Re: Rituxan Day

[Guest guest]

Hey Diane,

Well I'm back. Made it fine. No problems with finding a vein (they still

used a pediatric needle) so I guess the water thing worked again! I am amazed.

I have NEVER had anyone get a vein for blood or IV in less than 3 sticks

(usually multiple techs or nurses). So anyone getting iv's out there...try

drinking tons of water the day before. I did eat pizza for dinner last nite so

I guess that has a lot of salt to help me retain the water. Like I need help

with that??? ((Please!! ))

Anyway, I have the infusions about 5 months apart....one five hour infusion and

then a four hour one two weeks later. They cost my insurance company $7450 each

time. I get a double shot of benadryl that makes me stupid for about ten

minutes. Then they give me 125 mg of steroids and I drift off into a light

sleep for about an hour or so in my Lazy Boy. I don't know how long, but it

takes a while for the first two meds to kick in before the Rituxan is started.

First infusion made me wheeze for a while (which causes all kinds safety

precautions..more steroids, stop and wait for a lonnnng time), but no problems

since. I think my doc told me that 80% of all Rituxan infusion reactions happen

the first time. Good news for me, since I had the reaction from HELL about 20

infusions into Remicade. The only only thing I have noticed two weeks ago and

today was that I felt like I could stop at Walmart on the way home and both

times I got really winded and my chest was heavy. I

didn't panic or anything, but I noticed it again today, so I think shopping is

best done another day. Other than that, my only side effect is being sleepy for

about 2 days after each infusion. I have not been able to reduce my steroids to

my liking yet. On Kineret, I completely weaned off Prednisone, but now I am on

15mg.

On the Jack and Coke issue....I have to admit I sneaked a shot of 7 & 7 when I

walked past my bar as I came in. I know I know probably not a good idea, but I

feel fine. So funny we were both on the bourbon wavelength! I'm trying to

figure out how to make a mint julip for the Kentucky Derby Saturday.

Stay Healthy Folks...

Branson MO

Diagnosed 1998

tototoo42@... wrote:

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[Guest guest]

Well I am glad that you made it back from your treatment fine. I go

for my second try Monday. I have been drinking water and eating and

drinking the Vitamin C like crazy to keep my veins going. lets see how

things go. I have also been eating salty things now and then but

eating a lot of salty things is not too good for you since it can

cause edema and for me it gives me cramps. So every now and then I

will eat salty things until Monday. I will cross my fingers they find

a vein and they can start this treatment. I won't let the nurse stick

me like she did last time, three times each in each hand. I still have

a bruise in one of my hands and it has been three weeks since that

incedent.

Well I am happy that you are doing fine. Keep us in touch with how you

are feeling. Have a great weekend.

Corpus Christi, tx

>

> Hey Diane,

>

> Well I'm back. Made it fine. No problems with finding a vein

(they still used a pediatric needle) so I guess the water thing worked

again!

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