What To Expect When Starting Remicade | Arthritis Information

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Hi I am about to start the Remicade infusions and would like to hear from anyone that also receives them or has in the past. What was your experience  when you 1st started. If you have any tips about what to do or bring. Is there medication you take before the infusion? 

I am really scared about doing this and need a little helpful insight. Thank you in advance for your help.
me toojust come to relax.  empty your bladder.   they will take very good care of.  the nurse checks your blood pressure every now and then.  usually they have a tv on and many patients are willing to talk about their life with this disease.  you learn alot.  sometimes you feel better immdiately sometimes it takes afew days.   good luck!  wonderwomanwhat WW said..
 
usually its in the dr office, we have nice recliners, tv, snacks.. lots of reading material.. I often nap a little.  vitals are taken every 15 minutes or so.. BP, pulse, temp.
 
I bring a cup of coffee, a book and a little throw, which I got from them..
 
You will get weighed, hooked up  to the IV and started.. in our office you see the dr either before or after.. before if theres an issue that might prevent getting the infusion..(infection or illness)
 
within an hour of my first infusion I was STRIDING through Home depot... when the last time I went to HD before that I had to use the motorized cart..  I usually get good results right away.
 
Some drs give you benadryl with the remicade in which case you will be sleepy/tired after.
everyone has described it perfectly! good luck, and from one who is scared of anything that looks like a needle, it wasn't bad. no side effects here. I get mine at the oncology dept at the nearest hospital. It's no big deal, other than having to sit for 2.5 hours watching tv and asking for the same nurse, because no one else can seem to get what appears to be my only good vein. I do the grocery shopping afterwards and now going back to work in the afternoon, because my boss is the only one in the office. I wish I had an amazing, I feel so much better experience afterwards, my dr. insists that my bloodwork says it's working well, so I'll keep going.Thanks everyone for your replies...keep them coming
I learned alot already! I heard of taking Benadryl before the infusion, why do you take that?
Some people have allergic reactions and the benadryl can help.  I do not get any pre-meds, such as the benadryl.  I also go to the local hospital chemo room, a large room with lost of reclining chairs.  You get the IV hooked up, they check your vitals every so often and you sit back and chill!  I get mine early in the morning and usually just nap.  I go directly to work after.  Be sure to eat a little something.  I do get a little nausea the day of but nothing awful.  I usually feel better the next day.  I just had my 4th infusion and so far they have all went well.
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