Rituxin gives IVIG a longer boost???

I have a fairly unique experience with Rituxin. It does nothing on its own to increase my platelet count. I have had it twice, about 2 years apart. What I noticed was that the IVIG treatment I had after my first rituxin "failure" lasted for months, as did the second. The third did not last for long...maybe two months.
Then we tried Rituxin and Decadron. Again, the effect was short lived and I needed IVIG.
Guess what....the IVIG lasted for 6 mos, as did the next IVIG. Then, this last IVIg only lasted two months. I am convinced that the Rituxin gives longevity to the IVIG treatment.
Of course, this does not seem to be documented as a treatment strategy, so no one believes me.
Just checking with "the real experts".
At this point, I am of the belief that we may all have the same type of problem, but not at all the same origin of the problem. Therefore, the way we respond to treatment is varried and as individual as anything. It is complicated for me when I know what is happening in my body and it is not, "in the text book"
Jean

Hey Jean - long time no see!

I think the problem with the theory is the mechanism in which IVIG works. It blocks destruction and the affect wears off when it wears off, usually within a few weeks. I won't say it's impossible, just no reasonable explanation.

Question - how long after Rituxan did you have IVIG? Some people respond to Rituxan up to 12 weeks after the last infusion, so maybe you just had a delayed response. IVIG jump started the counts and Rituxan took over in the interim.