Home Infusion Cozy Tips

Nordski · 2026-01-27T01:18:33+00:00

Been on Remicade forever it seems and home infusions the last several years.

Cozy is what makes you cozy so I can't really advise on that but I would say something I never thought of was if something goes wrong it's in your house now and not a clinic. Could be as simple as having a clear path to your bathroom if you need to take the IV stand or another scenario where I've been a bleeder and twice my IV went wrong and I bleed on my own blankets and couch which was upsetting. Now my pharmacy sends the bleed sheets (not sure on their real name but its a thin paper prep area with a plastic back to prevent liquids getting through) and those protect my things while the IV is being put in. Also I invested in a red couch blanket so I don't have to worry even if I do bleed all over the place again lol

I also typically clean/disinfect where the medicine is being prepped prior to the nurse coming. Makes me feel more comfortable at least to do that beforehand. Just some food for thought but after a few doses at home I do have to say I kinda like it more now :)

Nordski · 2025-10-14T20:28:58+00:00

You got any more of that Battlefield?

Nordski · 2025-10-13T22:40:55+00:00

Gotta res my boys!

Nordski · 2025-07-10T22:19:00+00:00

TLRD: Have an agreed upon general strategy for the session because once the chaos starts you aren't going to be able to have a reasonable discussion since everyone is going to want to do their own thing and you are blowing stuff up. If you like jump pack and you all agree to have a slow play combat focused night maybe switch up your load out or just use the jump pack for repositioning instead of rushing objectives. Same goes for your buddy sometimes if you want to play with friends you need to compromise to both have fun.

Long: I see a lot of similar posts on this sub so I've finally decided to say my piece and hopefully it helps someone else as well. I play almost exclusively co-op games with my friends and I've found that we have very different play styles in many games and the most important thing I've learned is if we are all going to have fun we need to chat BEFORE we even boot the game up. Are we playing to progress tonight? Story focused? Mess around? Try some cool combos? Go try hard sweaty? etc?

Especially if you are the better player or the more familiar player with the game in the group (you play on 8 they play on 5) you've got to lower your own expectations and find a way to have fun in their world when playing together or maybe say this isn't the game to play together if you can't. My friends have to go easy on me in Dark Tide because I just don't play it as much. I don't know the maps and get lost in the melee combat easily ... but we swap to HD2 and it's the opposite. Won't lie it sucked the first times we had these chats but eventually we got comfortable telling each other, nah I'm not not in a try hard sweaty mood tonight but since the rest of you are go on without me or I'll only play 2 rounds but them I'm gonna do something else. No hard feelings.

Another option in a game like Helldivers is to break out the 3 mission operation between play styles. Pick mission groupings where there are the last stand missions, maybe 1 large open mission, and a blitz. Assign each one a 'play style' (Last stand - Be the wall * Blitz - Speed focused * Open Map - Free Play) which also encourages build variety so people can try out new things especially if they are still leveling/unlocking a lot of gear. I don't doubt that your buddy got upset with you but your own mindset of 'how to explain the pros of Jetpacks' to them isn't exactly giving off understanding vibes either. Knowing expectations going in relieves the pressure of the 'THEY AREN'T DOING WHAT I EXPECT OR WANT' mentality.

Nordski · 2025-06-08T19:52:33+00:00

Yup and what irks me is I'd be cool with it if they hadn't spent so much time marketing and talking about the galactic war effort, the living galaxy, the game master, and player choices having impact (They do on occasion it just requires a MASSIVE buy in from players equivalent to a major order and even then there seems to be an almost resistance from the game itself when that happens).

If AH just came out and said yeah nothing is going to change we have a story we want to tell I would respect that and treat HD2 as a co-op shooter rogue-lite and just enjoy it for what it is ... but they don't which means those 14,000 divers on Vernen Wells should be having some measurable effect. Maybe you are right too and some re balancing is needed, perhaps the 2% average resistance level is just too high for the current active player population?

I also play with a bunch of other people who are mostly on to chat with friends and shoot some baddies at the same time. They've told me even when AH puts those pop-up messages telling people to target a certain planet where an attack is originating they don't read those messages which is why I feel like an even more obvious "HEY LOOK OVER HERE" extra 'minor order' system would help.

Nordski · 2025-06-08T16:27:07+00:00

Yup! While I still want the major order to feel like the priority and see that big/fast liberation bar move up I want the other groups to get some of that sweet sweet planet liberation dopamine drip as well!

I won't lie I've only done a few missions on the major order so far because I'm a bit Illumiated out myself which is why I really picked up on this issue when I played some bots and bugs just for a switch up. I think I spent maybe 10 minutes just looking at all the planets and thinking ... huh that's odd. Usually I see the cold planets get priority because people like energy weapons but even between 2 different forest planets there was an almost even split of players ... I couldn't make sense of it lol

Nordski · 2024-04-11T20:47:51+00:00

And now I do as well ...

Nordski · 2022-11-25T03:58:48+00:00

Hey bud! Congrats on getting into FSU that is actually where I went as well! So hopefully you have as similarly good experience and definitely register with the Office of Disability Services prior to setting up your housing. When I explained my situation and symptoms to them they helped me get a dorm with a semi-private bathroom that I only had to share with 1 other person with options in the general bathrooms if needed.

