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How, exactly does IV antibiotics work?
Just thinking ahead. If I had to go to IV antibiotics, how does all this work?
I know that I would need to travel a distance to get the PICC inserted. Do they do the first infusion at that time? I would need to be capable of driving myself home is why I ask. It wouldn't be so powerful to initiate some sort of massive herx, would it? I wouldn't be to sick to drive home would I? And I am assuming that, from there forward I would do my own infusions - right? Anyone have any experience with IV antibiotics? I am clueless! But I just want to be more prepared if it comes down to it.
Thanks!
I know that I would need to travel a distance to get the PICC inserted. Do they do the first infusion at that time? I would need to be capable of driving myself home is why I ask. It wouldn't be so powerful to initiate some sort of massive herx, would it? I wouldn't be to sick to drive home would I? And I am assuming that, from there forward I would do my own infusions - right? Anyone have any experience with IV antibiotics? I am clueless! But I just want to be more prepared if it comes down to it.
Thanks!
I have heard you get a Picc line and you either go to an IV center to have it done or a visiting nurse comes to your house or you have it in your LLMD office.
You can have big herxes from it.
I had one in Texas and mine got infected so took it out and never did it again. I went to a center.
You can have big herxes from it.
I had one in Texas and mine got infected so took it out and never did it again. I went to a center.
I had a PICC for 17 months and figure that qualifies me as experienced. LOL
I never had an infection during that time.
I never had any problems with it.
I preferred it over orals.
However, don't assume that IV will be 'the cure'. For some people it is, for some it isn't.
I don't have time right now to walk you through the experience but will come back later.
Don't worry!
I never had an infection during that time.
I never had any problems with it.
I preferred it over orals.
However, don't assume that IV will be 'the cure'. For some people it is, for some it isn't.
I don't have time right now to walk you through the experience but will come back later.
Don't worry!
17mo! Surprised it didn't take root in there! I had one in for a couple weeks during my most recent encephalopathy, hated it.
Thanks everyone.
Yeah 17 months sounds like a long time to have a PICC gezzz. I'd love to hear more from ya cave whenever you get the chance.
I was told that I have to go to this big hospital in the big city to have it placed. I am trying to imagine all of this and I just can't. Not a big city gal. And certainly not a big fan of hospitals!
Is the herx immediate mojogal? Like if I had the first infusion at this hospital, should I proceed with caution? I will need to be capable of driving myself home, which I have issues with anyhow.
After the placement, would I do subsequent infusions myself?
Yeah 17 months sounds like a long time to have a PICC gezzz. I'd love to hear more from ya cave whenever you get the chance.
I was told that I have to go to this big hospital in the big city to have it placed. I am trying to imagine all of this and I just can't. Not a big city gal. And certainly not a big fan of hospitals!
Is the herx immediate mojogal? Like if I had the first infusion at this hospital, should I proceed with caution? I will need to be capable of driving myself home, which I have issues with anyhow.
After the placement, would I do subsequent infusions myself?
Doing it yourself would be all too easy, and cut the system out of some money. So that's probably not likely to be allowed. I know some IV drug users who would love to have a PICC line!
Your funny Bob!! From searching around, it seems like most people do it themselves.
Yeah, I was actually thinking of all the goodies I could put in there. HaHa. Just kidding, I wouldn't do that. Even though I would probably feel a whole lot better.
Yeah, I was actually thinking of all the goodies I could put in there. HaHa. Just kidding, I wouldn't do that. Even though I would probably feel a whole lot better.
I'm sorry I haven't gotten back to you but I developed a horrible head cold and my attention span has tanked! I have started on what you want to know but I want to write something that's factually correct and yet doesn't inundate you with stuff. Later. (Cough, cough)
I had a big conversation about it with my doc's PA a couple months ago. I'm avoiding it for now by doing Rocephin shots. They're not for the faint of heart (or rear), though. They are painful and leave me bruised and lumpy. My doc said I could get scar tissue, but I'm way past any dream of being a lingerie model, so I decided It'd risk the scar tissue over the PICC line. I'm lucky in that I have a husband who doesn't mind giving them to me... an upside to the reality that he's not usually the warm and fuzzy type. I do 4 shots in a row, then 3 days off. By the 4th shot in a week, I've really had enough and am grateful for the break.
