5 Tips to Make Your Infusion Day More Enjoyable

Going for your infusion every 4-8 weeks can be difficult to fit into your busy schedule. And, let's be honest, it is not always the most comfortable situation – the room can be cold, you may have to wait a while to get a chair, and depending on the medication you receive, it may leave you feeling fatigued for the remainder of the day. 

Here is a list of tips to help make your infusion day go more smoothly and be (somewhat) more enjoyable.

1. Grab the earliest time slot

It is only natural that as the day progresses, the chances of your appointment time being pushed back increase.  Patients get delayed which causes an unfortunate ripple effect with schedules getting pushed back. 

In order to avoid a longer wait time, try to schedule your infusion for the first time slot of the day (or at least within the morning hours). While not necessarily guaranteed, it will increase your chances of starting your infusion on time and get you in and out of your appointment in a timely manner.

2. Plan your schedule around the infusion

I  have often made the mistake of underestimating either how long my appointment would last or how I would feel afterward, which meant I would be running late to a meeting or returning to the office completely exhausted, having to push myself through the rest of the day. 

I recommend avoiding scheduling major meetings or appointments on infusion day and making sure you give yourself plenty of time before and after your appointment should things not run as smoothly as you had anticipated.

3. Bring a hoodie or blanket

This is a good tip for going anywhere in public since the air conditioning can be kept very low, but infusion centers tend to keep their temps extra cool so it is wise to bring a hoodie or blanket should you get cold.  I also recommend bringing something you don't have to put over your head for easier access to your IV line by the nurse.

4. Pack snacks and something to do to pass the time

Depending on which medication you receive, the actual infusion time can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, but that doesn't include time in the waiting room, receiving any pre-infusion medication (like Benedryl or steroids), or the process itself of having the pharmacy mix the drug upon your arrival (this is especially true for Entyvio infusions) so your entire visit can last close to three hours. 

I recommend bringing something to keep you busy, whether it be work that needs to get done, a book you have been dying to read, or a good podcast you have been tuning into weekly.

5. Be patient

Most importantly, getting through your infusion appointment in the most enjoyable way is to just be patient.  Understand that you are one of many patients receiving an infusion and that the staff is doing their best to give you the care you deserve. 

It may not always go smoothly and you may have to wait a while, and there may even be a hiccup in the system, but just be patient and know that you will get your infusion, which will continue to help you feel well and is what is most important. 

I understand that taking time out of your busy day once every 4-8 weeks is daunting and sometimes stressful, but focusing on the benefits of receiving this medication is what makes it all worthwhile.