MrsAlexander was asking me in another thread what an infusion is like, and I had a lot of questions myself before I got one, so for everyone's benefit, especially the newbies, I'm going to go into all the details. I think I would have been less nervous the first time if I had known all this.
I got two Rituxan infusions, so some of this may be particular to Rituxan, and I'm hoping others will chime in with what's different. One thing I'm pretty sure is specific is how often...Rituxan is one infusion, then two weeks later another, then wait 6-9 months before repeating the two infusions again.
I had to make the appointment through my RD's office to go to the cancer/infusion center at my local hospital. They were able to get me an appointment within a week. They make them for first thing in the morning (8:00) because the infusion can take as long as all day, depending on how it goes. The center is open only Monday-Friday during business hours, and I am still working at the moment, so I picked Friday, which is apparently one of their busiest days.
There wasn't anything I had to do in advance. There was no fasting, just eat regularly and take my regular meds. I made sure to bring a book and some snacks with me, as well as my list of medications and allergies, and finally my advance healthcare directive (because I always like to be prepared for anything). I am almost sure they told me someone would have to bring me and pick me up (or stay with me), but thinking back I'm not 100% sure and I would have been fine to drive myself. I had my hubby bring me the first time (and he stayed for a few hours) and my parents brought me today (hubby's work assignment wasn't close by).
When I got to the first appointment, they took my history and info, slapped me with a hospital wristband and sent me in to the infusion room. It had 8 reclining chairs with trays on the side, each in an area that could be curtained off. They had bagels, fruit and juice for breakfast and soup & sandwiches for lunch, or you could bring your own food.
So you pick a chair and wait for the nurse to come to you, since there's a lot of people arriving all at once. They gave me a very brief sheet about side effects that I had to sign off on, but I would recommend reading up before you go since it is abbreviated and you may be nervous.
They don't mix your meds until you arrive, so initially they just set up an IV for you, not attached to anything yet. Since this is what they do all the time, they're really good at the phlebotomy. But then you wait. First time I had to wait almost two hours because they were so busy, but this morning it was only 30-45 minutes.
As they're starting, they take your blood pressure and temperature, which they do throughout the time you're there to make sure everything's alright. When you're ready to start the meds, they give you preparation meds first...I got oral tylenol (I was like, ummm, what is that going to do with all that I'm already on?
Finally, you're ready for the main event and they hook up your IV to the bag of Rituxan or whatever med you're there for. I didn't feel any sensation of it going in, no burning or anything. They start it at a slow rate, and then as long as you're tolerating it alright, they increase the rate periodically. If you have a problem, they slow it down and treat the reaction. I was very nervous about having a reaction as I am prone to allergies, but I didn't have any problems either time.
The first infusion lasted until 3:00 pm. Since the first one went well, they were able to go faster today and give me the same amount of medicine by 1:00. While you are getting the infusion, you are pretty much just sitting there. You can read, talk to someone (if you have someone there or if you feel like striking up a conversation with your neighbor), sleep, watch tv (they have those little hospital tv's on a moveable arm) or whatever.
And when you've gotten all the medicine, you're done. The take out the IV, put a bandaid on it, and send you on your way.
Thank you so much, Suzanne! (Sorry I started that other one too quick. LOL) This was very interesting and informative. I would have never known. I'm glad I asked. Yes the Remicade is much quicker... About 2 hours every 4-6 weeks. They tell you to take an alergy pill and a tylenol before you go in for the infusion. Everything will work our great for you just don't be afraid to ask the Dr or the nurses questions if you are feeling apprehensive. Best of Luck
They give us no food nor beverages at all. I do know there's been a huge turnover in this office with few nurses doing the infusions. We used to have a really friendly guy who brought smiles and coffee as he did our IVs. He left for another job and the overworked floor nurse who is in charge is very competent but abrupt and spends literally no time in any kind of talk. I pack snacks, activities, and bring my own beverage and sleep through some of the time because the Benadryl makes me drowsy. I also get really cold because the Remicade has been chilled and I am in need of a blanket halfway through. A few months ago they gave me a plush fleecy RemiCare blanket which I now bring to every infusion. It's great for watching college football games on Saturdays, too, from my leather recliner in the family room.
I think these infusions are wonderful because they work. one day I will be brave enough to self-inject and save more time. Until then I will go down to the Clinic for that treatment.
Molly Bee
I had my infusions at my doctor's office so there are a few steps that don't need to happen. My RD has an infusion room with about 8 recliners. His PA does the infusions. There is no need for a history since you are his patient. There are no tv's or food. I didn't worry about it while on Remicade as it is only 2 or 3 hours. But when I had Rituxan infusions I brought a lunch bag that has the cold packs so I could bring yogurt and and a hard boiled egg etc. I actually brought a little extra stuff so I could offer something to others who didn't realize there was no food. Also, my rd had no side tables or anything to set a drink or food on. I told him he needed to get some so next time I came in he had them. I also suggested that if he didn't want to provide food, he should put some vending machines in the room, so he did that too.
Anyway, the experience can be totally different depending on where you get your infusion.
Hope this helps.