A friend of mine did the PICC line and said it was great. She had no problems whatsoever with it, and found that she could even get the little portable infusion bottles and stick them in her purse if she needed to run errands during an infusion. My doc's PA said they have a fairly high drop out rate on the shots, and most patients prefer the PICC line as it's painless.
I had to drive myself home 50 miles after my first Rocephin shot. By the time I got home, I felt overwhelmingly exhausted. I just had enough time to call my car pool buddy to do pick up at school that day for me. I should have planned ahead for that. I stumbled through the rest of the afternoon and went to bed about 8 o'clock. I felt like my brain was shutting down. I have done them at night ever since. You'll have to figure out what schedule works best for you.
My big herxes on Bicillin and Rocephin were fatigue and rib pain. While the rib pain was quite uncomfortable and slowed me down, I could still walk and drive. Since a herx is usually an intensification of existing symptoms, you'll have to consider your own symptoms and whether or not you could risk being unable to drive safely.
You don't have to receive your first infusion when and where you have a PICC line put in. You can tell them you're concerned about your ability to drive home (fatigue is a well known reaction to receiving Rocephin) and that you want to schedule your first infusion at home by a visiting nurse or, at your LLMDs office, if it's closer to home. (My LLMD has an infusion room with a full time nurse, recliners, IV poles, and blankets to keep patients warm and cozy. )
If you want to do them yourself at home, you have to be trained. In my research, I spoke with one infusion pharmacy that said they required a nurse for each infusion or shot. I think that's more about their desire for more business and reduced liability than it was concern for patient safety. My insurance didn't require it and I didn't want it, and they had no exception process. I obviously went with a different pharmacy.
I think there are some pharmacies and insurance companies that require a nurse to change the dressing once a week. I think this is a good thing to help keep it clean and avoid infection. Just know you can't lift more than 20 pounds with a PICC line in, and you can't get it wet.
If you have kids who weigh more than 20 lbs but who still need to be picked up to be put in car seats, to prevent them from running into the street, etc., than that could be an issue for you. My little one was a runner, and I occasionally used a wrist leash even when I didn't have a PICC line! We used the "backpack bear" (harness) at crowded public places a few times, but she loved it, so it worked out well. If your kids are past the need for car seats or big enough to climb into car seats by themselves, you could make it work.
The first week is usually the toughest, so plan accordingly. I found on Bicillin and Rocephin that the fatigue eased up after that. On Rocephin, I can't say I started feeling better until about week 6 or 7. Some are faster, some take longer. You might feel worse at first too, or you might just slowly start to feel better. The blogging LLMD has decribed patients who felt nothing for the first 3 months, then started feeling better.
Don't latch on to much to someone else's story. You will have your own story. But it's good to know what the possibilities are. I'm glad you're considering the big guns. It's a scary step, but I hope for you that it's a good one.
A friend of mine did the PICC line and said it was great. She had no problems whatsoever with it, and found that she could even get the little portable infusion bottles and stick them in her purse if she needed to run errands during an infusion. My doc's PA said they have a fairly high drop out rate on the shots, and most patients prefer the PICC line as it's painless.
I had to drive myself home 50 miles after my first Rocephin shot. By the time I got home, I felt overwhelmingly exhausted. I just had enough time to call my car pool buddy to do pick up at school that day for me. I should have planned ahead for that. I stumbled through the rest of the afternoon and went to bed about 8 o'clock. I felt like my brain was shutting down. I have done them at night ever since. You'll have to figure out what schedule works best for you.
My big herxes on Bicillin and Rocephin were fatigue and rib pain. While the rib pain was quite uncomfortable and slowed me down, I could still walk and drive. Since a herx is usually an intensification of existing symptoms, you'll have to consider your own symptoms and whether or not you could risk being unable to drive safely.
