Orencia

[Guest guest]

Does anyone on Orencia receive a " pre op " before the infusion begins?

My first infusion, I had a headache and nausea for most of the day and

just a general feeling of " YUK " . I receive IV Iron every 4 weeks and

always receive a " pre op " of Benedryl and Tylenol. The amount of

Benedryl is small enough that you don't pass out, just enough to keep

you comfortable. I used to receive Remicade over 5 years ago and I

received the " pre op " .

Now I don't know should I bring this up at my rheumy's office prior to

the infusion, I don't actually have an appt to " see " the rheumy until

after the second infusion. I could take the medication at home (only

about 10-15 minutes away) and keep my big mouth shut!

How many cycles does it take to feel relief? The tech during the first

infusion said that it would be 2-3 cycles, so I am still sucking on

Percocet, which isn't much cutting it. My hands are oh so swollen and

painful.

If I think about the Orencia too much, I still get REALLY nervous over

the possibilities. I was on Remicade over 5 years ago and while having

several knee surgeries (one of the components of a knee replacement

cracked in half), I developed an infection that turned into sepsis that

turned into septic shock and actually had cardiac and respiratory

arrest. I battled the sepsis which turned into MRSA for 5 years and

about a year ago finally had an above the knee amputation. The

infectious disease doctor says that Orencia and them kinds of agents

can be tried again, but so far have had a nail infection and a bladder

infection. But everyone says " Full Steam Ahead " !!!

Well, the entire country is hot, so try to stay cool with lots of

Cabana Boys and Pina Coladas and nice cool pool to sooth our joints.

Loving, gentle, tender hugs................

Debs in FL