I spent 1.5 hours in a room and chair like this today. Although instead of just 4 chairs, there were 8. They were grouped in a kidney bean shape all facing a large TV.
The view above me looked like this.
One bag of Orencia was administered over about an hour. I have to say, I was incredibly nervous about this today. I walked into the doctor's office where the infusion was going to happen. The nurse at the front told me to enjoy my time in the "lounge" today. That is what they call the infusion room. As I was called back, they checked my weight to verify my dosage and then let me pick my chair. I was a bit shocked as all 5 chairs that were filled were by people about 40 years older than me. I don't know what I was expecting, but I didn't think I would feel SO different. Besides that, I felt like I might pass out from the mass anxiety I was having about how I would react, feel, etc. The cup of coffee I had just finished was not helping to keep my heart beating any slower either!
The ladies in the "lounge" were beyond friendly. They were great at putting me at ease and telling me about each step. They did their best to make me comfortable and let me know of the new routine. I started out with 2 Tylenol and a claritin tablet. They give you this to help with any pain and help reduce any reactions. I loved that they actually asked me which arm was best for blood draws, etc. My right arm is terrible! People can't ever seem to get a vein there. On my left arm, I have this massive vein that jumps out and says "stick me!" The girl was great to get the IV in and the normal blood draws. Then it was time to hook up the Orencia. As the drug started going, I was just nervous about what to expect. I settled in with my book and tried to keep to myself a bit today. An hour of uninterrupted reading time...how nice! I got tickled with the conversations going on around me. I guess people get very regular around there and know about kids, grandkids, etc. I was known as the "youngin" today. I guess I'll get in the grove.
Talk shows seemed to be the favorite of the group. Susan Lucci was Rachael Ray's guest today. Working full time, I don't have any idea what time these shows come on! The little old people got all into discussing how "fixed up" Susan Lucci has become. "Oh she looks great. Just look at her. Someone should tell her if you are going to get that much work done, make sure to get the sags out of your neck too. Who wants a saggy neck?" Oh the little things.
As my bag finished up around noon, I felt okay...funny, but okay. The medicine didn't burn going in, but made me very cold. I was glad that I had remembered to bring a jacket to lay over me. Too bad they didn't have blanket warmers...that would have been lovely!
So I go back in 2 weeks followed by another 2 week session. These are called loading doses. After the 3rd 2 week dose, I'll be on regularly monthly infusions.
After I left, I was thankful for meeting my sweet friend Blaire for lunch. She was on standby if I needed a ride home. I ate a good lunch and am thankful now I did. Now that several hours have passed, the nausea and exhaustion have set in. Hopefully these side effects are not long term or happening every session. Time to get these kids to bed and I won't be far behind!
