posted
Could anyone give me idea what IV antibiotics entails?
I am a hygienist working on patients three days a week. I have been told the IV port would most likely be placed higher up on my arm.
I am thinking this will pretty damn uncomfortable and most likely impact my ability to perform my job effectively. (not take longer per patient.)
Not to mention I am concerned about working on patients during flu season. Of course, I will continue using universal precautions as deemed by my profession. Do I have an increased risk working on patients?
Should I consider taking a disability leave? What is the average duration of IV antibiotics?
Posts: 11 | From NJ | Registered: Aug 2012
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sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
Sounds like you are asking about a PICC line. Those are placed on the inside of your upper arm between the bend of your arm and your armpit.
It is uncomfortable for a couple days then you will hardly feel it at all. If you do need to have a PICC placed, it is very important to have it placed in your non-dominant arm.
With the PICC you are supposed to limit lifting to under 5lbs and limit repetitive motions/activities with that arm.
When working with patients you will always want to keep it covered. You will wear a cover over it, a tee shirt, and you will probably wear some type of uniform jacket that will cover it too. This will protect from most dirt and germs that your patients would bring.
Biggest thing about germs is always washing your hands well before handling the PICC and scrubbing the endcaps before accessing it. This will keep germs from coming contact and getting into the line.
There is no average duration for IV antibiotics. Everyone is individual. Insurance will usually only want to cover 4-6wks max. After that you will have to pay out of pocket if your doctor thinks that you need to continue.
Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
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posted
Thanks for your response. I kinda figured it would need to be placed in the non-dominant arm. But I didn't know about the weight limit and repetitive motions. Good points.
I had heard that there was often a limit imposed by the insurance company for IV. Have you heard of using a patient advocate to obtain/compel the insurance company to pay for medically needed treatment for Lyme?
I had a patient yesterday that had used one to force their ins. company to pay for needed cancer tx. Really tired of writing letters for appeals. Like they think I am going to roll over and give up!
Posts: 11 | From NJ | Registered: Aug 2012
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posted
For me, I didn't have a choice for which arm the PICC went in - they prefer the right, dominant or not, because the line is shorter that way. Also, it depends on where they can find a suitable vein - I only had one that barely worked, so its very high up on my right arm.
The limit they gave me was 10lb with that arm, and to watch the repetitive motions. I can tell when I overdo it or push something that I'm not supposed to do, as the line area gets sore, letting me know to back off.
At this point though, as long as I'm not trying to heavy lifting or raking or something like that, I generally forget its even there. I found that after the first week or two, I can do most things as usual. (raking and kayaking being the exceptions for me)
I've been using cut off socks to cover it and keep the tube and cap secure. There is a dressing over it as well to protect the area. I spoke with someone else I know who's relative had a picc line, and he was able to continue his job as a mechanic just fine.
I've been lucky with my insurance company so far - 5 months! I'm almost scared to say it...
Good luck with your decision!
-------------------- Wendy Posts: 253 | From Near Albany, NY | Registered: Jan 2009
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poppy
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5355
posted
I had two PICCs at various times. One in each arm because the doc thought it would not be good to put it back in the same arm the next time. So, it will work either way. The second time it was put much higher, closer to the armpit, because the doc wanted me to be able to wear short sleeve shirts. But it was harder to keep that area clean. Sweating armpits don't go well with PICC dressings, IMO.
Posts: 2888 | From USA | Registered: Mar 2004
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sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
They can put your PICC line in either arm. They will use ultrasound or flouroscopy to find the right vessel and place the line perfectly.
I had a PICC line placed in my Left arm first and then replaced in my Right arm. Both were no problem. I suggested non-dominant because it sounds like Pearl really needs to use her arm for work.
If you can find a patient advocate willing to fight for you and help with your insurance battles, you will be ever so blessed. There are tons of resources for people with cancer and such but I have found nothing for us. Good luck in your search. Please let us know if you do find some resources. Your advice could really help.
If you need a good PICC cover, you have other options besides cut off socks. I HATED cut off socks!!!
By the way, your patients won't know that you have a PICC. So don't worry about that. I worked with one for 8mo in a very demanding job. PICC line and arm was fine. I kept it covered with the above and my dressing was always clean.
Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
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posted
A port has less problems than a picc line and as far as my experience no physical limitations. I believe there are different places you can place a port but mine is on the right side of my chest.
