I was on my way home when I got the news—a virus in my blood. I was angry, in fact furious. My body felt horribly heavy, as though it weighed a ton, and I had to pull over because I just could not drive anymore. At that time, I was plagued with visions of worst-case side effects, and with the unsettling dread that there must be something wrong with me as well.
Before I underwent my infusion therapy, my doctor adjusted my medication ahead of my new treatment. He decreased my dose for the next six months as a measure of precautionary since I was undergoing IVIG therapy. It was done with the view of acclimating my body to the new task and allow my immune system to kick back in just enough to not harm my kidney.
During my first infusion on this case, it seems like everything was going to be fine and I actually would avoid the side effects. As the treatment was nearing the end I had really intense chills. I initially was cold, then I became increasing colder unable to stop myself shaking from the shivers. The nurse immediately jumped into action with IV Benadryl and saline. The Benadryl made me really drowsy, and the saline took effect and brought the shivering under control within about 20 minutes. I made sure to remain hydrated prior to, during, and after the procedure, in order to avoid the other side effects such as extreme headache and a locked neck. The combination of these two would have landed me in an emergency room.
The news was tough on me, filling me with heavy feelings. But with all that has happened to me, I have come to know how to navigate such adversity. I allowed myself to cry, cradling the suffocating weight of it all, and slowly waded through the brunt of this new diagnosis. Today I can say I am much better and handling well.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, and this is not medical advice. This post is informational in intent only. Discuss with your doctor before changing any treatment or management regimen.
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