posted
Having IV antibiotics for most people is pretty straight forward and easy. I have a PICC line which was uncomforatble to get put in but now after 8 weeks I don't notice it much (I exercise and go about my normal life of working, etc). The home health agency that I work with sent a lot of useful things such as these little sticky things that stick to the skin where the line insertion is and it holds the picc line in place. Then I wear a sock like thing over the bandage to ensure I don't get the line caught on anything. I have the dressing changed each week. I have a big plastic arm wrap that I use to shower to prevent the insertion site from getting wet - which is a life saver. There are certianly negative aspects to the IV such as possible Gall Bladder issues and infection but if you and your doctor 'watch' for these things there shouldn't be any problems. If your doctor thinks the IV will help then I would definately reccommend doing it. Unfortunately the IV Rocephin has not helped me at all (yet) but it doesn't work for everyone. Godd luck.
Posts: 90 | From massachusetts | Registered: Aug 2006
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posted
Well, I just bought one of those plastic arm covers that goes up to your shoulder to shower for my son when he broke his are. I said we may need that again. So I am good there....
Gallstones should not be a factor since I dont have a gallbladder.
Execise, boy I am trying, (used to be avid weight lifter and exerciser but now my heart beats so fast I barely can go to the bathroom.
Posts: 347 | From WV | Registered: Jan 2007
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CaliforniaLyme
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 7136
posted
SCottie, for me IV didn't kick in until the 7th month and then it saved my life. I had given up. You never know*)!*)!
IV has risks. Only tertiary stage or intensely neuro Lyme non-responsive to orals or IM should be treated with it because of that risk- death from an infected line.
It was worth the risk and worth $50,000 cash for me (second mortgage). WAY worth it, because I was dying.
You should talk about these things with your MD. They will be able to answer knowing your history and your physical condition now!!!
Take care, Sarah
-------------------- There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
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posted
I had a port in my chest, and it worked well. It's a bit of a pain being 'accessed' M-F (you can't shower) but it's great once you de-access on Friday night, if you do it that way. It's like you have nothing.
I had to stay home from work the first week. I was having all sorts of neuro symptoms I never had, like sleep paralysis and mild hallucinations. After that, I did okay working. I was on IV for 6 months.
I did lose my gallbladder, so that's something to be looking out for.
Overall, I would say it becomes routine over time. Try to not let it get too routine. You need to do everything you're supposed to (flush, run IV, flush, heparin), and keep everything very clean. Don't be tempted to hurry, or let yourself get distracted and miss a step!
monkeyshines
Posts: 343 | From Northern VA | Registered: Oct 2004
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