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When it comes to receiving steroid infusions, I pref In my area, I use Home Solutions. There are many to chose from, Bayada Nursing comes to mind. I believe the Copaxone manufacturers sends nurses from this agency to explain how to inject Copaxone for new users.
With Home Solutions I have one nurse assigned to me. No matter how many years it has been, if she is still with the company at the time I need an infusion, they will assign her to me. It is always nice to see a trusted face when you are having a hard time with MS and are in need of an infusion.
A quick tutorial/review of how to administer the Solu-Medrol, taking my vitals, filling out the necessary forms, getting my IV started and all that is left is the small talk and catching up. It is a very comfortable setting for me and I have the added comfort of knowing that if something goes wrong, or if I have a question, help is just a phone call away.
If the problem can't be fixed over the phone, a nurse is sent out to me, as soon as possible. In my case, that is a very rare occurence. I think someone came out to me once to change the location of the IV.
LOCATION, LOCATION
It is important to remember to put the IV line in an areas most comfortable for you. Unless you are doing a one day pulse, you will be wearing the IV line for 3 or more days, even sleeping with it. Determine to use the opposite hand for the IV. Since I'm right-handed, I have the IV line inserted in my left hand.
Remember you have to keep the line dry, so you will have to be careful when showering or using water. You will also have to watchful while sleeping. I can tell you from experience, you only have to accidentally roll over on that IV once or twice, before you become able to sleep while still keeping mindful of the IV line.
Expect the line to irritate your vein after it has been in for awhile. By the third day, I find I am so ready for the line to come out. Extraction is easy, by the time you loosen the tape and pull on the edges, the line comes right out without any pain.
With the IV ending, all that remains is waiting to see if the steroids will help you to feel better.
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er the home delivery system. I hate the thought of having to travel to get an infusion when I can easily accomodate the delivery system I have used for years and perform the changing of the guard myself, in the comfort of my own home. When you find a good homecare nursing agency keep it on file, better yet see if your neurologist is using the agency, so that you can make your preference known.