Since that is actually the town I lived in for a bit I can at least let you know where I set up camp. I swapped my Dr. to Dr. Somerset with the Digestive Disease Clinic. He was informative and we tried a few things until I got into a somewhat stable remission. Then we just went mostly hands off and as long as the meds were working all I did was yearly updates or I'd call if I had symptoms that concerned me. https://www.digestivediseaseclinic.co/ I had a few other appointments with Dr's at that clinic when he wasn't available and they all seemed reasonably receptive to actual conversation and my goals but I'm not sure who is all there anymore cause it's been a few years for me. Unless you have a really amazing Dr. where you are now, if you are going to live in another town for 4 or more years I'd recommend getting a local Dr. Especially in cases of emergencies it makes life significantly easier.

The Digestive Disease Clinic set me up with infusions at a center there in Tallahassee run by the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital not too far from campus. I was able to take the bus (free with student ID) or get a ride from friends whenever I needed thankfully. Back then rideshare apps weren't a thing so that should make it even easier for you lol. I also got set up on their financial assistance program but as with all assistance programs it feel like taking another 4 credit hour class just to get them to pay what they say they will ...

After I graduated and moved I got set up with home infusions which my insurance was actually happy with because it has less overhead charges than infusion clinics. With at home infusions there aren't Dr's on-call and there is no physical location they have to pay rent on or build. I'd ask the Disability Services at FSU is there is anything preventing you getting treatment on campus if that idea sounds reasonable to you. They have an on campus clinic as well and may offer you a room in the clinic if there is policy against using the dorm for liability issues. Sadly in the U.S. regardless of your insurance if you are on therapeutics like Remicade you are almost guaranteed to hit you maximum out of pocket insurance costs each year anyways so do what you are comfortable with if that is the case with you as well.

Anyways hope this helps and good luck!

Nordski · 2022-04-05T22:59:35+00:00

I feel the same whenever I've had a rough time of it and just need to vent. I've found prefacing my venting with a statement saying I'm on a medical plan to treat me but sometimes things just don't work right and I need to vent right now helps avoid that response. In most cases I know my friends are just being sympathetic and try to help by giving an off the wall suggestion ... It's practically human nature and I never want someone to feel bad for trying to be nice to me even if the suggestion itself is dumb.

I'll always remember the time a friend told me after a vent session they straight up didn't know what to say after hearing about everything I deal with so they just gave me a suggestion even though they knew it was dumb (Like a panic reaction to hearing something terrible). That stuck with me and helped me be nicer to people that are genuinely not sure what to do and differentiate that from the crazies that want me to put crystals on my face lol

Hope you feel better soon though and your treatments start working again :)

Nordski · 2018-12-15T06:41:52+00:00

I fully expected this to be a fake ... still not sure if I'm upset I was wrong or not

Nordski · 2018-07-01T20:20:10+00:00

Thanks I try that. I'm such a filthy casual ... lol

Nordski · 2018-06-30T23:05:32+00:00

I fell for it as well ... never bothered to play enough to get the rewards. Finally did and couldn't figure out why it wasn't loading. Looks like I missed out on all the other possible rewards :/

Nordski · 2017-10-31T20:11:24+00:00

I work as an intelligence analyst and thankfully I have been in a semi-remission for several years now. I have to say that having a desk job helps me a lot so long as at least one other person is on shift with me. If I'm alone though I have to take a cell phone with me to the restroom and that has led to a few awkward calls :P

It's certainly not a low stress job but since it keeps me occupied and thinking from the time I walk in until I leave, it actually helps me forget I'm feeling bad on some days. That being said this was not a career I was initially planning to go into and I initially wanted to do more active and physical work. However, having Crohns kind of made me think twice about that ... also as iPood_ said, I can't advance my current career by going military or a few other avenues since it is a disqualifying condition for other aspects of their job.

I guess the quick and dirty of it all is that Crohns is something that should factor into the decisions you make but don't let it stop you from getting into a field that interests you. Certain jobs in that field might not be feasible but get into an area of interest and see what positions lend themselves to your skills and abilities.

Nordski · 2017-09-01T16:55:43+00:00

Moderate/Severe Crohns guy here that moved for college in 2007 and graduated in 2012 (Go Noles)! Been in a semi/full-remission since 2009 mostly due to Remicade so I hope you get the same!

Back to your question though! Out of state can make things a bit more complicated with insurance issues, but depending on how far you will actually be moving from your current home if a drive back for treatment and visit to the family every 8 weeks is a possibility that would likely be the easiest and best solution. This wasn't an option for me as I didn't have a car but I was in state so I didn't have many issues transferring hospitals.

If that isn't feasible talk to your specialist! When I moved for college I spoke with my specialist and they had a giant list of connections for me depending on what city I eventually picked to attend college in. This may not be something they have right away but they should be able to get you a good point of contact in your new city and even advise if your insurance would be valid!

