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Posted 11/30/2009 10:01 PM (GMT 0)
So I just got back from my first Remicade infusion and boy oh boy was it boring!!  I was the only patient there.  I got to the hospital a little after 10 and the treatment didnt really start until close to 11.  It really wasnt bad at all, my GI didnt order any benadryl so I'm not groggy or tired at all, I actually feel really good!

My GI is starting to ween me off of the Pred (currently at 40mg) down to 30mg.  It;s going to be tough to see how well the Remicade is doing while on the pred because I'm so steriod dependent. 

I'm praying that the Remi works though, my spirits are pretty high right now and I hope it stays the same.  My 2nd infusion is scheduled for 12/14, I'll keep you all updated on my progress.

Posted 11/30/2009 10:33 PM (GMT 0)
     Glad to hear all went well!!! I got back about an hour ago from my second infusion.   My nurse is a chatterer...so not boring at all..lol.  There was a young guy who came in about half an hour after me.  He said he has been on Remicade for four years.  They give him infusions every four weeks now.  Apparently about six months ago he started to exhibit symptoms of his UC.  The increase in dosage is working for him.   The nurse always gives Benadryl.  To tell you the truth...I like it...heheheh.  I actually slept a bit.  The lounge chairs are very comfy.  I read a book too.  It took about two and a half hours.  My next infusion is New Year's Eve at 9:30 a.m.  We're old folk and don't go out that night anymore.  As a  matter of fact, we're usually in bed by 11pm.  However,  our kids and grandkids call at midnight and wake us up to wish us Happy New Year.  I don't have the heart to break their bubble by saying Pop and I are sleeping...lol.
Posted 11/30/2009 11:18 PM (GMT 0)
Glad to hear it went well. I hope you see results right away!
Posted 12/1/2009 2:51 AM (GMT 0)
*Crossing my fingers for you!* I hope this does the trick and you feel better real soon.
Posted 12/1/2009 4:13 AM (GMT 0)
Ha, glad the infusion went well and hope it does the trick for you! I used to find the four hours my little "get-away" from everyone and everything time! I would nap, read mags or books, and just chat with the other in the infusion center. Also, I'd enjoy a little treat during that time that I normally wouldn't eat. Weird to say maybe, but I thought of it as my own little retreat! Ha! The infusion center at that time was located in the basement of the hospital; no cell phones or anyone could find me...

Keep us updated on how you are doing.
Posted 12/1/2009 5:44 AM (GMT 0)
look forward to good report
Posted 12/1/2009 4:57 PM (GMT 0)
YAY!!! Congrats Shadam~!!! Hope it works really fast for you :)
Posted 12/1/2009 5:01 PM (GMT 0)
lol, Shadam, did we forget to tell you to take your entertainment with you?

I'm not a TV watcher, so I always take my ipod, a book, and whatever else. I used to take my laptop and answer my work e-mails or work on projects. Now I'm not working and my new infusion center doesn't have wi-fi, so I read or just listen to my tunes and meditate.

Hope you're soon feeling better and can have a wonderful holiday season this year!
Posted 12/2/2009 12:15 AM (GMT 0)
haha...I know Judy...I defintiley was NOT prepared!  I atleast know what to expect the next time go so hopefully things will be a little smoother. 


Whats the avg time that infusions take for everyone?  I've heard some people have it done in 2 hours?

Seeing that my doc doesnt order any benadryl with the infusions, I scheduled my next one for 6:30am so that I can go to work right after.

Posted 12/2/2009 12:39 AM (GMT 0)
Once they hang the medication, mine is about 2-2 1/2 hours. If there's a holdup in the process for me, it's usually because the hospital pharmacy is slow that day. Because of the cost of the medication, they won't mix it until I'm checked in, vital signs checked and IV started.
Posted 12/2/2009 12:41 AM (GMT 0)
     My first and second infusions took exactly two and a half hours each.  Benadryl does put you in lala land.  I believe they give it to you to avoid an allergic reaction?  She also gives me two tylenol.  Did they take your blood pressure during the procedure?  The nurse took mine about half a dozen times.  Could be cause I am an old lady and have a history of high blood pressure.  But I took my blood pressure med beforehand and it remained at 120/80.

     Let us know how you are doing.  I feel sooooo much better...no bleeding, no urgency.  I just hope and pray to GOD the healing continues.

Posted 12/2/2009 9:36 AM (GMT 0)
My first infusion took about 3 1/2 hours.. I was soooooooo nervous I didnt' want then to turn it up too fast.. they would just give me the most understanding smile and keep it at the same pace.. My nurses were incredible.. I was definately not relaxed when I got there and they were so willing to let me go at a pace that made ME comfortable... I brought my laptop computer and one of my girlfriends had downloaded some hidden object games on it to play since she knew I'd be stuck there for a while..... They were REALLY FUN!!! It kept my mind off everything and I was so busy concentrating on finding stuff in the games that I'd forget I had medicine dripping into me... lol.. I think my next infusion is scheduled for December 10th if all goes well...

It's good the infusions don't have any side effects for you! They knock me out for about 3 days afterwards.. I can function, I'd just rather not... lol... Well Good luck on your next one and we're all hoping you get reeeeeally fast results!!!
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