Monday, September 22, 2008
I got my second infusion of Remicade this past Friday-- September 19. It went great. This time I made sure I took my ipod so I could listen to relaxing music. Time flew by very quickly.
On this day I made sure I had a lot of water so my veins could be nice and plump....and noticeable. I don't like drinking water before 10am, so it wasn't easy...I had to force myself to drink it. I didn't want to have the same experience that I had the first time (read "My experience with my first Remicade Infusion" for details).
I felt very sleepy after the infusion, so I slept for several hours. I felt tired for the rest of the day.
How is it working for you generally? Do you feel a difference? My rhumy may put me on it as well? How much does insurance pay and how much do you have to pay out of pocket if you do? It is very expensive and thats the one reason why I am not on it right now...
It's working really great for me....I'm pretty much pain free, but I do feel fatigued some days.
I think Remicade has a cost of $1000 a dose. It wasn't easy to convinced my insurance to pay for it, but my Doctor finally convinced them. Since the procedure's done in my Doctor's office, I only pay for a Doctor's visit--$35....and nothing more.
My Doctor also has a program (not sure how it works) that if for some reason you can't pay for the meds, he puts you in touch with programs that will help pay----and this included Remicade.
Good luck to you!
cool. I am glad that it is working for you. My doctor has me on a program through Enbrel where all I have to do is a show a card to the pharmacy and it is paid for for the first 6 months then a very low co pay for the next. My doctor told me there are ways to get around the insurance espicially if you really need the meds. I see my rhumy next month, so will see if he wants to change and try remicade or if I should continue with Enbrel. Have a great day.