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Benlsyta infusion #3
Yesterday marked my third infusion of Benlysta, the last of the loading doses (3 in the first month), and now I will receive them every month, which seems much more doable! I must say you get used to them rather quickly, aside from the day after hang-over effect that consists of a headache and some aches and pains and the usual fatigue (which could just be the Lupus too... hard to decipher...) the infusions thus far are going well. I am not sure I am feeling much of a difference yet, but the doctor and infusion nurse (whose a doll), say to give it time and gradually, hopefully, there is a gradual improvement. They monitor these slight changes with the pre-infusion paperwork that consists of a questionnaire, that goes through all of your extremities and joints asking how you are feeling, how the pain is in each, and how you believe your condition(s) are affecting your everyday ability to function/quality of life. By doing so they may notice slight improvements that you may not right away. Like many therapies and drugs used for Lupus, it is a waiting game, generally speaking, and could take a few months before seeing improvements, however some may find relief sooner, as each and every one of us will respond slightly to massively different (As with any medication), to each their own.
After an hour and half (approx.) the infusion was complete, I was drowsy from being up early and the pre-infusion Benadryl, and was ready to call it quits for the day, but had some running around to do with my pops, so we powered through and then to the cardiologist's office as it was the day of docs yesterday, and I was so happy when it came to an end and I was in my bed relaxing for the evening!
Glad to hear your infusions are going well. I had my third yesterday as well. Like you, I have not yet noticed much of a change and have not had any bad reactions. Typically, after the infusion I have been tired and slept for a few hours (an I normally don't take a lot of naps and am not taking benedryl with the infusion). Second day, slight hangover effect, but nothing major (maybe a bit cranky...). I, too am looking forward to what this new medicine brings. Hope yours continues to go well. It is nice to have someone to compare notes with. I appreciate your posting.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
I love visiting lupus patients during the holiday season. It's tough for those experiencing lupus symptoms during this time of the year when they want to be visiting with family. It's especially difficult when the children start asking questions about their lupus disease.
ReplyDeletei happy you are doing well. i have just had my 5th infusion of benlysta. now, we are see some results... :) i have cut my pain pill usage in half...IN HALF!!!! so happy!!!!! i would love becoming email buds regarding benlysta. my email address is rxgal2@hotmail.com my name is becky and i have had lupus since 1991, i am married to a wonderful guy for 38 yrs now! we have 8 granddaughters and not a boy in the lot!
ReplyDeleteit's an honor to meet a fellow lupie!! with a sense of humor!!
blessings,
becky
It's good that you follow the right treatment. This helps improve your health.
ReplyDeleteNice to find a chat section on people using Benlysta. This is my 7th time getting Benlysta infused and I must say the fatigue is unbelievable after the infusions. I feel like I was run over by a train. I generally ache for a couple of days, get a mild headache and a slight sorethroat. I normally come straight home and sleep the rest of the day and part of the next day . After all this I feel like a million bucks !! :)
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