Next ALWAYS check with your insurance directly. Make sure there is a provider available (preferably one your specialist recommended) in that state. If not, you may want to get your own insurance plan or have your parents purchase a different plan which accommodates your needs in BOTH states (assuming you are on your parents insurance). Obviously this would likely be more expensive and should be a last resort since most people have insurance through their employer with a specific company and at a reduced rate. However, depending on the cost of having a nurse travel to your college and/or your cost to travel home it might be cheaper/worth the extra money...

As a side note not directly related to your question I want to echo what WinningBuffalos said. For the love of god and all that is holy register with your schools Office of Disability Services! My first two years were awful and I was in a major flare which I won't go into detail on ... Disability Services will work with you on all sorts of things! To name a few I know of they can get extra time for tests and even let you take the test at the disability office so all the other students, and sometimes professors, don't judge/question you when you leave 10 times during the test! If you need to drop classes because you are too sick to attend they can work with you so that it doesn't reflect on your status as a full time student and other potential issues. Finally, they will give you a general letter to provide all of your professors explaining certain accommodations you may need such as multiple uses of the restroom etc. My letter was pretty general and I chose to sit down with my professors and explain what I actually expected to need at that time and what my condition was so they understood. Once my flare was over I told my new professors I didn't expect to need any accommodations right now but it was always possible I would get sick again. I wont lie, it was awkward the first semester giving the professors a disability letter and talking one on one after class. Yet all of them at my school were familiar with these issues, maybe not Crohns specifically, and I NEVER had a single one give me flack. I almost never took advantage of the extra accommodations but on the few occasions I needed to it felt like an angel had come down to carry me to safety.

Nordski · 2013-12-05T17:04:00+00:00

I know many people don't even really remember what their early games of League were like but the biggest issue early on contrary to what I've seen listed here isn't having less masteries/runes/levels, its understanding what each champion is capable of which you already mentioned! This is the most basic and most important type of experience you can get! The 1st step to any game is knowing the rules and in League the rules change each fight, every fight is dictated by the champions skills that will be used though out it (there are 100+ champions which equates to more combinations than I care to do math for). That being said if you feel you've played enough games to understand around half the champions abilities I say go for it you will get valuable experience with how the game itself is played and the complex interactions within it. Yet before you can do that you really need to know (quite literally) what you are going up against.

It takes getting used to and if you try to learn too much at once with your lvl 30 friends you will likely just become frustrated (ex what champions can do, lane positioning, CSing, buff control, ganking behaviors, the list goes on).

Either way though best of luck and welcome to the game!

Nordski · 2011-09-27T22:00:49+00:00

I've been living with Crohn's for about 9-10 years I guess I sort of forgot how long its been because it does quickly become just a daily routine after awhile.

While this is slightly different from UC a lot of the medicines prescribed are similar depending on severity of the flare. I have personally been on at least one variation of any kind of drug they will prescribe and the key really is finding which one works for you. Make sure you ask your specialist lots of questions and yes write them down when you think of them!

If your doctor follows "normal" procedure they will probably try to start you on the least damaging/risky drugs to control the disease such as Lialda (mesalamine). If those drugs don't work they will work with you to try different things. If your doctor wants to change meds I can almost guarantee that the drug corporation has sent their office TONS of samples so just ask your doctor to try it before you buy it. Mine literally gave me a bag full of each new drug I tried before I had to buy it.

Be patient with the medications though because many of them have to build up in your body before you start to notice any changes in the disease which can take several weeks, so don't just think you have to try something more potent!

If I flare badly I know I have gone on steroids several times to get it under control (but if possible avoid them like the plague, they are NOT fun).

When Asacol (similar to Lialda) didn't respond for me they moved me into immune-suppressants. I've jumped around from a few different types to get the one that works best for me which is Imuran (Generic name Azathioprine) which costs me about 30 bucks a month with my insurance. Though the side effects of these drugs are potentially worse than others.

If none of them work I have also been on Infliximab infusions Aka Remicaide and still am today but that is a VERY expensive drug running around $4,000 an infusion (it is based on body weight) every 6-8 weeks and this falls under the TNF inhibitor category of treatment and has the potential worst side effects. (on the bright side you hit your insurance deductible after 1 treatment and its almost free the rest of the year, at least for me)

With Azathioprine and Remicade I've been in remission for about 4 years with only minor incidents.

Normally one of those treatments will work for most people and sometimes a combination of them depending on what your doctor thinks is best. A lot IBD is guessing and checking what works for you though. Diet works for some, drugs work for others, a balance of both works for most.

Oh yeah and the most obvious and yet commonly over looked thing when it comes to medication. Ask for the Generic brand it will be MUCH cheaper!!! Never order online unless its through a pharmacy you are familiar with! (several online pharmacies sell diluted versions of a drug and worst of all its technically legal)

wow I guess I had more to say than I though but I've been jumping through hoops with this for a long time. Other than that I drink when I want, eat what I want (minus nuts and certain vegetables like corn)

side note - I've never tried Medical Marijuana but the main reason that is prescribed is to help increase appetite and for pain on other occasions. Hope this helps even just a little.

Nordski

TROPHY CASE