Very nervous about starting Remicade...

I too have bad reactions to every crohn's medicine out there, except Remicade. I was on it for YEARS, and it just eventually stopped working, but it really was a savior for me for a long time.

At my first infusion I was running a slight fever. I was premedicated with Tylenol, the fever went down, and we commenced. I started to feel a little short of breath, so they slowed the infusion and gave me some benadryl capsules. I almost immediately went from nervous to sleepy, and they finished the infusion without any other mishaps. I continued treatments, usually feeling tired the day of the infusion and often the day after, but that was really the worst of it. At my request, I switched to IV benadryl for premedication, and would be injected with it immediately before they started my infusions. I found that the IV benadryl kicked in faster and wore off faster, which calmed my nerves AND allowed me drive myself home without being drowsy. I never once went without being premedicated with benadryl, so I don't know if I even really needed it... it was just standard practice there I guess. My kidneys(middle back) would hurt a little bit three or four days in, but I found that chugging lots of Gatorade before and after my infusions helped alleviate that.

All in all, I really loved the stuff. I referred to it fondly as my "mouse juice". I only stopped it because of a health insurance mishap that caused my treatment to be delayed for several months. By the time I went back and got my infusion, it didn't do any good. It didn't do anything bad, it just didn't work like it used to.

I know it's scary, and you have every right to be nervous... Remicade is serious business. But, it also has the potential to greatly improve your quality of life. Relax, think good thoughts, and give it a chance. It might be magic "mouse juice" for you too.

((hugs))

I've had 5 infusions, on the 5th one I started itching and burning and noticed I was getting welps. They stopped it had me take some benadryl and started it again but slowed it down and I did fine. Today I went for my 6th one and had a reaction even after taking benadryl so won't be able to take it anymore. I'm bummed. Not everyone is the same. Don't worry they will watch you closely just be sure and let them know as soon as you don't feel right

I have been on Remicade now, for over 2 yrs.  I can understand u being nervous.  Don't be.  Look at it is a Miracle Drug.  Was and is for me so far.  I too have reactions during the infushion, almost every time.  I get hot and a shortness of breath.  I just lean over and turn it off, after about 5 minutes we start it again and no problem.  They give me IV benadryl which makes time go by faster.  Usually takes me 4-5 hours.  Don't let is scare you, because it just might scare you so much it might not work.  Anxiety is not good.  If you are nervous tell them you are and maybe they can give you a sedative.   I take it every 8 weeks.  So far it has been a God send.   Just keep positive. 

oh yeah, my last infushion which was 4 days ago, they had to poke me 5 times to get it right.  I was not happy.  I told the nurse that started it, that usually i put a heating pad on my hands.  She said, we do not need to you have good veins.  After 3 tries she calls another nurse. The other nurse tried once, to no avail.  Got the heating pad on. and after about 5 minutes another nurse comes and hits it right away.  Finally.   felt like a pin cushion.