Hi all, just completed the Rituximab infusions. Now waiting to see if they will work for me. The hospital did tell me that some people notice an improvement within about 4 weeks so keeping fingers crossed. It was an interesting experience. The first time spent from 9 am. until 4 p.m. at the hospital. Had Piriton infused first (to avoid any allergic reactions), followed by steroids, followed by the Rituximab for 4 hours. Hospital provided sandwiches for lunch and plenty of water, tea and coffee. 2nd time nearly as long from 9 until 3 as a lot of faffing about with my veins which were not co-operating at all. The first canula got a little blood clot in it so had to be taken out, the second attempt hit a valve in the vein so no go there and Plan C saw the canula going into the inside of my elbow where it worked. Thank God we didn't have to go to Plan D - don't know what we would have done!
I also had to have another blood test taken as my Potassium levels were up but the Doctor thought that may have been due to the fact the bloods had to travel 50 miles to the path lab (they closed the one at our local hospital) and may have stood around until checking. As I didn't hear any more I assumed everything was ok. My blood pressure was 130/70 which they were very pleased with. It was sky high the first time but nerves etc probably put it up Also I only have to go within 50 yards of a hospital and it rockets.
Piriton makes you very sleepy so had a doze for an hour or so and still sleepy that evening as well. Still having problems with my hands and fingers very stiff and painful but that should pass once the Rixi gets to grips with it all. Everyone very kind and they do keep a close eye on you. If you move, the alarm goes off on the infuser but they are checking it regularly anyway. That was the problem with the canula being in my inside elbow. I am right handed so kept forgetting not to move my arm. Bit difficult when you are trying to read so the alarm was going off regularly. Only time it didn't was when I had a doze and kept still for an hour or so.
So not a bad experience at all. Will let you know how I get on and when I notice an improvement.
LavendarLady x
Have had trouble seeing replies to some posts/didn't receive the Forum posts .... then realised things were suddenly going in my Spam?? So just seen your last reply on the other Rituxi thread you posted (Go Go Go .. !!!) as I went looking to try see how you were doing. Oh my .. that Piriton tablet .. I was rolling about .. my head lolling all over and having crazy dreams too! LOL. Need to chase up my blood test results from my infusions on 1 and 15/4. See if anything started working on the B Cells. Have confused issues somewhat with my joints by having my knees injected on 22/4 but they had to be done as I was barely able to do the two stick shuffle from bed to bathroom. Here's hoping we start to feel improvement soon from Rituxi. I immediately got benefit from the Kenalog knee injections. Could get up out of bed next morning pain free without the dreadful wibble wobbles and fear of headbutting the wardrobe! Enjoying it whilst it lasts. Love Julie xx
Back in hospital PT 2
Pain at it's highest level (2)
I step forward, 2 step backward!!!
Biologic not working after a 2 week break
F#*& off R.A. and u 2 pain meds. 
