Infusion #3

First of all...Happy Birthday, Meredith!

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I arrived at the doctor's office 10 minutes early and was whisked right back to the infusion area. There were two other patients there - one was almost finished and the other had started right before me. Before beginning the infusion I reflected on how I was feeling - fatigue level was 7 on a scale of 10 with 10 being unable to get out of bed. My hands were shaky and I was feeling anxious but my blood pressure was 113/79 (pretty good).

Although the veins in my right arm are harder to get, I continue to ask Helen to use my it because
 I am left handed and like to write during the infusion. At this point, the Benlysta wasn't dripping yet.

The magic potion

The infusion itself went well. I received Benadryl and Tylenol beforehand as I did the last couple times. The meds started dripping at 1:40 pm and I was out of the doctor's office and home by about 4 pm. I did doze during the treatment and when I woke up - NO NAUSEA! Yay!

When I got home I ate a little bit and then was so exhausted I went to bed. When I woke up I had a headache and powerful nausea. I also had my first bout of diarrhea - boo... The infusion nurse told me to put the Ativan tablet under my tongue and let it dissolve - she said that would be the quickest way to get the med into my system to deal with the nausea. I did it and it worked. It took about 15 minutes for the nausea to fade. I can only take it every 4 to 6 hours so I hope it lasts. It's making me sleepy so it will be early to bed for me tonight. Fortunately, I will not be going into the office tomorrow so I can continue to rest up.

Reflections on #3 - the infusion area of my doctor's office is in a high traffic area - at least 3 of the women walking back and forth were wearing high heels...click click click...hard to sleep through that. Also, several of the office personnel decided to have a conference right within earshot. And if that wasn't enough, the radio station was set on a jazz station - not my favorite. The lesson here - bring my ipod and earphones when I go back in May. Yes, that's right. I have completed the loading dose and now won't have to go back for infusion #4 until May 7th.

Also, something that surprised me - the RN that is administering the infusions seemed surprised that I am not feeling better yet. I told her that the doctor said it might be June before we know if it's working for me. Then when I was scheduling my next appointment, this woman also also asked me if I was feeling better yet. Maybe they lose track of what number infusion I'm on...it just struck me odd.

I have a big weekend ahead of me so I'm hoping that I will have the energy to get through it.

Tonight my joints are stiff and I am drowsy from the Ativan, but as always, I am hopeful.