It is one in the morning. I did get a few hours of sleep. I am awake because of the mass steroid injection I received on Monday. I will explain. First a warning for those who might be sensitive to medical stories and trauma. This is a traumatic story, and it could trigger things for those sensitive.
Monday, I was finally going to be receiving my Rituximab infusion after not having one since April 2020. It did not go as plan. I woke up that morning ready to rock. I was looking forward to receiving the Rituximab because it helps my body so much with the inflammation in my throat, lungs, and other parts of my body. Even though, it is a chemo drug the side effects are worth it to me. I had my favorite medical transport company take me and I enjoyed the ride and conversation with the driver like I always do.
I had a new RN, one that I had not given me my infusion before. She has done my port flushes and she access my port like a pro. I was prepared with several books. I made the decision to leave my Kindle and laptop at home because I have a ton of great books I want to read and finish. I also brought a writing pad in case inspiration for writing shows up. Everything was peaceful and I as ready to rock and spend the next six hours getting my infusion.
The RN got into my port. She got blood, yeah. I don’t always give up blood easily. Since receiving my IVIF treatments I have been giving it up easier. That has made my life so much better. Soon, I was given the Benadryl and Solumedrol medications that the give you before they start your infusions in case a reaction happens. Thank God for this.
Within 30 minutes have starting the infusion I had a reaction. Here is what happened. I was sitting with my feet up in the chair reading my novel Klara and the Sun (I will be writing a review on this book) when I felt a slight pain along my jaw line and then I felt numbness in my face so I called the nurse. I knew I was having a reaction because I had one when I first started Rituximab. She came in and I explained to her what is happening. I asked her to stop the infusion and she did. Then suddenly my oxygen levels went low. My oxygen went down to 79. Let me explain what that feels. My heart was racing, my blood pressure skyrockets to almost 300. I got sweaty. My chest started hurting. I was wheezing badly. I felt lightheaded. I knew from experience this before that I had to stay calm. This is not easy. I am no saint; some bad thoughts came in my mind. Like I wanted to strangle the RN who obviously did not read my chart and went full blast. I wanted her to experience what I am right now at the same time. I admit I was mean. I was angry. I did not want to dwell on those thoughts for long so I shut them off. I concentrated on breathing. I have a trach tube, so using the normal oxygen stuff does not work for me. And the infusion clinic does not have an oxygen set up for trach patients. That caused me more anxiety. But we put the nose plug things for oxygen in anyway. It was more to make the nurse feel better. In the meantime, they gave me more Benadryl and Solumedrol to break this reaction and it worked. Thank God. They called the paramedics. The paramedics came in and they loaded me on the gurney to take me to the ER that was 100 feet away. I had to leave my electric wheelchair at the infusion clinic. The paramedics were kind. I think the guy just wanted to drive my wheelchair. I do not blame him. It is fun to drive. Lol He walked back to the infusion clinic and drove my chair to the ER for me.
After getting home, calming down. I was able to see all the blessings that happened while I was suffering. Even those the RN screwed up. I will forgive her. Because everyone assumes things. I know from my life experience that assumptions kill. Literally and figuratively. It kills. If you are married or in a close relationship with family or friends and you know people or think you do and you assume that can kill the relationship. When in medical situations without listening to the patient that can kill the patient. It does not hurt to ask questions and listen to the answers when they are given. It is hard to listen sometimes because we have our own thoughts and if you are a planner like I am then you are already formulating the plan. If you are not consonant of this then you may miss key things. I am guilty of this as much as anyone else. I forgive the RN. She did her job, we had one hell of an adventure together. I will be talking to her the next time I see her. I will be asking more questions before we start the process of rituximab again. Because I do not want to experience this again. The paramedics went above what they were required to do to make my life easier for me. They made sure I had my wheelchair and they made sure I was okay. That helped me to remain calm.
I now know that I have one rocking medical team. I also have a great support system at home from family and friends who listened to me vent and checked up on me. Thank You.
I am doing much better. I am still wired from the steroids since I got a double dose. Yesterday, I got ambitious, and I decided to use the energy I had to get some things that needed to get done, done. My caregiver was surprised with my energy. I moved the stove myself with the help of my wheelchair and we cleaned behind it. We also changed my sheets and vacuumed and did things that make my home feel comfortable for me.
Finally, I would like you to spend five minutes breathing in and out. Feel the coolness of the air and how it feels your lungs and it allows you to move and create and be you. Oxygen is life. Stay well my friends and keep breathing.
Please wait...