unusual at all after infusions. And the extensive 'introduction' Alan had, combined with all the 'keeping still' that a hospital entails, would wear a person out. Nowadays, after my infusions at home, I'll take a 2 hour nap and be just fine after that.
I attribute the tiredness to the hefty dose of pre-meds I take prior to the infusions. After that, I'm fine until it's time for more, about a week prior to the next infusion date.
Getting the blood work at a docs' offices or a lab IS better than getting the blood work taken from the home service. The blood test results aren't complete if it's drawn from Alan at home. It's usually once a month at first...the day before or a couple days prior to the next infusion. They do this to check if your #'s change for your favor as a result of infusions and also to check the stress they may put on the liver. Then tests are done every 3 months as precautions, to be sure all is well.
Home infusions are easy to do, Your meds are delivered the day before you start, and included should be the pump [usually a portable one you just plug in to charge], all the gloves and other stuff needed to get the line in, etc. The IVIG bags go in the fridge, you take one out an hour before the nurse is to come...so's its not COLD going in you and the nurse comes, sets it all up and anywhere from 3-4 hours later you're done and the nurse goes. She'll check the rates and adjust them, take the temp and BP at intervals and see all is going well. That's it! Until the next time....
I find the home service far easier than going to a hospital or infusion center as you don't have to go to and fro...wait while somewhere else, and just doze off if you want after, or go out if you feel well. I will be up to your doc tho to decide which way to go in getting infusions. And Alan, of course, if he feels he's getting some improvement after a few rounds.
If you planned of getting a job, by all means do so! He will be watched by a professional the whole time it's all being done....I've not had any reactions at all while getting it at home. It's a no-brainer!
Just look up the brand he's getting and READ, almost memorize, that brochure. While most address other medical conditions, the reactions and facts are the same for any use. Twice I've had reactions, the first a rash-fixed by topical steriod ointments, and the second-they don't know what happened. I've had infusions for almost 3 years...every month and there's no problem at all.
Hope this helps! - j