Starting Remicade

Don't worry! Be excited, this is likely to be the beginning of some relief :) Getting the infusion is no worse than getting an IV. Bring a book or something to keep you occupied, although you might get drowsy enough to just take a nap (you will probably be given a dose of OTC benadryl as a "pre-med", this is given to reduce the likelihood of an allergic reaction).

Most people don't feel any different at all while they're getting it, some people will actually notice an improvement during or after the infusion. Don't worry either way. Relax and good luck!

I've always found my infusion time a great time to just relax and meditate. For a short time I was having to go to a hospital infusion center which was busy and noisy, and I hated that. The smaller free-standing infusion centers I've found to be very tranquil, I can ask them to dim the lights, lay back in a recliner and listen to music or just rest. I take my Kindle and my I-Pod with me, but sometimes don't actually use either.

I've been on Remi since March 2006; hope it works as well for you as it has for me.

Thanks y'all. @Judy, I'm not sure what to expect as far as the infusion center goes, since I haven't even met my new doctor yet, but I am hopeful that it will be a tranquil experience like you have described. Thanks for the support.

Thanks Dr-A, I will do that. :)

That was my line: be excited!
I was so excited during mynfirst infusion that I cried a little.
Think positive!
I too take advantage of the pillow and blanket. No TV, just relaxation, with a book or magazine and a crossword puzzle. Once I decided to make a business call, and my blood pressure went up! So I try not to do that.

I hope it goes well, michelle!!

I remember I had such a good night's sleep after my first infusion. It was nice to not be going to the bathroom so much. I had been very nervous that morning driving to the infusion center and I was crying so much!! I even cried at the beginning of the infusion! the nurse was so nice though and she understood how scared I was. I don't think I even spoke for the first hour. After the first infusion though, it was such a breeze and the nurse and me were BFF's.

hey michelle. just wanted to see how your infusion went. hopefully it was very uneventful!

Thanks you guys, SO MUCH for all the support. My infusion went well. I have to travel about 60 miles to get it, so the hubs took off today and went with me, because we didn't know how I would react. Usually when I have to travel to the doc that far, I don't eat at all and barely drink water because I am afraid of not being able to get to a restroom in time. This morning was no exception. The staff at the infusion center was excellent. I couldn't have asked for better care. about halfway through, I experienced some mild itchiness, so they gave me a shot of Benedryl in my IV which helped. My stomach felt better after the infusion, to the point that I got brave and stopped for lunch. Made it home without any incident! (that was a nice victory). At about 5 hours out, the itchiness has returned with a mild rash. Took some Benedryl and it seems to be subsiding for now. Anybody else have this side effect? The nurse told me it was common. If you guys get it, how long does it typically last? I appreciate you all so much!