I have been living with psoriatic arthritis for a decade now and as part of my treatment plan, I receive a Remicade infusion every 8 weeks. These infusions help keep my arthritis in check, but they can also be a bit daunting, so I want to take you through the journey I go on every 8 weeks. Remicade is an important part of my treatment plan, and I want to share my experience so that others living with psoriatic arthritis can understand what to expect.
What is an infusion?
An infusion is a medical procedure where medication is administered directly into the bloodstream. The most common type of infusion for Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is known as a Remicade infusion. A Remicade infusion is a drug treatment for PsA that is given intravenously, meaning it is injected directly into a vein. During the Remicade infusion process, a highly concentrated solution of the drug is slowly injected into your body over a period of several hours. The infusion contains an antibody which works to reduce inflammation in the body, thus relieving symptoms of PsA.
Why do I need it?
I have a chronic autoimmune disease called psoriatic arthritis, which means that my body is attacking itself and causing joint pain and inflammation. In order to manage my symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease, I require regular infusions of a drug called Remicade. Remicade works by blocking certain pathways in my immune system that are responsible for the inflammation, allowing me to enjoy a more active lifestyle and hopefully prevent further damage from occurring. Without these infusions, I would not be able to manage my symptoms effectively, as the disease would worsen over time.
The process
When it comes to my infusion, the process is fairly straightforward. First, I arrive at my infusion suite and check in with the receptionist. Then, I am escorted to the infusion suite. The infusion suite is a comfortable space where I get hooked up to the IV that will be used to administer my medication. Once the IV is in place, the nurse will begin the infusion. This usually takes anywhere from 3 to 4 hours.
During the infusion, I listen to music, watch TV, or read. Really anything to keep my mind off of the needle in my arm. Yes – I am terrified of needles, which makes infusions extra fun! I am blessed to have top notch care and the nurses know how I am with needles – so they bring on the snacks!After the infusion is finished, the nurse will take out the IV and monitor me for a few minutes to make sure there are no reactions.
Once I’m done with the infusion, I can go home. It’s important for me to rest for the remainder of the day and drink plenty of fluids. It’s also important for me to follow up with my doctor after my infusion. My doctor may want to monitor my progress and adjust my dosage if necessary.
The good, the bad, and the ugly
The good: Infusions can be a great way to treat psoriatic arthritis and other chronic diseases, as they are often very effective. The anti-inflammatory medications used in the infusion can help reduce joint pain and swelling, as well as slowing the progression of the disease. Additionally, infusions can be relatively quick, lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours.
The bad: Although infusions can be helpful, they do come with some risks. Some of the potential side effects include reactions to the infusion, such as fever, chills, nausea, rash, or headaches. Additionally, there is the potential for infection if the needle is not handled properly.
The ugly: There is also the potential for an allergic reaction to the infusion, which can be life-threatening. Therefore it’s important to talk to your doctor about any allergies you may have and make sure the infusion staff are aware before the infusion begins. Lastly, it’s important to know that infusions can be expensive, depending on your insurance plan.
Post-infusion
Once the infusion is complete, you will be monitored by your nurse for a period to ensure that there are no adverse reactions. During this time, it’s important to rest and relax as much as possible. After the monitoring period is over, you will usually be able to go home.
The next few days can be rough, as your body adjusts to the new medication. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions regarding activity levels and any other treatments that may need to be continued. It’s also important to keep an eye out for any unusual symptoms or reactions, such as fever, rash, itching, joint pain, and difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these, it’s important to call your doctor right away.
Most people can start feeling relief from the infusion after about two weeks. The full effects of the infusion typically kick in after around eight weeks. The length of relief from each infusion varies, so you should keep track of how long you feel relief for to better plan for future infusions.
In general, infusions are an important part of treatment for many conditions and illnesses. If you’re considering one for yourself or a loved one, it’s important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits associated with it. With the proper care and monitoring, most people can receive positive results from their infusion.
