Last year I came down with a blood infection and had to spend a week in the hospital because of it. I was only on IV for a bit and wondering if I should give it another shot.
Anybody how common it is to get a blood infection??
Thanks Everyone,
CaliLymer
Posts: 215 | From CA, USA | Registered: Nov 2004
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AZURE WISH
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 804
posted
I dont know how common it is...
I had a picc line well over a year and never got an infection from it.
Hopefully someone else can give you some real statistical info.
timaca
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6911
posted
I had my picc line in for 6 1/2 months. I switched LLMDs, and my new one required a blood culture from the picc monthly to rule out sub clinical infections.
The first blood culture caught a fungal infection. Picc line was pulled. I was tested a LOT after that to make sure I didn't have an infection.
Posts: 2872 | From above 7,000 ft in a pine forest | Registered: Feb 2005
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From the lack of responses and the fact that my llmd says they are rare as a "GOOD THING."
I somehow got a "gram negative" infection in my blood. She said it is usually found in people stomach and somehow got in my blood.
Anyways, any more thoughts would be appreciated!
I love this Lyme community
CaliLymer
Posts: 215 | From CA, USA | Registered: Nov 2004
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WildCondor
Unregistered
posted
It's actually quite common. You were very lucky. I got sepsis twice from my Central line, and I will never do home IV again because of it. I could have died, and it happens so fast. Mine were gram negative as well. The cultures from the line were positive, and I was treated with IV Cipro and IV Vancomycin. Don't make the mistake of starting up another PICC line too soon. The bacteria may still be in your blood and get the new line infected. Its best to wait several months to be completely clear. I would stick to high dose orals and IM shots, possibly for good.
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I almost died from the staph infection I got in my hickman. I had done 15months of IV abx, ran fever for 3wks. The home care service dropped the ball big time Finally it was pulled, major staph. I was bedridden for months after, I couldn't pull out of it. It really kicked my butt. I will never get another one Posts: 315 | From USA | Registered: May 2005
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posted
It can happen. Anytime where there is an invasive entry into the body such as a surgical site, iv line access via various mean, such as picc lines, hickman, portacaths, etc- it is possible. The goal of every health care professional is to use aseptic technique ( sterile technique) to minimize this possibility. Even with the best care, infection can happen.
There are many factors that can influence the development of infection: autoimmune status, resistant bacterial strains. Staphyloccoccus, a bacteria, that is normal flora ( resident) of the skin can set up shop and cause problems. This is not the only germ out there can can cause a problem. Keeping the site cleansed and dry is very inportant. Wet or damp dressings around the site are a good teaser of bacteria to come on down and set up shop. When you work with your line, good handwashing is very important. It will reduce the possibility of transfer of bacteria from your hands to the site.
Anything that is unusual such as increased redness, pain or any thing that is unusual or different report to your health care provider, MD or LLMD, infusion company for evaluation and treatment. Do this as soon as possible; don't wait. Anytime you have concerns, questions, or have unusual observations report them. Should a problem develop, quick resolution of the problem will prevent further problems on top of our lyme issues. Your health care provider can then make decisions on how long to maintain the line, when to restart a line, what type of medications.
My problems with a picc line was not infection related, rather a function of my body's ability to tolerate the antibiotics and liver function enzymes.
I wish you good luck and stronger days. Fight well. Someday, I will be well, and return to my nursing profession and help all of us more than I can now. Take care.
Posts: 719 | From Delaware | Registered: Jan 2006
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Thanks for the responses. You guys have given me something to think about. I had the infection in october. So it's been a few months. But I still worry because the damage is so quick. Anyways,
Thanks you guys,
CaliLymer
Posts: 215 | From CA, USA | Registered: Nov 2004
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Finally it was pulled, major staph. I was bedridden for months after, I couldn't pull out of it. It really kicked my butt. I will never get another one ![[shake]](graemlins/shake.gif)
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