IVIG at home
 

I'm getting really weak, and thinking of asking for more infusions. My neuro said last time that I might be able to have them at home this time. How does that work? I assume a nurse comes and starts the IV. Does she stay the whole time? What does she do while she's staying--does she sit and read a book or something? Thanks. I am really hoping to avoid the hospital, but I feel a little awkward about having a stranger hang out here for so long.

Abby

Yes, she will stay there, and it is a little weird. She will likely do her paperwork, as home health employees have a never ending supply of that. I'd usually plan a light meal like soup or sandwiches, iced tea, cookies... and serve that while she is there. Not necessary, but a nice, appreciated gesture (as the way to a nurse's/therapist's heart is through the stomach!)

Good luck.

Abby- it is a little weird at first because you feel as though you should entertain them to an extent but after you get past that fact- you are all good. I have had the same infusion nurse for 5 months now she's great- love her.

She usually will do her paperwork for a lot of
The time- then maybe watch tv or talk w my mom or something.


I never make her food but im 18:) she still loves me:p

Abby, I haven't had IVIG at home but I've had PT here. Nurses are so great and they are used to going to patients' homes. I'm sure whatever nurse helps you will bring something to amuse herself.

Have you considered being trained on how to do subcutaneous IVIG? Check out Walgreen's site about Hizentra.

Abby,
I have my IVIG at home and it's really great to do it if you can. For the first year I had different nurses pretty much every time. The first few times I felt a little nervous about it but it didn't take long for me to get used to it because they are usually very nice and make the visits as stress free as possible.

Actually the nurse I have now has been giving me IVIG infusions at home for the past 3 years so we we have developed quite a friendship over the years.

I always have the t.v. on when I get infusions. If you have one in the room, turn it on. It can ease that uncomfortable feeling and gives both of you something to do while the infusion is being administered.

Having infusions at home really is great so I hope you are able to do it.

Shari

The nurses are wonderful that do my Ivig at home. If I feel like talking , they talk with me, if a get sleepy they let me rest and do their paper work or read.

Ive been getting home treatment ivig for approx 1.5 years now.
has it been that long???????oh crud............one year 4 months..........I hate this crap disease, did I mention that.....hate it.....

I have had the same nurse. I always make sure there are coldcuts for lunch, bread, something for breakfast, etc...........and I make it very clear she is to help herself to any food I have in my house, dont expect me to serve her.
She will ask me sometimes, would I like her to make a cup of coffee, since she knows Im addicted to it, or she will toast me a bagel is shes making herself something to eat and I ask her.
IF my wife is around, my wife never hesitates to include her in our plans if we are going to eat dinner, if we order in, we expect her to eat also, and we pay since we just feel its the right thing to do.

She keeps herself busy with paperwork, reading, internet, me, etc.......

Thanks, everyone. That is really helpful. Somehow I always feel better knowing what to expect.

I have snapped out of my weak spell on my own, without the IVIG. Now I'm back to my normal wobbly self, though my husband did remark that going for a walk with me is a great upper-body work-out for him. But that's my normal.

Abby