Downside of IVIG Infusions

According to the Clieveland Clinic, prior to infusions of IVIF patients are usually pre-medicated with acetaminophen 650 to 1000 mg, diphenhydramine 50 mg.  Acetaminophen is for headaches basically that this drug might cause and diphenhydramine is to prevent an allergic reaction or nausea.  However, at UT Medical, I have decadron instead of diphenhydramine which is a steroid and in my body is much more powerful because every once in a while, it prevents me from falling asleep even though I take 2 benadryl at 6:00 pm.

Last night was especially important for sleep as I have back-to-back early days (awake at 5:30) since my second early wake-up call is for my monthly OPDIVO infusion.

Idiot or "no brainer me," has forgotten to swap out these two days or have IVIG on Fridays instead of Wednesdays because of the use of steroids so I will not have any problems falling asleep.  Obviously, I have yet to make that swap because here it is 1:30 am and I am wide awake drinking coffee.

Once you start these monthly infusions, it is necessary for optimum affectiveness to have them every 4 weeks...  and while that can be played with once or twice (in case of vacations), it is not something that the Oncologist likes to do.  However, I have yet to exercise that option and once in a while my body makes me pay the price...