posted
When you get an IV, does the nurse have to come to your house, or can you meet somewhere?
I've had Lyme disease for a long time, and my house is a disaster. I really don't want to have to clean it up for someone to come over.
I'm sure they've seen it all, but I would not feel comfortable with that. I'd end up staying up all night for a week straight, cleaning, and that would not be good for my health.
Posts: 311 | From CA | Registered: Jul 2008
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cactus
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7347
posted
Maybe you could arrange to meet at the hospital, but I'm not sure. Do you have orders for a picc? If so, and if you're using an infusion company, you could ask them.
Some people don't use an infusion company, and learn to do their dressing changes with a partner or a friend.
My nurse always came to the house. I would not have wanted to do it someplace public, as when they are changing the dressing, it exposes the site to air and germs.
Hope you find a solution that works for you.
-------------------- �Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?� - A.A. Milne Posts: 1987 | From No. VA | Registered: May 2005
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Tracy9
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7521
posted
You could probably go to your PCP's office to get the dressing changed and checked weekly rather than using a home nursing agency.
13 years Lyme & Co.; Small Fiber Neuropathy; Myasthenia Gravis, Adrenal Insufficiency. On chemo for 2 1/2 years as experimental treatment for MG. Posts: 4480 | From Northeastern Connecticut | Registered: Jun 2005
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Our house is a mess as well. My husband's nurse comes, but is only in one room. All you need is a table or some surface to work on--like the kitchen or the dining room. After the first visit (or maybe two), it's really quick--just long enough to draw blood and change the dressing. She's in and out well within a half hour.
And you're right, they have seen it all!
So maybe if you could feel comfortable just straightening out one room a little, perhaps you could do it at home after all? Nothing beats the convenience.
Best to you, Viva
Posts: 532 | From southeast US | Registered: Oct 2005
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Please try not to stress over a messy house! I am a home infusion nurse and as long as I know the patient can administer the medication safely and correctly, and has an adequate place to store supplies and meds, mess and clutter not an issue. I know patients are sick and don't judge a person on their living arrangements.And the nurses I worke with don't either.
As Viva said just a small area cleared off to change the dressing and draw blood. A table, the bed, couch etc.
The PCP is an option, but will they have a room available at the time?
It is much more convenient and safe to have it done at home.To me the only time clutter is an issue if there is not a path to get out of the house in case of an emergancy.(and I am crazy about making sure a patient has a smoke alarm!).
Don't worry about the house focus the energy on getting better!
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