pheresis done at Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center.  It’s a great facility with a fantastic staff.  I’ve gone there for pheresis since my son was 4 days old and he’s now 7!  (except for 2.5 years while we were in VA and I had my treatments at Inova Fairfax Hospital – also a great place)  The program is led by Dr. Chris Leveque.  The nurses and technicians include Billy, Sandra, Sal, Xavier, Jack, Robin, and Wilma. 

The whole procedure took about 2 hours from sticks to rinse back.  I get mine done peripherally, which means I get stuck each I go.  Thankfully, they give me lidocaine (a local anesthetic) before each stick.  They use a 19 or 20 guage (medium sized) plastic catheter for the return line.  A 17 ir 18 guage (large sized) metal needle is used for the “draw” line.  Here is a close-up of the “draw line”.

I can’t bend this arm during the treatment.  But I can bend the return line arm.  Here is a picture of the actual machine being used.

To pass the time, I watch TV.  Methodist has personal TV sets, which is nice.  Or if I don’t want to watch TV, I’ll take an iPod to listen to music.  Some people read, but I find it difficult with only one useable arm.  The machines are loud.  But I’ve found that noise-cancelling headphones work well to decrease the constant drone of the machines.  The headphones also make it easier to hear the TV!  Believe it or not,  I even fall asleep during the procedure!