My insurance has paid for all IV antibiotics since starting them in February. It takes a while to get reimbursed, but they continue to pay for all the IV meds and supplies.
-------------------- Faithful
Just sharing my experience, I am not a doctor. Posts: 2682 | From Colorado | Registered: Oct 2009
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Judie
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Member # 38323
posted
You might already know about the gallbladder issues, but I'll post it for in case it was missed.
I know two people who had to have their gallbladders removed from IV antibiotics. There's a drug you can take to prevent this. I think it's called actisol (or something like that). You take it starting a week before you start the IV treatments.
Posts: 2839 | From California | Registered: Jul 2012
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posted
It is actigall to prevent gallbladder problems. I hear that it works fairly well for most.
Unfortunately, I lost my gallbladder long before I went on IV abx. I also think that Rocephin is the only IV drug that causes problems with biliary sludge. If there are others, someone please chime in.
I am currently on IV Clindamycin and doing very well.
-------------------- Faithful
Just sharing my experience, I am not a doctor. Posts: 2682 | From Colorado | Registered: Oct 2009
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TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
faithful, glad to hear the good news!
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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posted
I did not know about gallbladder issues that result from IV antibiotics. What is it about this medical tx. that might cause the gallbladder to need to be extracted?
Are there any other issues that I need to be aware of?
Posts: 11 | From NJ | Registered: Aug 2012
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sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
Pearl, a good LLMD will prescribe Actigall with Rocephin to prevent gallbladder problems. It is a known side effect of taking Rocephin.
I took actigall with Rocephin and had NO problems at all with it.
There are side effects and risks of taking any medications and even herbal treatments. You and your doctor will have to discuss these and pick what treatments will be best for you.
Not doing anything at all and letting the infection progress unchecked will certainly lead to increased sickness, endless suffering, and disability. Not something to look forward. I'm guessing you are just beginning to experience this.
Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
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posted
Nope, I am doing something. I had a Lyme doctor, who I thought was good.... Then when I discussed protocol with the doctor, he actually said he wasn't doing a protocol. Rather he was treating me with regard to my symptoms only. For 9 months! A poke and hope treatment plan!
I never went back...that was mid-December of '11. Other things got in the way.....some operations not related to Lyme. Then I went to an infectious disease specialist I was referred to by another doctor. He told me he didn't think I had Lyme, even after his tests showed Lyme.
The really insulting thing was he basically refused to treat me, yet he practiced with a really good Lyme doctor, one of which I was referred to from this list. When I called to get an appt. with this doctor, who is in the same practice....I was told he wasn't taking new patients!
You would have thought this doctor would have referred me to his colleague.... Nope, nothing. Told me to call him back in a month and let him know how I was feeling. When I think of all the money, (insurance did not cover most of the fees), time spent getting tx and not getting any results.... I could just scream!!
So I looked to some more of the referrals from this list...made an appt. with a new doctor and idled and idled waiting for an appt. Had my appt. with the new doctor, had blood drawn I am now sitting tight waiting for their blood results. Got about another week.
And that was cash out of our bank account cause we have a 5K deductible insurance plan through hubby's work. Not my choice ....
Now my husband will be laid off again due to no work. So, even if I wanted to take some time off, I can't because the household bills keep coming. Just had to take off over a week due to....shingles, on my head. Geez will it never end for me!
Just wondering how I will pay for the tx. if he is not working and just getting UE pay. We use the UE to pay for the **** insurance plan through COBRA from his work.
I needed to vent....
Posts: 11 | From NJ | Registered: Aug 2012
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posted
I've been on IV antibiotics four separate times, and I've had to have 5 lines placed, so I'm getting pretty good at it
The first time I ever got a PICC in, I worked as a veterinary technician, and never had any problems with it. I kept it covered, either with a long-sleeved shirt or an ACE wrap, so it didn't snag on anything. It was sore for a day or two, but then I really didn't notice it anymore. Have one in now, actually.
I've been on Rocephin and Zithromax. We tried Vanco, but I had a bad reaction to it.
I know people are going to yell at me for this one, but I've never taken Actigall, and never had a gall bladder issue. I've probably spent... I guess about a year total taking IV antibiotics.
So far, our insurance has covered everything - meds, supplies, and visits from the home nurse to change the dressing. I'm at about four months on this last round, and haven't had to pay out of pocket.
Posts: 306 | From Brownsville, PA | Registered: Jul 2007
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