Hi there and welcome to the world of the biologically modified!
As you've already heard, everyone reacts to these meds differently. Some have an immediate bad reaction, others react over time, still others have a slight allergic reaction and need IV benadryl before the Remicade is started, and others have nothing but positive. I get a slight tingling under my skin, so I get 25mg IV benadryl 15 minutes prior to each infusion. I'm also to carry a packet of benadryl for a couple of days after, but haven't needed to take any since my 'booster' infusions.
The first three infusions will happen in quick succession, at weeks 0, 2 and 6. Then, they'll get you into a routine with it that suits your individual case. At first, I was at the hospital for about 4 hours, now it's about 3 what with registering at the clinic, waiting for the pharmacy to mix the stuff up, then a couple of hours for the infusion (some people get it in about 90 minutes, but with my allergic reaction, they're extra careful with me). You'll probably be asked to wait around for an extra hour after your first three, as they'll want to watch you to make sure you don't have a reaction. After that, they'll relax about it a little.
I've always found that I'm not quite right for a couple of days afterward, as my immune system readjusts. I don't feel sick or anything, but my sweetie says that I'm just not quite myself. And the benadryl knocks me flat for much of the day of my infusion.
When I first started, I was really good about staying put in the clinic so the nurse could monitor me. It's been 4 years now, however, and I don't stay put easily. I trundle around the hospital, attached to my IV pole, getting coffee or food. Problem is, if you walk around too much it impacts the speed of the infusion. So, I'm trying to tame my restlessness while I'm there these days and have learned to make the pole higher to create more speed.
We have recliners, too, but no TV. sigh. It's OK tho, as there's always someone to talk to. Actually, our own BethB was there on Tuesday when I was, which was a treat!
Anyway, that's my input. Good luck with it. Remicade changed my life in so many ways it was a revelation and even now, when it's effects are slightly less, and even in the last week before my infusion when I get an almost full reminder of why I'm on this med, I'm still in better shape than I ever have been. I hope it works the same way for you.
Hugs,
