I was wonder what the degree of risk as far as infection of catheter and death or vein loss occurs with IV?

It scares me to think about getting a line but it scares me more to not get well...

Anyone found IM to be good enough for their neuro symptoms?

I've had a few picc lines and had very few problems. I don't know if this is typical or not. The only problem I had was to one brand of picc that was made of something I was sensitive to.

I didn't have problems with IM bicillinLA either, except it took a very long time to absorb on me. I had a big sore lump for a while after each shot. Also not undo-able. I don't think that's typical either.

I don't know if the IM penetrates as well. I couldn't tell because I did that after the IV.

Hi Pippy,

I can't speak from experience on IM...
But, I can offer you some links for info:

Central Line Catheters: http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/021365.html
Problems: http://www.venousaccess.com/complications.htm

It's good to know there's someone following me around with actual useful information.

I did get a hole in it after 5 months, but I think 5 or 6 months is a pretty long time for a PICC line, although I have heard of others who have had it longer. I took it as a sign to take an antibiotic break.

laughing again...

yes, True, I mean everything in a good way

I DO know most of the research I've read says it has the highest saturation level and is the "preferred" tx for neuro involvement. So you'd probably have to have a pretty compelling reason to convince your LLMD otherwise. Not that other routes wouldn't get you better but IV is swifter.

I was contemplating begging and sniveling for intramuscular shots but Korinne's adventures over on Support got my courage all up so I'm feelin braver. Chin up!

(I am not scared, I am not scared, keep repeating, I am not scared.....)

Michelle M

Michelle, Who is your llMD? Is he or she willing to order a PIIC line for you? You can e-mail me offline...I have second opinion appt with another llmd but want to know other options.

My LLMD is rather conservative. I think as long as I can walk I'd have a hard time convincing him to order the line....

IM is pretty easy too, except that it hurts a little. You get used to it. Build up of scar tissue at the injection sites is the downside.

All of these abx have their pros and cons. For me, orals are the worst choice. They destroyed my intestines. I'd do IM or IV any day over orals.

Yes, True, whether you meant to or not, you made me laugh also.

I got my picc-line on monday, The needle hurts a little bit and the line itsself does not hurt one bit.

It was very sore that night and still is a little bit but its nothing to worry about.

I know that your nervous and i was too but now its like nothing to me. Since ive been taking IV rocephin i have been feeling A LOT better, its unbeliveable.

I have been herxing a little bit but nothing big. My unsteadyness and dizziness diminished within a day of using rocephin. I am so happy right now and i think by telling you how well this is working for me will shine a light into your world.

I go to the dr's office once a week to get my dressing changed on my IV and i get my antibiotics and also see the doctor to see how i am doing.

I feel better that the nurses there are doing the dressings and not me because that would make me a bit nervous. They also gave me a thing to wear on my arm for showers. Dont touch it until u really have to like when u are getting your infusions or changing your dressing.

Its all TLC but dont like fall in a lake or something, that wouldnt be a good idea lol!

I hope for the best for you hun and i will pray for you, Just know i just got it done and im fine and ive been doing great.

By the way, the first 72 hours put a heating pad on it.

i gotta jet.

quote:

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Michelle, Who is your llMD? Is he or she willing to order a PIIC line for you? You can e-mail me offline...I have second opinion appt with another llmd but want to know other options.

My LLMD is rather conservative. I think as long as I can walk I'd have a hard time convincing him to order the line....

Thanks for the info![/B]

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Hi Pippy! I see Dr. J in Chico. So far I have only seen him one time. I have a lot of brain lesions. I was in a quandary on my first appt, still scared I might have MS.. He did not think so, of course. He said "If your IGeneX tests come back positive, we will want to start you on IV." The tests came back highly positive, so I'm pretty sure that's what he will want to do.

I go see him in about a week.

Hey Korinne, betcha didn't know you were already being an inspiration to others, huh!!

:-)

Michelle