From Pharmacist to Patient: What Sitting in the Infusion Chair Taught Me

Starting infusion therapy can feel overwhelming.

You may be processing a new diagnosis. You may be worried about side effects. You may feel unsure about what infusion treatment will be like, how long it will take, or how it will fit into your life. Those feelings are completely normal.

For more than 20 years, I have worked as a pharmacist helping patients understand and access complex treatments. I thought I understood infusion therapy well. But it wasn’t until I became an infusion patient myself that I truly understood how vulnerable, confusing, and emotional that experience can feel, even when you work in healthcare.

 

My Story as a Patient

In 2006, I was diagnosed with a rare immune deficiency condition called Hyper IgM syndrome. It means my body doesn’t make antibodies the way it should, which leaves me more likely to get serious infections.

My doctor told me I would likely need intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) therapy for the rest of my life.

At first, I hesitated. IVIG is made from donated human plasma, and I worried about side effects. I struggled with the idea of committing to lifelong infusion treatment. Even with my medical background, I had questions and concerns.

Then, in 2018, everything changed. I developed a severe infection that caused an abscess in my neck to swell while I slept. It began to close my airway. If my wife hadn’t been there to help and call for emergency care, I likely wouldn’t be here today.

That moment made things very clear. I realized I couldn’t afford to wait any longer. I wanted to be there for my wife and my daughter, and I knew I needed to take my treatment seriously. That’s when I started IVIG therapy.

 

What I Learned Sitting in the Infusion Chair

Becoming a patient — actually sitting in the infusion chair — changed my perspective in ways I didn’t expect.

I learned how important it is to feel supported, informed, and cared for throughout the infusion process. I learned how much the care environment matters, and I learned how reassuring it can be to have a team that knows you, listens to you, and helps guide you through each step.

Infusion therapy may sound intimidating at first, but for many patients the experience itself is calm and closely monitored. Nurses check on you regularly, answer questions, and make sure you’re comfortable. Over time, infusion days can become a manageable routine.

For me, one of the biggest differences came from receiving care in a setting where the staff knew me personally and understood my history. That familiarity made it easier to ask questions, speak up about how I was feeling, and feel confident continuing treatment.

 

Why Specialty Infusion Provider Support Matters

As a patient, I also experienced how frustrating delays and access issues can be, even when you understand the healthcare system well. Insurance approvals, scheduling, and coordination between providers can feel confusing and exhausting. Patients shouldn’t have to navigate all of that alone.

Specialty infusion provider teams help support patients throughout the infusion journey. That support can include:

• Prior authorization navigation
• Explaining what to expect before, during, and after infusions
• Monitoring how patients feel during treatment and upon completion of treatment
• Coordinating care with providers and infusion staff
• Helping patients feel informed and supported throughout the entire experience

Having a consistent point of contact can make a meaningful difference, especially when you’re starting a new therapy or managing a chronic condition.

 

Life After Starting Treatment

Since starting IVIG, my life has changed in significant ways.  It has been life altering to say the least.

I feel protected against infections, to where I’m able to travel, attend larger gatherings, and live with less fear about getting sick.

Looking back, I can see how much this therapy has helped stabilize my health and improve my overall quality of life.

 

A Message for Patients Starting Infusion Therapy

If you’re beginning infusion treatment, know this: it’s okay to have questions. It’s okay to feel nervous. And it’s okay to ask for support.

Ask who your main point of contact will be. Share your concerns early. Pay attention to how you feel during and after treatment and speak up if something doesn’t feel right.

As someone who has been both the pharmacist helping patients and the patient receiving infusion therapy, I can say this with confidence that the right care team doesn’t just provide medication. They provide guidance, advocacy, and reassurance during a time when you may need it most.

Infusion therapy can be complex, but your experience doesn’t have to be. With the right support, it can become a manageable part of living well.