I approach my infusion days by taking off work to focus solely on my physical and mental health, doing something special and beneficial just for me. As such, I make sure that I take steps to “pamper” myself for the duration.
I start by wearing comfy clothes — a favorite pair of velour sweats, loose drawstring shorts or yoga pants, and a roomy t-shirt over a cami; or, one chilly day in the winter, I actually wore flannel pjs. Shoes are whatever favorite casual pair I’m wearing at the time, because I kick them off ASAP and pull on cozy socks once I’m settled in. Thankfully, my infusion center provides pillows and heated blankets, but if they didn’t, I’d take my own.
From there I make sure I have my tablet (and charger). It’s my constant companion and goes with me everywhere, providing me endless variety for the day. Books, movies, music, games, internet surfing — everything is at my fingertips, at least until I end up falling asleep! The pre-meds* invariably knock me out, and I indulge in a refreshing nap. Oh, and I take earbuds or headphones. Being in a non-private room, I don’t want to bug anyone with my noise.
I also take a “backup items” bag. This deeply personal topic used to embarrass me, so I never, ever talked about it. With anyone. Including my mom or ex-husband, those closest to me in the past. If you have issues with incontinence like I do, you know you need to be prepared. This includes infusion days. Actually, it particularly includes infusion days given how much water I’m drinking and the amount of fluids that will be pumped in as part of the treatment. Extra clothes, disposable wipes, incontinence products. You know the drill. Although I’ve “come out of the incontinence closet,” it’s still not necessarily easy for me to discuss. Nonetheless, it remains an important part of how I prep for the day.
Lastly: food(!) and beverages. I hydrate, hydrate, hydrate in advance. Also, I make sure to have a good, sustaining breakfast with plenty of protein. If I’m particularly ambitious that morning, I’ll make and take a greens-based smoothie. Lunch is packed the night before and generally consists of things like a one-slice-of-bread sandwich, hard-boiled eggs, nuts or cheese — and usually something indulgent like chips. Since I’m pampering myself, I’ll take a (usually chocolate) treat: a handful of mini chocolates, a couple of cookies, a brownie. And, of course, more water or plain iced tea. Always hydrate!
*Before treatment with OCREVUS, your healthcare provider will give you a corticosteroid medicine and an antihistamine to help reduce infusion reactions (make them less frequent and less severe). You may also receive other medicines to help reduce infusion reactions.
For more information on OCREVUS dosing, click here.
OCREVUS Prescribing Information. Genentech, Inc. 2016.
OCREVUS Prescribing Information. Genentech, Inc. 2016.
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