Your First Home Infusion

What you might expect

For some patients with a lysosomal storage disorder (LSD), receiving infusions at home may feel a little overwhelming. You may be nervous about being outside of a health facility for your treatment, or you may be nervous about having a home health agency nurse come to your house.

Here are some tips to help you know what you might expect.

Pre-medications and medication instructions

• If your doctor has prescribed pre-medications for you, you may need to take these prior to your infusion. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about pre-medications.
• Talk to your doctor if you have questions about the timing or instructions of any medications that have been prescribed for you.

Before your infusion begins

• If your medication requires special handling such as protection from light, your nurse may place an amber-colored bag over the infusion bag.
• Your nurse may also allow your medication to come to room temperature. 
• Your nurse will also perform a clinical assessment to ensure access to a vein (or medication port if you have one), and check your temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.

Starting the infusion

Once you are ready for your infusion, the nurse will insert the needle into your arm or medication port if you have one. 

Note that your first home infusion may take longer than the infusion you received at the infusion site or hospital. This is because the home health agency nurse will need to become familiar with you, check over your supplies, review your therapy orders, and have a discussion with you regarding your unique infusion process.

During the infusion

The nurse will remain with you throughout the infusion to monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate, and for a short time after your infusion has completed to make sure you feel okay. Be sure to let the nurse know if you don’t feel well before or during the infusion. Speak up if you experience any changes in how you’re feeling, such as chills, flushed, stomachache, or anything different than normal.

You should plan to have something to do during the infusion, such as reading a book, watching TV, or having a tablet or phone handy. You may also want to have a blanket nearby in case you get cold.

Let the nurse or home health agency know if you have scheduling concerns for your next infusion and discuss any changes to your infusion schedule with your doctor.

Looking to learn more about preparing for home infusion? See our article, “Preparing for Home Infusion” for tips on getting your space ready.

For any questions you may have about your infusion or other aspects relating to your treatment, your CareConnect team is just a phone call or email away. Call 1-800-745-4447, option 3 or email info@CareConnectPSS.com