Rituximab

[ks1966]

Good day everyone

I’m about to get my 1st Rituximab and would really appreciate any thoughts and advice.

Many thanks

[Neonkittie17]

I’m just going to wish you all the very best and you’ll be well looked after. I am there tomorrow too. Take a book or mags and your iPad and ear buds if you use as you’ll be there most of the day. I take my own food and drinks as I’m decaf and don’t like a lot of bread but they normally provide food and drink. Wear something you can roll the sleeve up easily over your elbow or short sleeved and I take a small shawl type throw in case it’s chilly as they tend to leave open windows at the mo. It’s mild at the mo though. Also take your mask but they do provide them. Hope all goes well .. it will do. x

[ks1966 in reply to Neonkittie17]

Thank you very much for your feedback

[Neonkittie17 in reply to ks1966]

You’re welcome x

[AgedCrone in reply to ks1966]

Wear something easy to go to the loo too!Trying to do up a zip and hold up your trousers when you’re attached to a drip is not easy!

Good Luck...been on Rtx for 5 years & it is the wonder drug for me.

[ks1966 in reply to Neonkittie17]

Is it any good by the way

[Neonkittie17 in reply to ks1966]

I’ve got some persistent side effects after longer term use due to lowered immunity but everyone doesn’t get that and for five years I hadn’t a peep of a side effect. It has been the best med for my mobility and within six weeks I was moving and pain free from RA and my CRP reduced to under five and has always been that way from the start so it’s very effective to stop the RA disease activity. Don’t ever be put off by others’ side effects as they won’t be yours!

[ks1966 in reply to Neonkittie17]

Waw. Thank you so much

[Lolabridge in reply to ks1966]

It has really worked for me and I hope it does for you. I've had three cycles so far and my next is due in a few weeks.Neonkittie has given good advice above.

During the infusion I usually listen to music or doze, but some people read, do puzzles or watch a movie on their iPads. A nurse will check your obs regularly during the procedure so you will be well looked after.

[ks1966 in reply to Lolabridge]

Thank you and good luck to you too

[cathie]

I’ve had ten cycles so am used to it. Be prepared to be there a long time, about 4 hours. I’m diabetic and always have high blood sugar afterwards because they give people a steroid before the main infusion. I check my sugars after a while and inject insulin- but I always tell the nurses.

[ks1966 in reply to cathie]

Thank you 🙏

[StormySeas]

Basically don't worry as you'll be well looked-after! I've had my RTX infusions in two different places; one was a general OP ward where there were all sorts of attendees - mainly those waiting for day surgery, and once I went to a rheumatology ward....so you could be in either of these.

I always chose to lie down. Sometimes they offer a chair, but I request a bed and they always oblige. I find it uncomfortable to sit upright too long, but also I'm a bit squeamish so prefer to be horizontal 😂. It can take a long time and it makes me very dozy, so I sleep for a while.

It can be cold so I always take something I can throw over me, though they do offer blankets. Other than that, I can't think of anything else. I take an iPad and book, but time passes quite quickly.

Hope it goes well for you and has the desired results X

[ks1966 in reply to StormySeas]

Thank you 🙏

[allanah]

Fantastic! They will be great to you. Its like a day out 🤣 they check you regularly. I download movies and take a drink and snack with me ! And when i was on it it worked really well x

[ks1966 in reply to allanah]

Thank you 🙏

[charisma]

I hope all went well. I find it very effective after various other drug therapies failed me. But the first round may not kick in ie cause you to feel better, for 14-26 weeks.

It was 14 for me. I was on steroid tablets to tide me over. 🌸

[ks1966 in reply to charisma]

Thanks 🙏

[Moomin8]

How did your infusion go?

[ks1966 in reply to Moomin8]

It’s next week. Fingers crossed 🤞

[Moomin8 in reply to ks1966]

🤞My first one is the following Monday.

[ks1966 in reply to Moomin8]

Good luck. A day before me get me updated pls

[Moomin8 in reply to ks1966]

24th for me.

[Lolabridge in reply to Moomin8]

I had mine on Monday and it went well. My BP was high to begin with but I’ve come to the conclusion it was the cappuccino I got from the Costa booth on the way in!! 🙄. I watched a film some of the time and dozed a while too.

I hope yours goes well. X

[Moomin8 in reply to Lolabridge]

I'm glad it went well for you🙂How were you the next day? I'll avoid the caffeine 😉I drink caffeine free tea and coffee now anyway. We're you able to put your feet up?

[Lolabridge in reply to Moomin8]

I had a headache and my face was flushed but I think that was only the very high BP. I’ve not had that before and don’t think that will happen to you if you keep off the coffee!!

[Moomin8 in reply to Lolabridge]

😅