Everything went well on Tuesday & I was most appreciative of everyone’s prayers, good wishes, & tips. It all helped tons. The staff at UCSF was very friendly and professional. I had to have my vitals checked every half hour during the infusion and even those folks were friendly & smiling. One of the nurses was even saying that she loved working infusion clinics because she felt as if she was really helping.
Since I figured I needed to stitch one-handed, I practiced with my lap stand on. Sunday. It did not go well. So I decided that I needed more practice at home before trying it there, so no stitching for me. I’m hoping that by practicing every day I’ll be able to use it when I go back in two weeks.
So I decided to read (I hate earbuds). I took the paperback I’m reading & my Kindle. Good thing I took my Kindle because turning pages is hard one-handed. I gave that up right away.
Because of the Benedryl, I did feel sleepy from time to time, but not too bad. They had heated blankets but as folks warned me, they didn’t stay hot. So I will be bringing a blanket. But since the room wasn’t very cold I was OK. I also brought snacks.
What surprised me is that the staff knows it can be boring and bad, so they help. There is a Peet’s Coffee in the lobby and they encourage folks to stop there first. You can always bring someone with you who can come & go and bring you food. They keep drinks & snacks on hand. They even had a lady who came around giving complementary foot massages, which was very nice.
My IV was placed in my left forearm and I found I could actually use my arm somewhat, so I think I’ll be able to stitch. Now that I know where the IV is I can take that into account in my practice.
Ocrevus, my drug, does have side effects, most commonly upper respiratory things (i.e. cold symptoms) I do have a bit of a sore throat and yesterday I had a headache, but nothing too bad. My DH took me out for a lovely lunch after, so I even got my treat.
I took it easy the rest of Tuesday, Wednesday, and plan on being quiet today.
So all good.
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
For several years I had infusions for RA. I used the time to visualize the medication resetting my immune system as it worked it magic. I have been in remission for 8 years now. I hope you can stitch, but if not, don’t stress, just think healthy, happy thoughts and the time will pass pretty quickly. My best wishes for powerful treatments that work!
Janet, I did not know you were having infusion therapy. I hope it all goes well and is a helpful drug for your condition. You have contributed so much to the needlepoint community-I am grateful for ‘Nuts about Needlepoint’ , the time you devote to making it a an informative and interesting read and your desire to share your knowledge. You make this world a better place!
Thinking of you and sending positive thoughts and prayers.
Take care of you!