Infusion!

Well Thursday 12/8/11 was my first Actemra Infusion. I was extremely nervous and scared about it - wasn't sure what to expect, would it hurt, how would I feel, is it going to work ect. LOTS of different thoughts and feelings went through my head. On thursday my dear dear friend Amy came with me. She also happens to be a WONDERFUL photographer and captured this adventure! So... here is our day at the Infusion center

This was in the waiting room. We thought it was very strange, turns out its an ad for wigs, which makes sense because we were at the oncology office.

Amy and I as we were waiting for the nurse to come.

Like usual... the nurse had  a hard time finding my vein. I really liked the heat pack.

My stinky curled RA feet and toes.

ALL DONE!!

 The infusion room/center.

 All things considered it went well. I got a HORRID headache from it, but that day it was ok.  However, these first few days after the infusion have been rough. I have had horrible HOT flashes -where I break into a deep deep sweat, then I get the chills. My headache comes and goes. My hair is falling out more. The HORRIBLE nerve pain I had about a year ago has slowly been creeping back to my hands and feet. My initial first bloodwork, doesnt show much. My joints REALLY hurt, I mean REALLY hurt and I have horrible fatigue. I talked with my my rheumatologist yesterday -and this is sort of what she expected -hence me taking the time off. So, i went into the office and got a HUGE cortisone injection in my booty :) which is helping with the pain. 

For more of Amys wonder photography you can visit her website AmyP Photography.

For more information on Actemra you can visit this website