My first Rituximab infusion

tillytop

Hello Peeps

Just thought I would post with some positive news which might help anyone else who is going to be starting Rituximab.

I had my first Rituximab infusion (for RA) on Weds and, despite my considerable anxiety about it, it went absolutely fine. I was really well looked after, and well dosed up with IV anti-histamines and steroids beforehand to minimise the risk of an infusion reaction. Given my previous history of drug reactions I was also treated to an extra dose of IV anti-histamines afterwards which gave me peace of mind. Rituximab is a long, slow infusion and my lovely husband stayed with me all day ( except when he went off to forage for essential supplies of chocolate biscuits from the hospital shop ). I was warned I could feel pretty rough afterwards so I was prepared for that but, actually, apart from feeling really tired yesterday, and periodically coming over all unneccessary and having to sit down (nothing new there then :roll: ) I have been absolutely fine.

Next infusion is in a couple of weeks time, then it's just a case of waiting to see what happens. Rituximab is not quick acting apparently and I might not know if it's working until after my next 2 infusions in 6 months time. So I just have to be patient (not my strong point!)

Love Tilly xxx

kneegirl

Really glad it went well Tilly - hugs xx

tillytop

Thanks Kneegirl!

Tilly xxx

kneegirl

Can I pick your brains for some advice please? x

mp1952

Glad it went well Tilly..

Your post will be encouraging to other peeps who are considering this drug.

Hope you see some improvement with it.

Marion x

tillytop

Thanks so much Marion.

Kneegirl - you are more than welcome to pick my brains (if you can find any to pick ) If you want to add your question to the thread or send me a PM I will reply.

Love Tilly xxx

frogmorton

Hi Tilly

I am so very very glad it went well after your last experince with meds way back.

You were a very very brave girl for even having it done and l am so glad it has paid off.

I hope you have been working Mr Tillyop very hard and that he has been looking after you and feeding you peeled grapes as you recline in a hammock in the sun.....

Thank you for letting us all know how you got on.

Very reassuring

Love

Toni xx

barbara12

Hi Tilly
I am so glad to hear it went well for you, I know you were worried,I have everything crossed for you that it starts to work very soon...and give you lots of relief.
You take care
Love and lots of hugs (((((())))
Barbara x

chris7

Hi Tilly

Good to see that it all went well for you and am sure your post will reassure others. I hope it continues to go well and that you do feel some improvement soon. I will keep my fingers crossed for you.
take care
Chris

suzygirl

Tilly, glad it went well for you and I know your post will encourage others who are being offered this drug. I think you are very brave, it must be a daunting prospect having an infusion, so I am especially pleased it went well for you!!!

skezier

Hi Tilly,

So pleased it went well for you and thanks for sharing cus it will help others to see it can go good.

Leaving a ((((( ))))), a cream egg (watch Lynn don't nick it) and the deer in his nice green diamond studied sheeparized collar) has a cuppa and a nudge for you in the usual place. Love and so many hopes Cris xx

tillytop

Thankyou Toni, Barbara, Chris, Suzy and Cris for your kind words.

Toni - oh yes, Mr Tillytop has been looking after me wonderfully well! As for the grapes and the hammock idea - I like it!

Cris - thanks for the ((()))s, the choccy egg, the cuppa and the deer nudge Doesn't the deer look snazzy in the new sparkly green collar eh?

Thanks again all.

Lots love Tillyxxx

skezier

Hi Tilly,

Doesn't he look good in it..... Emeril green, made of velvet and studied in diamonds......

Oh Bre is so close to blue booties..... the vet was saying as I had said how good her collar looked on her thats she would expect to see them in blue booties next time she comes.....

thats will be Monday....

Anyway flower I hope your feeling ok and leaving you a ((((( ))))) and such a huge hope it will work for you and work well. xxx

tillytop

Oh yes Cris - he looks FAB! As for Bre's blue booties - they will make quite a fashion statement Of course the deer will feel very left out if he doesn't have green diamond studded booties to match his collar too!

I'm feeling fine thanks Cris and thanks so much for the ((())) and the huge hope. They are both greatly appreciated.

Lots love - and a cuppa and some CDM on the bench for you - Tillyxxx

dreamdaisy

I am glad to read that all went well and that you are OK. It must have been very, very daunting for you given the events of the past year and I am so pleased that you got through the day as well as you did. Three cheers for Mr Tilly from me and I hope the next one goes as smoothly.

I went shopping and bought Moomintroll's book of thoughts. Ye gods, what a wise little creature he is. I leave you with this one: Moomintroll closed his eyes and surmised "How different we all are, really." DD

tillytop

Thanks DD!

And thanks too for the quote! Love it!!!

Tilly xxx

suzygirl

Tilly, hope you are ok today.

I love the quote too Daisy, I want that book!!!

ironic

Hi Tilly,
Brilliant and well deserved news that the infusion went so well for you. I do hope you begin to feel the difference sooner than you think.
I know it has been a very big step for you to agree to this infusion in the first place and I am glad your OH was able to stay with you all day.
Well done to you both,
Hugs,
I x

skezier

Hi Tilly,

Hope your feeling good today and the deer (in his velvet emerald green diamond studded collar) has a cuppa and a chunk of cdm for you in the usual place. (((( )))) and a hope its going to really work for you. Cris xx

alarkra

Hi Tillytop!

Glad to hear that you have started on the road of anti-TNF's and are hopefully not going to feel too rotten on them. I have everything crossed that you start to feel the benefit of them soon and continue to do well with them. 8) xx

tillytop

Thanks Suzy, Ironic, Cris and Alarkra.

I'm still doing fine thanks - and, more than a week later, the steroid infusion they gave me at the hospital to prevent an allergic reaction to the Rituximab is still doing wonders for the ole bones! Unexpected bonus that!

Thanks again (and thanks Cris for sending the deer with the cuppa and the CDM - although I only got half a chunk cos I reckon he got peckish on the way and ate the other half! Mind you he looks so snazzy in his new green get-up that I can forgive him anything!)

Love Tillyxxx