First IVIG Infusion

I guess that I am slacking a little with updates. I had my first IVIG infusion on Tuesday, April 10. I thought that I would be there for at least 3 hours for just the infusion. I was pleasantly surprised and the infusion itself only lasted about an hour and a half. Doug took me in to the Surgery Center at Wayne and I got the IV in my hand (after two tries!) and on with the infusion! I had read that possible side effects would be a massive headache, possibly breaking out in a rash or hives, and nausea. So I prepared a little beforehand by taking benadryl and ibuprofen. They started me out at an infusion rate of 39 ml, then after 15 minutes if I was tolerating it ok (and I did) they bumped it to 59 ml for another 15 minutes. Again, after seeing I tolerated it ok, they bumped it to 158 ml for another 15 minutes and then full throttle of 316 ml for the remaining time.

During the first part of the process, we talked to the pharmacist and he explained the IVIG which is a blood product and is made up of over 100 different peoples blood. Certain things are taken out of the blood and used for the IVIG. Other things are added to it and the IVIG is born. (there are more technical terms of course, but this is what I remember, ha!) :) He also said the IVIG they use is more purified and so I would hopefully not experience not much, if any, side effects. I can say that I felt pretty decent after the infusion. I was very, very tired soon after getting home and crashed on the couch pretty early. Doug said there wasn't any hope in waking me, I was out for the count! I think I slept until about 10 am the next day!

As for what is next, I go to Cleveland May 7 and will see infectious disease and see what my IGg levels are. We will then come up with a "game plan" as to what we will do next; if I will need another infusion, etc. I will have to have bloodwork every 4 weeks to check my IGg levels regardless to see how I am doing in that regards.
Last week was a little rough and I *think* that I can blame the weather. I can't say for sure of course, but since we've had warm weather and then we had frost a few times last week, I'm going to assume the reason for me hurting was because of the weather. It's hard to get out and about because of using so much energy...but I also hate just sitting around/lying around the house as I believe that may make things worse. We were able to go to church this morning, and I was glad to get out on this beautiful day and enjoy just being alive. You just gotta take each day at a time and enjoy what you've got.

I still believe the phrase "Breathe in faith, Breathe out feat" and found a neat reading from http://daily.upperroom.org/?p=977

"When fear invades,
pervades, paralyzes,
I remember Jesus’ love
and breathe a prayer.

I do not have to wait for courage;
courage is not a feeling,
but a response to Spirit.

I breathe out,
relinquish fear, anxiety,
thank God for presence.

I breathe in,
receive peace,
and power in Spirit
to speak, to move, to act,
to decide, and to be courageous."

- Roberta Porter

I try to keep this all in mind when I am having a difficult time with my pain. I try to envision my breathing in faith and hope and love, and letting go of the pain, the fear and the anxiety of my health. I have faith that God will help me through this tough trial in life...I just have to keep hanging on even if it is just barely at times. I thank God for the pain I have had because it makes me thankful for the days that aren't so bad. He's still working on me and my new wings...I've had to learn lots of patience; I would like to believe that I gotten better in this department! ;)

I hope that I will see lots of familiar faces on April 28 (less then 2 weeks!) at the benefit Doug's work is putting on for me at the VFW in Greenville. If you are interested in coming, tickets will be at the door if there are any left. You can also get tickets ahead of time...just let me know and I can hook you up! There will be a dinner, DJ, silent auction, jail and bail, 50/50 and a slew a door prizes!! I can't wait to see everyone!!! If you can't make it but would like to donate, you can do so at any Second National Bank location. The account name is Kara Didier Benefit Fund. Doug and I just both cannot put into words how thankful we are to everyone that has helped us out in any way. The road has been really tough, but with family, friends and the great community that we live in has helped us in so many ways and we are forever grateful!