Infusion therapy treatment is a common option for people with lupus, an autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide. This type of therapy involves administering medication directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. Infusion therapy for lupus patients can significantly reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and improve their overall quality of life.
At Smart Infusion Therapy Services, we specialize in delivering personalized infusion therapy in a comfortable and supportive environment. From state-of-the-art facilities to compassionate care, Smart Infusion Therapy Services is here to help you manage your lupus symptoms and enhance your quality of life.
Being well-prepared for your infusion therapy appointment can help you feel more confident and comfortable during the process. Here's everything you need to know to ensure you're ready for your infusion therapy treatment:
Understanding Lupus & Infusion Therapy
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common form of lupus, is a chronic autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues in the body. This condition can cause widespread inflammation affecting various organs and systems such as the skin, kidneys, heart, and joints.
Individuals with lupus often experience symptoms like chest pain, joint pain, fatigue, and rashes. As a chronic disease, lupus can have a substantial impact on a person's daily life, often making routine activities challenging and requiring ongoing medical management.
Many lupus patients do not tolerate oral treatment well, or their condition may be severe enough to require more targeted therapy. In such cases, infusion therapy becomes a viable treatment option. Because of how they are administered, infusion medications allow for better absorption and quicker relief from symptoms. This method can be particularly beneficial for patients with severe symptoms or those who have difficulty swallowing pills.
By receiving infusion therapy, patients can experience an improved quality of life, including reduced pain, decreased inflammation, and more manageable flare-ups. At Smart Infusion, we're dedicated to providing the highest level of care to help you navigate your lupus journey more easily and confidently.
Before Your Appointment
Before your infusion therapy appointment, it's crucial to have a detailed discussion with your healthcare providers. Understanding the specifics of the therapy can help alleviate any anxieties and ensure you're fully prepared. Your doctor can prescribe a specific medication and explain how it works, its potential side effects, and what you can expect after the infusion.
The two most common therapies for lupus we use at Smart Infusion are Benlysta and Saphnelo. These treatments are both FDA-approved and are typically used with other lupus medications. Though they achieve these results in different ways, both treatments are effective in managing lupus symptoms.
Additionally, come prepared to discuss your medical history and current oral medications with your healthcare team, allowing them to tailor the treatment to your specific needs and ensure the best possible outcome. It's essential to follow any pre-infusion instructions given by your doctor, such as fasting or adjusting medication dosages.
On the Day of Your Appointment
To ensure your infusion therapy session goes as smoothly as possible, it's important to be well-prepared. Having a clear understanding of what to expect can help ease any anxieties and make the experience more comfortable. Here is a checklist designed to help you get ready for your appointment, ensuring you have everything you need and nothing important is overlooked:
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Dress in loose, comfortable clothing to make it easier to access your veins for the infusion. Consider wearing a short-sleeved shirt or one with sleeves that can be easily rolled up. Comfort is key, so choose attire that allows you to relax and stay at ease throughout the session.
Stay Hydrated & Eat a Light Meal
It's important to stay well-hydrated before your appointment. Drinking plenty of water can make it easier for the healthcare team to find your veins. Additionally, eating a light meal before your session can help maintain your energy levels and prevent any feelings of dizziness or nausea during the infusion.
What to Bring
To help ensure your infusion therapy session is as comfortable and stress-free as possible, please make sure to bring the following items:
- A form of identification, like a driver's license
- Your health insurance card
- A list of your current medications and dosages
You may also want to bring a few personal comfort items to help you relax during the session, like:
- A cozy blanket
- A water bottle
- A good book, tablet, or e-reader
- Headphones and a calming playlist or audiobook
Our Smart Infusion centers are also equipped with drinks, snacks, high-speed WiFi, and access to Hulu to help make your treatment as comfortable as possible.
During the Infusion
Once you arrive at one of our Smart Infusion centers, our friendly staff will guide you to a comfortable chair in a private or group room (your choice) and prepare you for the IV infusion. The duration of your appointment can vary depending on the specific medication and individual treatment plan. On average, sessions can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. It's a good idea to plan your day accordingly and allow some extra time for your appointment.
During the infusion, you might experience a cool sensation as the medication enters your bloodstream. Serious allergic reactions and side effects are rare, though some patients report mild side effects, such as a slight headache or a metallic taste in their mouth. While these sensations are typically minor and resolve quickly, it's important to communicate with our infusion team if you feel any discomfort or have concerns. Our team is there to monitor your progress and can make adjustments to ensure your experience remains as pleasant as possible.
Partnering with our healthcare team and maintaining open communication helps us tailor the experience to your needs, ensuring the best possible outcome. At Smart Infusion, your comfort, safety, and well-being are our top priorities.
After the Infusion
Once your infusion is complete, our team will monitor you for a short time to ensure there are no adverse reactions. You may experience mild fatigue and drowsiness after the treatment, so it's important to arrange for someone else to drive or take public transportation home.
Back at home, keeping a detailed record of your experience can be beneficial. Note any changes in your symptoms, how you felt during and after the infusion, and any side effects you may have encountered. This information will be valuable during your follow-up visits, providing your healthcare team with a comprehensive view of your response to the therapy. It can also help identify patterns or triggers that may need to be addressed as part of your ongoing treatment plan.
At Smart Infusion, we're here to support you every step of the way. Don't hesitate to reach out to our team if you have any questions or need assistance with scheduling your follow-up appointments.
Book Your Appointment Today
Your journey with lupus doesn't have to be overwhelming. At Smart Infusion, our expert team is dedicated to supporting you through every stage of your treatment. We provide compassionate care and the highest level of expertise to help manage autoimmune diseases like lupus effectively.
Our multiple locations across Wisconsin, in Eau Claire, Madison, and Wausau, make it easy to access our services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a more comfortable, fulfilling life with lupus. Together, we can help you regain control of your health.
Are you ready to find out what infusion therapy can do for you? Request an appointment with Smart Infusion Therapy Services today and get started on your journey to better health. We look forward to seeing you!
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