Rituxan and Benadryl

Hey just another silly thought. When you have the infusions they give Benadryl has anyone continued taking it after? I see many many people have side effects 4-5 days later. Not always sounding as severe as serum sickness, but just don't feel right and a lot of headaches. I thought maybe I could give Bryan (if I ever actually go through with this) a dose or even half in the morning and night?? I don't know, guess this is something I should be asking Dr. Just wondering if anyone has done it, if they had luck with it. Also when I talk to the Dr. I forget these questions.

Thanks

Try writing down the questions before you see the doctor and then reading from your list? Sounds silly, but its what I do sometimes because like you I always forget something.

Dougie didn't really have any side effects from the rituximab, but he was stupidly tired during the whole 4 weeks - the doctor said this was due to the massive steroid dose they give at the same time as the rituximab to avoid bad reactions. He carried on going to school the entire time though, and I just let the school know in case he nodded off in the middle of a lesson or something I think you might be just as well treating Bryan with paracetemol WHEN and IF he gets a reaction, but I am sure your dr will advise you.

Good luck with that decision Crystal - I am going to treat myself to a bottle of wine the day you make it either way

Now Ali, Are you saying I drive you to drink? LOL :woohoo:

Haha, maybe I am looking forward to a bottle of red the day you finally your mind up! I don't envy you making the decision at all, so please don't take my comments critically - I am forever grateful that Dougie was old enough to take it out of my hands.

Ha, I wasn't taking it in a bad way, I think if my oldest was old enough he would need a drink now and than dealing with me!! :silly: I do wish he was older, I would love to explain to him what the risks/benefits are and know if he is comfortable not doing certain things, or would rather try a treatment. I think we are going to try it, he is getting older and bigger which means falling harder. Also able to climb much higher and just drive mama insane. He looks horrible right now, so no comfort there.

Hey Crystal,
If it makes you feel any better, I had Rituxan about 5 years ago and it put me in remission for 5 years. I had zero side effects---no fever, no headache, nothing. The only "side effect" (if you call it there) was that I was tired for the rest of the day and the next day--however, that could be blamed on the benadryl. Some people have side effects and others don't. I didn't have any. I actually go tomorrow to begin my second round or Rituxan. It is my treatment of choice and I am praying it will work the second time around--and still have zero side effects! The nurses will monitor closely as well!

Hi Natalie
Good luck today!! I hope you get another nice remission!! It does make me feel better. I am naturally a worrier and not knowing all the side effects and long term effects also I have freaked myself right out! I know some people have remissions for 5 years, I know it could be shorter if it does work, but he is 3, so even a 2years would feel like a lifetime!! Well I say that now..haha..

Guess I will never know unless I try, and imagine if this is the magic solution and life can be normal once again..I don't even remember normal.