It’s been a little over a year since I cried in the doctor’s office after learning I’d have to get my medicine through a needle for the rest of my life. I have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and because IBD is a chronic illness, I’ll be on medication even during remission to keep my immune system in check. I have been on a biologic for a little over a year now, and it works by targeting the immune system in my gut. When I learned infusions were the route we were taking, I was devastated (especially after I had already seen a commercial for a biologic and said I’d say no to needles whatever the doctor said – but my nurse practitioner had other plans!). But, I was told I could bring snacks to my infusion, and so things started looking up.
Since infusion questions pop up often in the Facebook groups I’m in for IBD, ulcerative colitis and my medication, I have compiled a list of my top infusion tips so you can conquer your treatments like the princess you are. These are tips I have found helpful, and you should always consult with your doctor when you make any changes to your medical treatment. Please note that everyone’s experience is different, and there’s a combination of good and bad days, but I hope these tips can at least put you in the right direction to better infusions!
1. Hydrate! I know it’s hard, but drink lots of water the day before and day of your infusion to plump up your veins.
2. Eat salt! Now that you’ve got water in your veins, keep it there by eating something salty before your infusion. This Jersey girl loves going to the diner for some crispy pork roll!
3. Lidocaine cream! Ask your doctor to prescribe you lidocaine (numbing) cream. While you may still feel a pinch, it is definitely a mind-over-matter situation. I feel better knowing I have the cream. I find it more successful when I put it on earlier – while I’m still at the diner, for example. If you think your nurse may need a couple tries to get a vein, put the cream in multiple spots. (Note: your veins shrink up a bit because of it.)
4. Use a stress ball, take a walk with your hands down at your sides and/or use a heating pad! Whatever makes your veins happy, no matter how silly you feel, do it!
5. Wear your crown! Or tiara! Or soccer jersey! Whatever makes you feel powerful and helps you to have fun, wear it! My infusions now include getting my Miss Camden County crown on and taking pictures – it’s quite a nice distraction from the IV!
6. Plan something fun! Get a pedicure with your mom, grab lunch with your dad or call your friend up for a Hallmark movie binge. There’s a variety of activities you can do that fit all sorts of price points. Saving something special for infusion day helps you look forward to it, not dread it.
7. Bring a snack! What’s a comfort food that won’t trigger you? Bring it with you – you deserve it!
8. Don’t wear mascara! What do I mean? It’s OK to cry! Yes, we’re all about positivity at #ThePrincessPromise, but we also keep it real. IBD is not going to be 100 percent fun 100 percent of the time – and that’s OK. You’re allowed to be upset. If wearing mascara makes you feel better, perhaps you should investigate waterproof options, just in case.
9. Laugh! Crack that joke about your bad veins, laugh at the show you’re watching while getting your medication, smile at the cute scrubs your nurse is wearing – it will help. Mental health is important, and when facing something as un-fun as a needle, you’ll need all the good vibes you can get.
10. Bring fun bandaids! If you’re hairy like me, you know the tape you get after having a needle and/or IV can hurt. And unless it’s neon, it’s not that cute. Bring fun bandaids to your infusions to end on a good note. I sometimes even like to coordinate my bandaids with my outfit or the season!
Bonus: Breathe! Infusions, like for IBD, can be a rollercoaster, but they’re just a fraction of your year. You can and you will get through this! These were just my top tips, so if I missed something that worked for you, please share any infusion tips and/or questions you may have to help your fellow princesses!
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