Ty infusion #2

[BlessedWyoMom]

I had my second Tysabri infusion this morning. I am still quite anxious about it, so I took the 5mg of Valium offered by my neuro's nurse practitioner before the infusion. He also had me sit with a heating pad on my arm for about 15 mins before starting the IV to open up my crummy veins a little. During my first infusion my vein rolled and the IV became occluded. He ended up having to restart the IV/infusion in my other arm.

I hope that my anxiety/fear about an infusion reaction will lessen over time, but for now the Valium seems to help.

[0485c10]

If the heating pad does not help with getting a vein, there are those that get a port so they do not have to be stuck every month. you might be canadate? don't know much about them myself, perhaps start another thread labeled port experience or something like that, so someone with experience with ports answers.

i can understand the your need for valium, i would too, if i had to experience that.

[Scooter24]

I had port for my chemo, it was surgicly installed in my upper left chest about even with my armpit, once it was in no big deal, all you feel is a slight stick and no problems missing it. I am considering having another one put in as they have been having problems hitting my viens lately due to regular usage of ibuprofin and my veins have alot of valves also, last time they started IV 5 times and they all blew, finally got me on the back of my hand. Just FYI the removal is an office procedure.

[lindaincolorado]

Hi Lisa, I keep well hydrated (I've been told not to drink coffee but, 1 cup just before I leave the house seems to help) and arms/hands warm. For the last 3 months the nurse has gotten me easily and in different veins. I have had some nurses who have had to get another nurse and have been stuck 3-4 times When a warm blanket has been used it has only been for a few minutes!!

Hope it gets better

[0485c10]

Originally Posted by lindaincolorado

(I've been told not to drink coffee but, 1 cup just before I leave the house seems to help)

Yes linda fluid plays a part in it too & i think the coffee part is half right too. It's caffine that is the actual culperate--most prevalent in caffeinated coffee--but present in PMS meds for hormonal weight gain, smaller amounts in decaf coffee & tea too.

as someone who still has to deal with hormonal water weight, i am very aware of how much caffeine i am consuming during the month--there are times in the month i want to consume as much as the anxiety it also causes will allow me to do.

the week before the infusion would not be one of those times.

[lindaincolorado]

Lisa, have you had #3 ? Thinking you have-how'd it go ? I hope better