Thusday's Infusion

Thursday's infusion went pretty well.  I was prepared for all of the same sensations that that I encountered last time, but it wasn't the same.  At about 45 mins. in, I noticed that slight metallic taste and then with the next swallow, it was gone, over, and no more.  I did have the dry throat and mouth, but not quite so badly as last time.  No headache, no swelling at the time of infusion.  I went home pretty happy.  I did fall asleep during the infusion and apparently slept well over an hour (due to the benedryl).  I was thirsty last night and did drink, but it was no more than the normal amount I would any evening.  Went to bed early - I was tired.  The whole ordeal is emotionally exhausting.  I slept a couple of hours and then the rest of the night I was totally wired from the prednisone and could not sleep.  I tossed and turned and watched the clock.  When I finally allowed myself to get up this morning after a terrible night, I was so disappointed to see I had puffed up horribly!  My face is so full, eyelids are very puffy, etc.  The rest of my body is as well.  I am not wearing any rings today because my hands are so swollen.  I have a mild headache which seems to be worsening as the day goes on.  I look like a balloon.  I take satisfaction in knowing that each day it will get better and the swelling will go down a little.

 

On Friday mid morning the headache got worse and worse.  I was disappointed because I didn't think it would happen at all.  But fortunately it was gone Saturday morning!  I slept wonderfully well Friday night.

 

Easter Sunday much of the swelling was down.  I didn't look like a puffed up balloon.  I would have hated that for church this morning!

 

Enjoyed having all of my family here today.  All of us spending time together is just the best thing ever!  I love the grandchildren SO much!!

 

Next Infusion

I think I have nearly recovered from the first infusion and it is almost time for the second round.  That will be Thursday afternoon.  I dread the thought of all the bloating, puffing up, swelling.  Oh great.  But I know I have to do this.  I will get it over with and in a few short weeks should be feeling all the goodness of Rituxan!

After Infusion

The infusion was Wednesday, strange symptoms on Thursday.  Thank goodness the tight head feeling and headache were gone!  I still feel puffy all over from the huge dose of prednisone and I am still thirsty.  Doctor's office said these after effects could last up to a week.  Oh great!  On Thurs., April 20th, I will have the second infusion and I plan to try not to drink so much.  I plan to use the little suckers more to ease the dry throat.  Doctor's office also told me that I will be feeling the good effects of the Rituxan about a month afterwards.

First Infusion

Well, I did it.  It was very, very different.  I mean, I've been hooked up to an iv before, but this had extreme sensations that I hadn't anticipated.  First of all I was started with a 15 minute drip of Benydryl in case of any strange reactions.  Then 125 mg. drip of Prednisone.  Then the Rituxan.  I got started at 1:00 and was finished at 4:30.  Shortly after the Rituxan started, I felt a strange sensation on my tongue.  Sort of tingly, sort of strange tasting on the front half.  Then it went away and my throat was a dry as sand paper and the taste in my mouth was metallic.  The infusion nurse was really concerned about me, but we told her I have Sjogren's and clear my throat often anyway.  So all of my coughing and clearing was a bit extreme with all these meds.  I was drinking water like crazy, I was so thirsty and dry.  She gave me little "dum dum" lollipops to suck on to help ease the dry throat which was caused by the massive dose of Benydryl.  After the first hour, I fell asleep and dozed off and on - there again caused by the Benydryl, but still reaching for a drink in between dozing off.  My eyes were extremely dry.  I felt light headed and sleepy and very glad I didn't have to drive home.  On the ride home I noticed that the waist of my pants were very tight, but I was still so thirsty.  I had to keep drinking, but barely had room for anymore water.  Then I noticed that my hands seemed a little puffy.  When we got home and I changed clothes and took off jewelry, I couldn't get my rings off.  I really had to struggle with soap and lots of tugging.  Since I had been sitting/laying for hours, I wanted to walk, but I felt a little goofy.  My head had a strange feeling.  So Tom walked with me  and it felt good to move around a bit.

 

I feel better this morning, but still a bit strange.  My head feels a little big/puffy and my face feels like it is flushed.  I feel warm and I am always cold.  I slept with a lightweight nightgown last night because I was too hot.  That is hilarious!  I usually can't get warm enough!!  They gave me a huge load of drugs yesterday, so no wonder I feel strange.  I am sipping iced tea as I write this.  Ordinarily, it might be water, no ice or hot tea or coffee.

 

Just wanted to let you know what it was like.