In chronic life you get use to going to the doctor, taking handfuls of pills and daily pain. While needles don't bother me to much, they are never desired. Who wants to be stabbed right?
I get a once a month infusion to manage rhumatoid disease. Well its actually stills disease which is a form of juvenile RA. Yes, that's correct- I have a juvenile disease. I've been getting these infusions for about10 months & it takes about 2 hours each time. No doubt I have better things to do but I like to be able to walk so it's kinda necessary.
When I first arrive (after check in) I take a seat outside oncology. At this office this is where all the infusions are done. Once called back im seated & they check blood pressure, temperature and start an IV line. This time has been exceptionally trying. 3 failed attempts to start the iv & an hour later we finally start the bio drugs. I will most certainly have major bruising at failed iv sites. I will have to explain that no, I haven't gotten in a car accident. I will be late home to cook dinner for my family.
They give me a warm blanket and a earl grey tea at my request as I wait for the drugs to get mixed. I get lost in my relaxing playlist made for infusions. After 2.5 hours my infusion machine is finally beeping that it's done. The medicine only takes 50 min but all the iv shinanagains.... I've been here long time. I'm tired and want to get home. I haven't been home since 9am when I went to work.
Infusions and or self injections are something I will have to do for the rest of my life. I have a chronic disease with no cure. I'm hopefull they may find a cure but right now this is my reality. I am so thankful this drug is working but it's a little depressing to be a 30somthing with these kind of medical needs.
