The Joy of Pheresis

I'm sitting here trying to think of something nice and encouraging to say...some briliiant, uplifting sentiment to the down-trodden...and I'm coming up with nada. Zilch.

Yesterday was my third plasmapheresis treatment of five. They had needle issues yesterday... seemed like in ALL the patients. This poor guy next to me was having his 2nd or 3rd treatment ever, and his arm looked like an over-ripe banana. He was elderly, and I could hear him say "ouch" every time they tried. I felt horrible for him! When they did get a needle in and running, they had to run the machine at like 45...I usually run between 100 and 120 (which is fast, but that's best for me because it's less time my body is under duress).

Then it's my turn. The left arm (the draw arm), has a wonderful, big, easily accessible vein that has held up like a trooper, thank God. Well, after they jammed the needle it (jamming is actually better than being delicate, trust me)..the nurse bumped it. Holy pain Batman! These needles are like the size of a fork tiene, literally. Then it was backing it out and going in and getting it in the right place. Ug. Normally I've pretty tough, but this time I was already emotional when I got there, and tears were just pouring down my cheeks. Then the nurses feel even worse, and it kind of sets them on edge...It was just not great. Then, almost at the end, the "return" arm, my right arm, blew the vein, so they had to stop the treatment, switch the tubing and make my draw arm the return one! I know, most of you are probably like, huh?!?! Others are going...uh-huh!

But, I suppose I was "due" a not-so-stellar run since they've been going so perfectly.

Have to go back tomorrow for number 4, then next Wednesday for number 5, the last in the series. Hopefully by then we will have information from the insurance company regarding the Rituxan.

So I would appreciate any prayers for a better treatment tomorrow! Thanks...