Living with psoriatic arthritis often means juggling symptoms such as skin plaques, joint pain, and fatigue while exploring different treatments to find what works best for you. Starting a new medication — especially one that requires leaving the comfort of your home to get an intravenous (IV) treatment at an infusion center — can be intimidating and add to the daily stress of managing the condition.
Anxiety may peak before the first infusion appointment, but it often settles once people get used to the process, says Shailendra Singh, MD, a board-certified rheumatologist at Unity Health in Searcy, Arkansas.
In fact, some people may ultimately find it relaxing. “We really work hard at making sure it’s a comfortable situation,” says Christopher R. Morris, MD, an American College of Rheumatology Master and board-certified rheumatologist at Arthritis Associates of Kingsport in Tennessee, which offers infusions on-site. Comfortable chairs, a relaxing environment, and the downtime between doses can help make the experience more manageable.
These steps can help you feel more prepared for each appointment and less stressed during the infusion.
1. Ask Questions
Don’t hesitate to speak up at your doctor’s appointments or before your next infusion to ask questions or express any concerns.
“Having a better understanding of the treatment process, possible side effects, and purpose of the treatment and getting all of your concerns addressed makes the process feel less foreign,” says Angie Swatsenbarg, lead clinic nurse at Infusion Specialists in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
If you’re worried about getting an infusion, it can be especially important to address it before you start IV biologics, as your doctor may be able to offer medication to help ease any anxiety.
Speaking up beforehand can help you feel less anxious and more confident going into infusion appointments.
2. Schedule Infusions Wisely
When you’re scheduling infusions, try to book a time of day when you don’t anticipate feeling rushed or stressed. If you have to hurry to the appointment or juggle tasks before or after, you risk going into the infusion already feeling stressed. This can make the experience harder, says Dr. Singh.
Plus, some people feel tired after getting an infusion — especially after the first few doses — so it’s ideal to plan it on a less busy day, when you can rest afterward.
3. Drink Lots of Water
Taking steps to hydrate before your infusion can help plump up your veins, making them easier to find for IV placement, which may reduce the number of attempts needed to insert the small tube.
Keep in mind that the staff at the doctor’s office or infusion center are well trained in placing IVs. “Most of them can administer the medication without causing pain,” says Singh.
4. Pack Entertainment and Comfort Items
Think about what you can bring with you to feel more relaxed and comfortable during the infusion. Consider whether you would prefer some quiet, screen-free time or if you’d like distractions, such as reading, watching videos (bring earbuds or headphones), or working.
“Most centers have a TV to keep you entertained, but if you don’t like to watch TV or your infusion is long, we recommend bringing a book or tablet to read,” says Singh. “Some people bring their laptop and work while they’re here, if they can work remotely.”
Since you’ll be seated awhile for the infusion, it’s a good idea to wear comfortable clothing, and bring a blanket in case you get cold. Packing a favorite snack can also help you feel more at home.
5. Bring Along a Family Member or Friend
For the first few infusions, it can be especially helpful to have a friend or family member with you. They can offer support if you’re nervous, help monitor for any reactions, and drive you home if you feel drowsy after, says Singh.
Feel free to ask them to come along after those early appointments, too, if you’d like to have someone to joke or laugh with during the process. Research suggests humor can help people feel less anxious while getting infusion treatments.
6. Practice Deep Breathing
- Box Breathing Inhale slowly for four counts, hold for four counts, and then exhale for four counts. Repeat.
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation Close your eyes. Slowly move your attention from your toes to the top of your head, taking note of any tension and consciously relaxing each body part as you go.
- Grounding Technique Look around the room and name five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste (if you have food or a drink).
For more techniques to ease anxiety, try searching for guided meditations online or talking to a mental health professional for personalized guidance.
7. Keep in Touch With Your Doctor
It’s important to keep your doctor informed about the things you’re experiencing, says Singh. Call your doctor or infusion center to let them know about any changes in your health, including infection, illness, or upcoming surgery, so they can help you time appointments carefully. Knowing your doctor has reviewed everything that’s going on can provide peace of mind and reduce the risk of complications.
8. Remember: You’re in Good Hands
It’s normal to feel nervous about potential allergic reactions to a new medication, including skin rashes, hives, fever, or even anaphylaxis. The good news is that, especially at your first visit, you’ll likely be given an antihistamine prior to the biologic in case of an allergic reaction. Plus, an allergic response tends to occur while the infusion is being given, and you’ll be closely monitored by trained staff during the process.
“The advantage with the infusion is that it’s done with the nursing staff, who are very well versed in handling reactions to these medicines,” says Dr. Morris. “They’re regularly monitoring the infusion; checking blood pressures, heart rates, and temperatures; and asking how you’re feeling. So if there’s any concern about having a reaction, being at an infusion center is an advantage. We can react to the reaction much quicker than if you were at home by yourself.”
The Takeaway
- It can be normal to be anxious about getting biologic infusions for psoriatic arthritis.
- Ask your doctor as many questions as you can to fully understand what to expect at the infusion center and feel more confident in the process.
- Do things to make yourself feel comfortable at each appointment, with strategies such as bringing entertainment and comfort items, having a family member or friend keep you company, and using deep breathing or relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety.
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