First Remicade infusion...

I had my first Remicade infusion on Saturday. I don't know what this is going to cost me (insurance said they pay 80%) but over the last couple months my body has been ramping up my symptoms to make sure I don't question that going to the next step of treatment was the right idea.

The infusion was done at the infusion room of the hospital next to my doctor's office. It was pretty pleasant - warm blankets and a couple hours to nap and read. I didn't get any pre-meds for some reason but I didn't have any bad reactions.

I felt pretty good the rest of Saturday but I did have to take some Lomotil and Immodium the night before, which usually affects the next day. I had to remind myself that while not pooping is a good thing in the short term, in the long term the real sign that I'm doing better is when I go and it's normal.

No such luck. I guess it was a lot to expect to be better right away but Sunday I woke up with bad cramps and spent a couple hours between the bathroom and bed in horrible pain until I was able to fall asleep and sleep through the worst.

However today, while I'm still feeling crampy and icky, the couple times I've gone to the bathroom it *had* been more solid than usual. I guess that's some improvement? Wish me luck!

Yes, my doctor said they don't look at reducing meds until after the third (or was it fourth?) infusion. I mostly want to be off the entocort asap because I don't like the idea of being on steroids, even if they aren't as bad as prednisone.

Thanks for the info Hoshi, my current meds aren't doing much so I don't think their too worried if I go off them once the Remicade starts. I hope you have continued success and can get off the other meds.