Weekly Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin Infusion: A Cosy Ritual of Self-Care

 

Weekly Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin Infusion: A Cosy Ritual of Self-Care

STAY WARM! Another tip!
Every week, I take time to do something incredibly important for my health: my subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) infusion. This plasma-derived treatment is essential for my immune system, and while it’s a medical necessity, I’ve also turned it into a ritual of care and comfort. Today, however, I had to do mine two days late due to self-employed work commitments—oops. That meant sending a slightly sheepish email this morning, letting people know I’d be running a little behind while I played catch-up on my own health.




A Moment of Gratitude for Plasma Donors

Before I dive into the process of infusing, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the incredible people who donate plasma. Without plasma donors, people like me wouldn’t have access to life-saving immunoglobulin therapy. If you’re someone who has ever given blood or plasma, know that you’ve made a tangible difference in someone’s life—maybe even mine.



just casually watching sex and the city... guilty pleasure, cause I find it hilarious.

Setting the Scene for a Calm and Cosy Infusion

Infusions don’t have to be stressful or clinical; in fact, they can be a time for rest and self-care. Here’s how I make mine as comfortable as possible:



1. Create a Sterile but Cosy Environment

  • Wash your hands thoroughly and sterilise your infusion space. I use alcohol wipes to clean the surface where I’ll be setting up my supplies.
  • Make sure your infusion area is somewhere you can sit or recline comfortably. I usually set up in my favourite chair with a blanket, cushions, and maybe even a candle if I’m feeling fancy.

2. Stay Hydrated

  • Drinking plenty of fluids before, during, and after your infusion helps prevent side effects like headaches and infusion fatigue. Herbal tea, water, or electrolyte drinks are great choices.

3. Distraction is Key

  • A good book, a podcast, or a comforting TV show can make the time pass quickly. I often line up a feel-good show or an audiobook I’ve been meaning to listen to.

4. Warm Up the Immunoglobulin

  • If your infusion is cold from the fridge, rolling the vials gently between your hands or letting them sit at room temperature for a bit can help make the process more comfortable.

5. Breathe and Take Your Time

  • If needles make you nervous, take deep breaths and go slowly. Infusing is a marathon, not a sprint—listen to your body, and don’t rush.

6. Reward Yourself Afterwards

  • After my infusion, I always do something nice for myself. Maybe it’s a hot bath, a favourite snack, or just curling up with a good movie. Turning infusion day into a positive experience helps with consistency and mindset.


The Takeaway

Doing my infusion late this week was a reminder that life happens, and sometimes, self-employed schedules and health don’t perfectly align. But at the end of the day, my health has to come first, even if it means sending an apologetic email now and then. To my fellow CVID warriors: I hope your next infusion is smooth, peaceful, and maybe even a little enjoyable. And to plasma donors: you are truly heroes.

Would love to hear from others—how do you make your infusions more comfortable? Let’s swap tips in the comments! 💙

Be YOU, and be UNFILTERED

C

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