Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis Support Group

Crohn's disease is a systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) of unknown cause, that results in chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract. It can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus, and can also cause complications outside of the gastrointestinal tract. There is no known medical or surgical cure for Crohn's disease, but there are many medical...

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NYCFAN 06/21/2016

Hi - I have UC and i've been having Remicade infusions for about 2 years.

We have a really nice, new state of the art hospital a couple of miles from my house. The only downside about the hospital is they only do Remicade infusions on Wednesdays so I have to take time out from work to go to the appointment.
Recently my insurance company and my GI have suggested having the infusions at home. I'm sure it must be cheaper for the insurance company. They say it's more flexible for me.

Anyone have experience with home infusions? I kind of find the idea of sitting with a stranger in your home a bit awkward! the least of my problems I think!!

Otherwise I do seem to be doing quite well on Remicade.

rcaschbacher 06/21/2016

I have not had a Remicade infusion at home. Nor have I had my infusions at a hospital. I go to an out patient site that does many things. They do chemo infusions for cancer patients, Remicade for UC, iron infusions for people doing the multiple small doses (still have to go to the hospital for one large dose infusion), they also do blood draws for people with to much red blood cells (not sure what that is exactly). I really like going there. Multiple recliners, nice sitting room, usually not many people when I go, a tv to watch, and there has always been room for my Mom to stay with me during my infusions.

Now, to have the option of doing the infusions at home? That could be really nice. You would not have to worry about needing to have a ride, there would not be anyone else around, you can watch whatever you want to watch, you are in the comfort of your own home, etc. If that was an option for me I think I might go for it! One strange person in your house during an infusion would not be that big a deal. If you were that concerned you could still have someone with you like if you needed a driver on your infusion days. You might even be able to have the same technician do your infusions for you and get to know the person so you would not be uncomfortable with them.

Rachel

Dottyb101 07/22/2016

Have you thought about switching to Humira? I was diagnosed w/UC 2 years ago and I started taking Humira a year and half ago. It's easy, quick and takes two seconds to inject. It doesn't hurt - just a little sting that lasts for all of one second (50% of the time I don't even feel it).

I've done very well and went from severe UC to now being in remission with Humira (I also take Lialda and Azathioprine).

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