If you are in regular need of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatments, you may find that they eventually becomes a normal part of your routine—something that you attend without much thought.
However, whether you are going to an IVIG session for the first time, or if you only need it for a short period of time, such as in the case of fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT), it is entirely natural to feel nervous about the process.
Whether you have been taking IVIG for years or you are fairly new to the process, here are some tips to prepare for your IVIG appointment.
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Ensure adequate nutrition and hydration
Before attending your IVIG appointment, it is typically a good idea to have a meal and ensure that you are adequately hydrated. Avoid eating foods that may give you an upset stomach and avoid drinking alcohol. If possible, eat a balanced meal before your appointment and drink plenty of water.
Wear loose clothing
In order to administer IVIG, a doctor or a nurse will have to find a vein, typically in your arm. Therefore, it is a good idea to avoid wearing tight clothing that might restrict access to that part of your body. Ideally, you want to wear clothing with sleeves that can be comfortably rolled up for your doctor or nurse to insert a needle into your vein for IVIG infusion.
Communicate openly with your doctor
Just prior to IVIG infusion, your doctor will ask you a few questions, typically about how you’re feeling, your physical and mental health, your medications and anything you feel uncomfortable about. It is important that you take this opportunity to ask your doctor about anything at all that you’re unsure about and to let your doctor know if you have been experiencing any changes to your health. Use this opportunity to bring your doctor up to speed about anything relevant that’s been going on in your life and ensure that any lingering questions you have about your disease and care are resolved.
Monitor side effects
The entire IVIG infusion process typically takes a few hours, and some side effects, such as headache, tiredness, and muscle soreness, are fairly common. However, you should keep track of the side effects that you experience during treatment, especially ones that you find difficult to tolerate. These may include severe nausea, fever, or an allergic reaction. If you are unsure about whether you’re experiencing a side effect that warrants stopping treatment, do alert a staff member so that a qualified healthcare professional can make that determination. Do not assume a side effect is typical unless a healthcare professional has examined you and assured you of that being the case.
Bring something to do
An IVIG appointment can take up a huge chunk of your day, so you may want to bring along your favorite book or tablet device. Aside from a needle being placed in your arm, you typically have enough mobility to write, type, or scroll. To keep yourself entertained or productive throughout the few hours of your treatment, do bring along anything that might help you pass the time in a manner of your choosing.
The takeaway
While it is perfectly normal to feel anxious about your first IVIG appointment, once a needle has been inserted into your vein, all that is left for you to do is to wait for the treatment to end. Make sure you make the most of your time by raising appropriate concerns with your doctor, and always be alert for side effects. Remember that the IVIG infusion process is designed to be as painless and as comfortable as possible. If all goes well, time will fly by and your treatment will end before you know it.
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