Hi everyone! I hope you are all having a good weekend. I am having my first Remicade infusion on Monday (tomorrow). I think I’m prepared but I’m nervous and excited at the same time. I want it to work SO badly. I’ve heard wonderful things about it but I’m wondering if there is anything that made it easier for you during your infusion? To prep? Anything? Thanks in advance!
I have not tried it yet either, but just wanted to say I hope you have a great experience with it. Best of luck!!
Hi...been on enbrel/humira, for 10 yrs....didn't think i would like being tethered to a pole...LOL
but towards the end of the 2 hours, 30 min.....i unplugged my IV unit ( it still runs on battery), go the the bathroom, walk a bit, to get unstiff..The whole experience isn't bad at all, your starting at a low dose, and should have another one 2 wks later
It's helping me, and hope it does the same to you
Good luck to you Leah! Hope it does wonders for you, keep us informed of your progress, please!
I just wanted to let everyone know I’m currently in the infusion center getting my infusion done right now. I was really scared but ive calmed down with the help of some Xanax and Benadryl, lol. I will let everyone know how it goes later on! 
Hey gal, that is one more mountain climbed! Good luck and please catch a ride home with someone!
Think of it as the ultimate "me" time! Relax, hope you're feeling better soon, Leah!
Seenie
I’m really tired and have a bit of a headache but I’m already getting some pain relief! I know it’s just temporary but I feel so happy that this might work! Thanks everyone for your kind, encouraging words.
That is awesome! Glad it is helping. Got my fingers and toes crossed for you.
Thank you!!
Leah, this is surely good news, best thing I have heard all day! Hope it makes you feel like a million bucks!
Thanks! I know it will talk a few weeks to fully work but this is the best I've felt in over a year. I've got a pretty bad headache but it's tolerable and I just took some pain medicine. I think this one might do the trick :)
How'd it go? I just gave myself Enbrel for the first time on Fri.
Blessings and hugs.
I think it went well. The infusion center was pretty nice to just sit, lots of windows, my nurse was very nice. I sat next to an old man who was receiving chemo and looked rather lonely. I think he enjoyed the company and a little conversation. :) They gave me some benadryl, tylenol and injectable steroids before they started the Remicade just to pre-medicate, normal precautions. They started out at 10ml an hour but increased it every half hour since I was having no problems. It took about 3 1/2 hours total since it was my first one but they say each one after should only take about 2-2 1/2. I felt very tired and had a headache yesterday but don't seem to have much of a headache now and I am in MINIMAL pain. I know this is only temporary but it feels so good to go from barely able to walk a week ago to being able to walk, use my hand, not struggle to do something, even if this lasts a day I'm thrilled. :) I hope your Enbrel starts working for you soon! I know it works well for a lot of people. :) Thanks and best of luck!
Leah, so glad to read your post. Sounds like it went quite well for you. Hope this is your answer!
Remicade has changed my life.. and my insurance will cover a good portion of it.. If your dr. wants you to take a Bedadryl or Allegra, you can ask if you can take a 24 hr pill the night before your infusion.. then you will not be as groggy afterward.. Also, I take a personal DvD player and stop by a Redbox.. something to do!! :)
Sounds good Leah! So glad you are getting some relief, hopefully you will continue to improve!
Hi Leah,
I am really hoping you are still doing well. Please send us an update when you are able. I am especially interested because I may be starting it soon. Hope all is well. Did you need a driver? Let us know all the things you can do now that you couldn't!
I’m doing great! I noticed pain relief right away. I know it will take a few weeks to make sure but I’m able to walk, use my hands, get in and out of bed easily. Everything is unbelievable. I was unable to function for an entire day with the pain I was experiencing and now it’s like I have no pain! It makes me very tired but it’s worth it for just one sore hip instead of EVERYTHING hurting. so far 
I needed a driver because they premedicated me with Benadryl, steroids and tylenol but the Remicade gave me a terrible headache the rest of the day, tolerable though, I took some vicodin and took a nap. The next day I was very worn out but they pain was gone.
I was so close to giving up but this medicine has been so great, after ONE infusion! I can’t wait to go back next week and get my second one to get this built up in my system.
If things like entirely and humira have failed for you like they have me, I would definitely give Remicade a try. I think it’s great already!! Fingers crossed!
Leah,
Thanks for answering so quickly! This group never fail to amaze me, in a good way!
I have been on Humira, Simponi and Enbrel with and without mtx over the last four years. Still having flIares, stil dealing with daily pain and activity challenges; I went to part time at work 2 years ago and this past May had to go out on disability. My Rheumi has brought up Remicade, a couple of times, as the next to try but I have been hesitant and discouraged. I live an hour from the hospital where the infusions are done but my husband does have Weds off so it might be do able ( yes I am a girl despite my silly name!). I have been wondering if biologics were just not going to work for me. Thank you for your encouraging words.