IV abx

[Guest guest]

Hi Ann,

I had the " port " installed in my neck. It is a catheter that goes right into

the jugular.

The line is tunneled about 6 inches under the skin and comes out above the right

breast. Two tubes (or lines) come out of the hole in your chest in which you

infuse your IVs. You alternate lines with each treatment and always flush them

to keep them clear. I had it in for 8 months. It's cumbersome at first, but

you get used to it.

I took IV Rocephin 4 days/week, then Flagyl by mouth the other 3. Boy did I

herx from the Flagyl!

I had a nurse come in to show me how to do the IVs, sterile cleansing until the

wound healed (where the tube exited), how to flush the tubes, change caps, and

everything else. They showed me once or twice, then sat there while I did it

until they were sure I could do it alone. They were great!

Anyway.... that was a couple years ago, and I'm still taking oral abx. I have

my ups and downs, but the minocycline is keeping my brain clear.

I wish you well. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions:

caverannie@...

Annmarie

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[Guest guest]

HI & Jessie too,

IV abx were my first round of abx, based on the fact that I had gone untreated

for 5yrs due to not being diagnosed & was very sick & IV is aggressive.

I had a mid-line first through Home Care which was inserted at my elbow & went

up to my shoulder area. I had no probs at all. My 2nd round I had a picc line

(inserted at the doc's office) which went into my elbow up into my chest. I was

sent to the hospital to have an x-ray to make sure it was in place properly

which it was. Again I had no probs at all. Just make sure the dressing is kept

clean & DRY & changed regularly.

You have to find a way to wrap it when you shower. That was my biggest

problem. I got a cover from a surgical supply place recommended by the doc's

office but 2 of them broke the first time I used them! Then a woman who has a

farm brought in clear gloves (used for birthing animals?) that went up to the

elbow & she was kind enough to give a bunch to the doc's office to be shared

w/patients. I used that, taped it at the top when I showered & one glove lasted

me weeks, showering every day.

If the dressing gets dirty or wet, have the nurse change it. If it was home

care, I called & they sent someone out. If it was the doc's office, I waited

until I was going in for the dressing change & supplies or I went in earlier

than scheduled. The Rocephin has to be kept cold, I believe.

I'm not sure what kind of exercise you want to do, but if my memory

serves me right, stay away from bearing weight with that arm, even carrying

heavy groceries & such. Check with your doc regarding the exercise.

Some people have horror stories, but I had very good experiences both times.

After the IV, I actually started orals for a urinary tract infection & we saw

improvement, so we started to alternate different abx. I am at my best having

been on Ketek for several months now. The doc would like to get me off it, but

we are both happy at how I have improved so we're sticking with it. Adding

Diflucan has kicked me up a notch further. I do have liver function studies

regularly.

I hope that take some of the fear away! Good luck...

Jeannie

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