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appointment next Tuesday with GI doctor to discuss Remicade

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 11/4/2009 9:25 PM (GMT 0)
     Well, I just got off the phone with my GI doctor and I think he is slightly ecstatic that I decided to go the Remicade route.  My hubby said..."well, it was nice knowin ya."  He is sooo upset that something will happen to me.  Maybe if my GI's associate didn't tell me last year that I was definitely NOT a candidate for Remicade my hubby and I wouldn't be so scared. 

     One other thing that bothers me.  When I made the appointment to talk with my doctor, his secretary told me they do the infusions in one of their MANY offices....not a hospital.  Isn't this strange?  He did offer me the option of Humira but he said he had more experience with Remicade and if the Humira doesn't work I wouldn't be able to go on Remicade but if the Remicade doesn't work, I can try Humira.  I am just so confused right now.  Hope I can sleep tonight.

Posted 11/4/2009 9:52 PM (GMT 0)
Christine, a lot of doctors give it in their office. They do need to have equipment ready to deal with any allergic reactions, just like an allergist's office does when they give desensitizing shots. My GI in Austin was in a large practice. They had their own endoscopy centers and the infusion center was on the same site as one of those. It was really nice, comfortable and soothing, only four chairs and the same nurses rotated through. It got to where it felt like family.

I go to a hospital infusion center now and almost all the other people there are getting chemo. There are more people, more noise, more chaos and, while the staff are all very nice, it's not nearly as pleasant as the doctor's center was.
Posted 11/5/2009 1:15 AM (GMT 0)
     Thanks Judy.  My doctor is in a large practice.  I believe there are something like nine GI doctors, but only four in the office where I go.  He is in partnership with a group of other GI doctors and surgeons who run a surgical center.  Maybe that is where they do the infusions because it is in the same town as their other office and the secretary could have been confused.  I'll find out more info next Tuesday.  Funny, but I was so frightened by the thought of Remicade but the way I have been feeling lately....I'm at a point where...who cares...I just want relief and I don't want prednisone anymore.
Posted 11/5/2009 1:24 AM (GMT 0)
I would much rather have it in an office and get charged an office visit, rather than an infusion center hospital charge. I am sure you will do great with it.
Posted 11/5/2009 1:53 AM (GMT 0)
When I had insurance, they actually had a home nursing company come to my home and administer the infusions. I had three of them with no problems. It was much more comfortable than a hospital or doctors office. Now that I don't have insurance I will be going to one of the local hospital's infusion centers. I'm just glad to be getting the treatment no matter where I have to go.
Posted 11/6/2009 1:14 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Christine,

I have an appt tomorrow with my GI and am going to ask about the Remicade rout as well.  I absolutley PRAY that it works. 

Good luck to you!

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