Are the I.V. ones more dangerous? Sandy
Posts: 56 | From Washington State | Registered: Feb 2006
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timaca
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6911
posted
IV antibiotics are more dangerous due to the fact that you can get infections in the line. And since the line goes to your heart, you are much more prone to getting that infection in you.
It is important to get monthly blood cultures drawn from the picc line to catch infections in the line before they become infections in you.
One blood culture confirmed my line was contaminated, so it was pulled.
But, the IV meds gave me great improvement. I'm glad I did it.
I did end up with C. diff. But, that was likely from the oral antibiotics I was also on, and the voraconazole (a drug for serious fungal infections) that I was put on to make sure I didn't get the infection that was in my line.
Take lots of probiotics.
Good luck.
Timaca
Posts: 2872 | From above 7,000 ft in a pine forest | Registered: Feb 2005
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posted
If you are lucky enough to have your IV covered by insurance, ask if you can have it in an "Eclipse ball pump." (Eclipse is the brand name--there may be other brands that do the same thing.) This is pre-mixed and doesn't require you to use an IV pole--you just hook it up to your PICC line and it does its thing. I believe the pre-filled ball pumps cost more than the other way--that's why I mentioned the insurance.
Posts: 991 | From California | Registered: Feb 2006
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AZURE WISH
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 804
posted
Just so you know Rocephin can cause problems with your gallbladder.
I had to have my gallbladder removed due to the rocephin use.
You should be aware of that risk before deciding whether or not you want to use it.
Lyme Ed 's #1 rule is very important - cleanliness is key.
The ball shaped ones (I had one that was bottle shapped with zintro) are really nice. You can infuse while you are out just stick it in you pocket.
savebabe
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9847
posted
I am using the infusion pump and it makes dosing easier. I agree to check with your insurance company because it does cost extra. Also, my home infusion company wasn't to happy when I requested it because they make less of a profit. Knowledge is power!
Posts: 1603 | From ny | Registered: Aug 2006
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lymie tony z
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5130
posted
I had picc-lines on three occasions...
Mainly cuz where I was at the time I could only get the ducks to OK it for a month at a time...
I always improved on IV meds...much more so than orals... Also IM med bi-cillin shots helped me as well...
I developed some type of pneumonia/bronchitis the first infusion...which is viral! or so they said...
Don't know exactly...could have just been a herx in my lungs from killing the chetes that were there!
Any way...the rewards far outweigh the potential risks...IMHO.
zman
-------------------- I am not a doctor...opinions expressed are from personal experiences only and should never be viewed as coming from a healthcare provider. zman Posts: 2527 | From safety harbor florida(origin Cleve., Ohio | Registered: Jan 2004
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