You don't have to receive your first infusion when and where you have a PICC line put in. You can tell them you're concerned about your ability to drive home (fatigue is a well known reaction to receiving Rocephin) and that you want to schedule your first infusion at home by a visiting nurse or, at your LLMDs office, if it's closer to home. (My LLMD has an infusion room with a full time nurse, recliners, IV poles, and blankets to keep patients warm and cozy. )
If you want to do them yourself at home, you have to be trained. In my research, I spoke with one infusion pharmacy that said they required a nurse for each infusion or shot. I think that's more about their desire for more business and reduced liability than it was concern for patient safety. My insurance didn't require it and I didn't want it, and they had no exception process. I obviously went with a different pharmacy.
I think there are some pharmacies and insurance companies that require a nurse to change the dressing once a week. I think this is a good thing to help keep it clean and avoid infection. Just know you can't lift more than 20 pounds with a PICC line in, and you can't get it wet.
If you have kids who weigh more than 20 lbs but who still need to be picked up to be put in car seats, to prevent them from running into the street, etc., than that could be an issue for you. My little one was a runner, and I occasionally used a wrist leash even when I didn't have a PICC line! We used the "backpack bear" (harness) at crowded public places a few times, but she loved it, so it worked out well. If your kids are past the need for car seats or big enough to climb into car seats by themselves, you could make it work.
The first week is usually the toughest, so plan accordingly. I found on Bicillin and Rocephin that the fatigue eased up after that. On Rocephin, I can't say I started feeling better until about week 6 or 7. Some are faster, some take longer. You might feel worse at first too, or you might just slowly start to feel better. The blogging LLMD has decribed patients who felt nothing for the first 3 months, then started feeling better.
Don't latch on to much to someone else's story. You will have your own story. But it's good to know what the possibilities are. I'm glad you're considering the big guns. It's a scary step, but I hope for you that it's a good one.
Wow! Thanks a lot for the details.
I would obviously want to do them myself. So hopefully that IS an option. I doubt my insurance will pay for a nurse anyhow but even if not I have nurses in the family that might do it, if that works. My LLMDs office seems to be small from what I have seen of it. I am not sure if an infusion would be done there or not but it is quite a drive and not a straight shot (hard to get to and from).
Sorry if you mentioned it but how often are the IV infusions, do you know? And how long does it take for an infusion? So nervous, I just want to be prepared. But I am open to all the possibilities.
I would obviously want to do them myself. So hopefully that IS an option. I doubt my insurance will pay for a nurse anyhow but even if not I have nurses in the family that might do it, if that works. My LLMDs office seems to be small from what I have seen of it. I am not sure if an infusion would be done there or not but it is quite a drive and not a straight shot (hard to get to and from).
Sorry if you mentioned it but how often are the IV infusions, do you know? And how long does it take for an infusion? So nervous, I just want to be prepared. But I am open to all the possibilities.
Just a note to say -- I think you're holding up fine -- from what I can tell at the other end of a computer cable. It's appropriate to be concerned about this stuff, but you do it in a reasonable way, not suppressing the concern, but not wallowing in it either. That takes character and maturity! Hang in there -- and keep plowing ahead. You're doing good.
Short version:
1. You get the catheter placed in your arm. Usually just above the elbow.
2. That is usually done at a hospital or an infusion site (which is often, but not always, at a hospital)
3. The placement of the catheter is then checked via a fluoroscope/xray. (Always insist that is done. No short cuts, no matter how experienced the nurse!)
4. Then your first infusion of Rocephin or whatever is done at the hospital usually via an IV drip. This might take from 30 minutes to 1 hour. The longer the better.
5. After it's obvious that no severe reaction to the med will occur (sometimes you're asked to stay about another hour) then you're sent home. It's advised that someone drive you.
6. The next day a Home Health Nurse will come to your home to inspect the insertion site, perhaps change the dressing and give you instructions.
7. Your insertion site will be sore and probably have a reddish appearance around it. That's normal BUT at ANY time if red lines appear radiating out from the site------ call the Home Health Agency right away! That could be a sign of infection (and bad luck). Rarely is there a problem like that.
[When your doctor orders IV that always comes with a Home Health Agency included or (rarely) instructions for a person to appear at the infusion department daily. I don't know who makes the decision to have you do a 'push' or 'drip' infusion. My doctor decided a push was best and I totally agree! It allows for more freedom for the patient. An agency nurse will be assigned to you. She will be visiting you or calling you daily at first in order to check for possible infection and dressing changes. You can 'fire' that nurse if you feel she isn't following sterile technique. I had to do that at least once.
