Jessi
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- Joined
- Jul 17, 2011
- Messages
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I had my 4th Remicade infusion last Friday. Immediately, my bowels returned to normal, after a week of gradually loosening stools. It's amazing how quickly it works.
It was a really scary experience this time, though. My vitamin levels were pretty low and my blood pressure was on the low/normal side. Because it was early morning, I was a bit dehydrated, as well. I drink water all day, but obviously nothing while I sleep. So when the nurse showed up at my house, I was just cleaning up my breakfast, and sat down with only a few sips of water. My bad.
I took the needle well, and the flush before the Remicade went well, too. However, immediately when she started the infusion, I started to lose it. My blood pressure dropped quickly and dangerously low. My body started locking up - every joint! I started to lose consciousness. My nurse ripped out my anaphlactic kit, and was ready to use it. But I kept talking. I never blacked out entirely, so no Epi needed. Whew!
She stopped the med flow and called my doctor. He said that I need to hydrate orally (since the supply kit at my house only had one IV bag, and it was being used for the Remicade mix), and then reintroduce the infusion very slowly.
She was really scared to start it again, but my blood pressure was rising back to a healthy number, so she followed instructions. I drank water, and she started it up again. I felt more confident this time.
It worked, and she gradually sped up the flow as the hours went by. Overall, it went well, but I was so exhausted the entire time. She asked me to stay awake for most of it, because she wanted to be sure I was still here. I admit, falling asleep might've been a bad idea at the time.
Needless to say, I crashed as soon as it was over, and she left my house. My vitals were good, I was just too tired to fight off sleep.
It's been 3 1/2 days, and I am still exhausted! Chores are being neglected.
My nurse and I learned a couple of valuable lessons for my infusions. Everyone is different, I'm sure, but for me, I need to be hydrated, relaxed, and good on vitamins. And for her part, she needs to start the infusions very slowly, with a gradual speed-up as we go. All in all, it took about 2 1/2 hours for the infusion, because I was able to have it all the way open by the end.
My Remicade nurse is really great. Her name is Amber. Her mom has Crohn's. Amber might have CD, as well, but if she does, she's been in remission for a couple of years. At any rate, she really understands the needs of her patients. She is both sympathetic and empathetic. I love her!
I just wanted to share this with someone. I was so scared. I did a lot of crying over this one. (I know. I'm a baby.) Has anyone ever had an experience like this one?
It was a really scary experience this time, though. My vitamin levels were pretty low and my blood pressure was on the low/normal side. Because it was early morning, I was a bit dehydrated, as well. I drink water all day, but obviously nothing while I sleep. So when the nurse showed up at my house, I was just cleaning up my breakfast, and sat down with only a few sips of water. My bad.
I took the needle well, and the flush before the Remicade went well, too. However, immediately when she started the infusion, I started to lose it. My blood pressure dropped quickly and dangerously low. My body started locking up - every joint! I started to lose consciousness. My nurse ripped out my anaphlactic kit, and was ready to use it. But I kept talking. I never blacked out entirely, so no Epi needed. Whew!
She stopped the med flow and called my doctor. He said that I need to hydrate orally (since the supply kit at my house only had one IV bag, and it was being used for the Remicade mix), and then reintroduce the infusion very slowly.
She was really scared to start it again, but my blood pressure was rising back to a healthy number, so she followed instructions. I drank water, and she started it up again. I felt more confident this time.
It worked, and she gradually sped up the flow as the hours went by. Overall, it went well, but I was so exhausted the entire time. She asked me to stay awake for most of it, because she wanted to be sure I was still here. I admit, falling asleep might've been a bad idea at the time.
Needless to say, I crashed as soon as it was over, and she left my house. My vitals were good, I was just too tired to fight off sleep.
It's been 3 1/2 days, and I am still exhausted! Chores are being neglected.
My nurse and I learned a couple of valuable lessons for my infusions. Everyone is different, I'm sure, but for me, I need to be hydrated, relaxed, and good on vitamins. And for her part, she needs to start the infusions very slowly, with a gradual speed-up as we go. All in all, it took about 2 1/2 hours for the infusion, because I was able to have it all the way open by the end.
My Remicade nurse is really great. Her name is Amber. Her mom has Crohn's. Amber might have CD, as well, but if she does, she's been in remission for a couple of years. At any rate, she really understands the needs of her patients. She is both sympathetic and empathetic. I love her!
I just wanted to share this with someone. I was so scared. I did a lot of crying over this one. (I know. I'm a baby.) Has anyone ever had an experience like this one?
I get my 5th infusion in a few weeks but it will be my first infusion at an increased dose. I schedule the infusion for the morning, take the day off from work and usually sleep the rest of the day and night after. I think it's the Benadryl that wipes me out.
