I chatted a bit with some of the folks who were talkative, but usually kept to myself and worked a puzzle or dozed. I wished everyone could have private rooms for infusions. And a room without a TV.

First time took about 3.5 hrs, but they went slow to see how I did. Was advised to take Claritin or Benadryl on the night before and morning of the infusion to lessen chance of allergic reaction. I got these infusions before I went to work at 3pm, so I was glad it didn't cause me any problems, other than the last one (and I still worked after that one, too!)

On 2nd, 3rd and up to 6th and last infusion, I only spent 2.5 to 2.75 hrs in the clinic. As my dose went up, I had a few problems with nasal congestion, but nothing else. On the last infusion, when dose was up to 8mg/kg (6 vials), I had a lot of congestion and felt flu-like. Secretly glad that I gave up Remicade at that point.

Hope this works out for you, Pea!

I chatted a bit with some of the folks who were talkative, but usually kept to myself and worked a puzzle or dozed. I wished everyone could have private rooms for infusions. And a room without a TV.

First time took about 3.5 hrs, but they went slow to see how I did. Was advised to take Claritin or Benadryl on the night before and morning of the infusion to lessen chance of allergic reaction. I got these infusions before I went to work at 3pm, so I was glad it didn't cause me any problems, other than the last one (and I still worked after that one, too!)

On 2nd, 3rd and up to 6th and last infusion, I only spent 2.5 to 2.75 hrs in the clinic. As my dose went up, I had a few problems with nasal congestion, but nothing else. On the last infusion, when dose was up to 8mg/kg (6 vials), I had a lot of congestion and felt flu-like. Secretly glad that I gave up Remicade at that point.

Hope this works out for you, Pea!

YAY for you...Im hoping it works for you. Remicade has saved my life literally...it will take a few to build up in your system so dont get discouraged if you dont notice any improvement for 4 or 5 weeks.

Mine usually takes around 4 to 5 hours and then I have to see the Doc so I spend all day there usually and I dont get a meal I have to bring my own but Im lucky they have rooms so I can sleep, watch tv, computer and usually my daughter goes with me so I am not alone.

Keep us updated on how your doing.

Hugs!

I am thinking of traveling to go see my mother and be gone for a about 3 week's. Will they let you do a Remicade treatment in another hospital where you are visiting if you call your Dr. in advance and get it set up?

Not sure why not but not sure as I have my treatments in my Drs office. I would think as long as its covered under your insurance it would be ok.

Yea Im not sure I would like siting in a room with alot of other people...kind of reminds me of when my Mom had her dialysis treatments..was sobering everyone in a big circle having these life saving treatments...

It was kind of fun being there with other arthies, all getting the treatment that helped so much. Some people slept, others read, I talked, and wrote, and talked. Sometimes, you'd see someone you hadn't seen in a few months because your schedules didn't match fully, and then it was old home week.

It has its plusses, but I do understand where you're coming from on this. Your mom's dialysis would have been more serious, I think.

Warm hugs,