Assuming a ''push" is the method, each week a refrigerated box of 7 large syringes filled with Rocephin (assuming a daily infusion) will be delivered to you. Those need to be kept refrigerated but at least an hour or two before doing the push they need to be taken from the fridge. You then hook that syringe up to the end of your catheter that's protruding from your arm. (Details later) You then 'push' a small amount into your arm SLOWLY (details later), wait a couple minutes then another 'push' until the contents of the large syringe are gone. Should take about 40 minutes. I never rushed that process! Too fast and too much will be dumped near your heart.]
8. The nurse will visit you once a week after the first few days. (She might even be the one bringing the pre-filled syringes.) She will change your dressings, take blood pressure and other 'housekeeping' activities.
So all you have to do is infuse once a day, have the nurse visit you once a week. You can always call the agency if you have a question. Once, in the beginning, I panicked because I couldn't get the med to go in! Because my insertion site was nearer the elbow than ordinary I was crimping my line and blocking the med! They un-confused me over the telephone. LOL
Ephedra, you did mention having a nurse friend help you. Ain't gonna happen. LOL The agency is in charge and they and your doctor and insurance company are in full command of your health. If she wants to help in other ways, that's great.
Oh and the most important thing?
AT ALL TIMES, WITHOUT FAIL, STERILE TECHNIQUE HAS TO BE FOLLOWED
1. You get the catheter placed in your arm. Usually just above the elbow.
2. That is usually done at a hospital or an infusion site (which is often, but not always, at a hospital)
3. The placement of the catheter is then checked via a fluoroscope/xray. (Always insist that is done. No short cuts, no matter how experienced the nurse!)
4. Then your first infusion of Rocephin or whatever is done at the hospital usually via an IV drip. This might take from 30 minutes to 1 hour. The longer the better.
5. After it's obvious that no severe reaction to the med will occur (sometimes you're asked to stay about another hour) then you're sent home. It's advised that someone drive you.
6. The next day a Home Health Nurse will come to your home to inspect the insertion site, perhaps change the dressing and give you instructions.
7. Your insertion site will be sore and probably have a reddish appearance around it. That's normal BUT at ANY time if red lines appear radiating out from the site------ call the Home Health Agency right away! That could be a sign of infection (and bad luck). Rarely is there a problem like that.
[When your doctor orders IV that always comes with a Home Health Agency included or (rarely) instructions for a person to appear at the infusion department daily. I don't know who makes the decision to have you do a 'push' or 'drip' infusion. My doctor decided a push was best and I totally agree! It allows for more freedom for the patient. An agency nurse will be assigned to you. She will be visiting you or calling you daily at first in order to check for possible infection and dressing changes. You can 'fire' that nurse if you feel she isn't following sterile technique. I had to do that at least once.
Assuming a ''push" is the method, each week a refrigerated box of 7 large syringes filled with Rocephin (assuming a daily infusion) will be delivered to you. Those need to be kept refrigerated but at least an hour or two before doing the push they need to be taken from the fridge. You then hook that syringe up to the end of your catheter that's protruding from your arm. (Details later) You then 'push' a small amount into your arm SLOWLY (details later), wait a couple minutes then another 'push' until the contents of the large syringe are gone. Should take about 40 minutes. I never rushed that process! Too fast and too much will be dumped near your heart.]
8. The nurse will visit you once a week after the first few days. (She might even be the one bringing the pre-filled syringes.) She will change your dressings, take blood pressure and other 'housekeeping' activities.
So all you have to do is infuse once a day, have the nurse visit you once a week. You can always call the agency if you have a question. Once, in the beginning, I panicked because I couldn't get the med to go in! Because my insertion site was nearer the elbow than ordinary I was crimping my line and blocking the med! They un-confused me over the telephone. LOL
Ephedra, you did mention having a nurse friend help you. Ain't gonna happen. LOL The agency is in charge and they and your doctor and insurance company are in full command of your health. If she wants to help in other ways, that's great.
Oh and the most important thing?
