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.