Thursday, April 10, 2008

Drug Infusion

On Wednesday at 1pm I had my first remicade infusion at the clinic. I have to say, I was terrified. I had no idea what to really expect. The only thing I knew for sure was that they were sticking me with a needle and pumping me full of drugs for 4 hours. Not a great way to spend an afternoon in my opinion.

Anyhow, we got there and met the nurse. She did not seem very impressed that Tim was there with me, but that was too bad for her because I needed him there. I sat down in a chair and she got me ready for the infusion.

The insertion of the IV into my hand was the worst part out of all of it. I cried like a baby. I think that was more because I was scared and nervous though. After that, it was fine. I told Tim he could go home, and I watched a movie.

At one point another patient came in for his infusion, too. We watched the movie together.

After about 2.5 hours my drug infusion was finished. Because it was my first infusion I had to stay for an hour afterwards to make sure I was fine. Which I was.

After everything was done, I felt fine. I didn't feel dizzy, or sick, or anything at all like that.

Today my ankle is a bit sore, and my fingers feel a bit swollen. But it's hrad to tell if that was because of the drug switch, or because of me being broken. Who knows!

I have my second drug infusion on April 23rd.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Dude, I'm really glad that overall it went ok. Glad it wasn't 4 hours too. Will it be four hours the next time? I think you're a badass for being o brave about it. I know the needle thing isn't easy for you. But I mean, look atcha! Laying around with a needle in your hand for hours like it's no big deal? Badass. Super badass.

barbara_mary said...

Hahaha... well, it should take less time next time. I won't have to wait around for an hour next time, and they'll be able to do it faster. But it should always take around 2 hours, they say.