Hey everyone 
Im newly diagnosed with RRMS and have decided to go with Ocrevus for treatment. Does anyone have any advice for my first infusion? How long does it tend to take? What to take with me etc?
I can be a bit of a fainter when it comes to needles so I’m very anxious about this but it seemed to be the best treatment option.
Hi Bekah,
After over 20yrs on my previous DMT I will be having my 1st Ocrevus infusion on 02.02.23, last week I had my 2nd lot of bloods taken, signed the consent paperwork. The nurse said to be there for 9am and said it would take approx 6.5hrs.
I’m planing on taking with me:
1: ipad with some Netflix downloads with earbuds & chargers
2: Murmioo soup flask with mushrom soup
3: 2x Hapi thermo bottles with coffee as I like it
4: Sweet snack x2
5: Earplugs, eye mask just in case I don’t sleep much the night before and struggling to stay awake (maybe this is expectin too much but I can dream!)
6: Dress in layers to be comfy and warm
With regards to the needles, most of the ms nurses I’ve had dealings with where needles are concerned have been very good but think about the bigger picture - if the infusions help reduce your relapses then a few needles every 6 months is worth it ~ good luck with your 1st infusion
Take care
Vicky
Hi
My first and second took approx 5.5 hrs but the last one I had was about 4 hours- so really pleased. I completely agree with others- wear comfy clothing (someone else I had one with took a blanket and managed to sleep- so jealous) and I would take a flask even though you get offered refreshments…… just preference really as I don’t like the coffee there!
I am also a needle phobic person but the way I look at it is - as I reacted very badly to the other alternatives I gave this a go. I have found that it suits me perfectly and the only weird side effect I seem to have is from the steroids… I find I cannot sleep well the night after the infusion - insomnia so to speak. The infusions themselves I find ok once the cannula is in and I take music, my kindle for reading and my phone…. I also take a charger just in case for the tech…
I would not stop the meds I am now on due to my phobia - I am trying to learn to get used to it and look at the benefits I get from it and what I hope I achieve from it as my goal. I am now on my 6th infusion in may- best decision I made… well worth coping with the phobia for.