AT ALL TIMES, WITHOUT FAIL, STERILE TECHNIQUE HAS TO BE FOLLOWED
I do the Rocephin shots 4 days in a row, then take 3 days off. It's a little over 5ml, which is a lot of volume. Most of the time, it requires two injections. It's a caustic medication, so it's mixed with lidocain for a shot. Sometimes, by the 4th day in a week, it's hard to find a good spot. I'm always relieved to have 3 days off, but by the next week, I can tell I need the next dose.
It's definitely a trade off for a PICC line, and from what I understand, most people prefer the PICC line. I think the Bicillin shots were easier to tolerate, but I think the Rocephin is working well for me now, so I'm going to stick with it.
When I did Bicillin shots I didn't feel I could give them to myself. The needle was longer than the one for Rocephin. (The Bicillin is done as a "deep IM" injection.) A nurse friend of mine would come over and do them for me when my husband was out of town. She had done IM injections in the past and was good at it. A handful of times, I went to my doctor's office where a nurse did it. (None of them were very good at it. I had to explain to them to go slow, etc.) I can do the Rocephin shots myself, but it's awkward and no fun.
The shots are not a time saver as I have to ice up first, then more ice for a few minutes after, then a hot pack for a while to restore circulation to help absorb the medication and avoid soreness.
Plus, I have to prep the Rocephin injection, which takes about 10 minutes. I had to get trained on that at my doc's office. It's a little tedious, but certainly do-able. (The Bicillin was easier. I got prefilled syringes that were stored in the fridge and we only had to warm them up.)
There are a couple other options... the chest port (not very popular) and another kind of line in the arm that stays under the skin so there's no line hanging out. That one has to be swapped out every week, so it has its downside, too.
The great part about all of this intimidating medical-ese is that most people feel better on IV meds or shots. Sometimes, a patient who can't tolerate them early in treatment, can successfully take them later after orals have knocked down the infection somewhat. You and your doctor work together to figure out what's best for you.
I asked for IV meds early on as I knew I'd need them given my hefty neuro symptoms. I'm really glad I'm on them again now, as orals had stopped working.
It's definitely a trade off for a PICC line, and from what I understand, most people prefer the PICC line. I think the Bicillin shots were easier to tolerate, but I think the Rocephin is working well for me now, so I'm going to stick with it.
When I did Bicillin shots I didn't feel I could give them to myself. The needle was longer than the one for Rocephin. (The Bicillin is done as a "deep IM" injection.) A nurse friend of mine would come over and do them for me when my husband was out of town. She had done IM injections in the past and was good at it. A handful of times, I went to my doctor's office where a nurse did it. (None of them were very good at it. I had to explain to them to go slow, etc.) I can do the Rocephin shots myself, but it's awkward and no fun.
The shots are not a time saver as I have to ice up first, then more ice for a few minutes after, then a hot pack for a while to restore circulation to help absorb the medication and avoid soreness.
Plus, I have to prep the Rocephin injection, which takes about 10 minutes. I had to get trained on that at my doc's office. It's a little tedious, but certainly do-able. (The Bicillin was easier. I got prefilled syringes that were stored in the fridge and we only had to warm them up.)
There are a couple other options... the chest port (not very popular) and another kind of line in the arm that stays under the skin so there's no line hanging out. That one has to be swapped out every week, so it has its downside, too.
The great part about all of this intimidating medical-ese is that most people feel better on IV meds or shots. Sometimes, a patient who can't tolerate them early in treatment, can successfully take them later after orals have knocked down the infection somewhat. You and your doctor work together to figure out what's best for you.
I asked for IV meds early on as I knew I'd need them given my hefty neuro symptoms. I'm really glad I'm on them again now, as orals had stopped working.
Thanks Jackie! I am a little apprehensive but I try to not be too apprehensive. I need to be prepared as I am fully aware that my thought process is not very good and quick. I don't want to be faced with a split second decision and make the wrong choice. And I don't want to sound like a delirious fool either by asking the doctor idiotic questions. LOL!
Thanks a lot cave! What if I pay for this and no insurance company will be involved? Not going to want to be bothered by some nurse. I look horrible and probably feel worse than I look, which is bad. When I don't feel well, I just want to be left alone. So I am hoping I have that option. I can do all of that stuff myself.
Much thanks Ricobord! What kind of Rocephin shots do you get? You mentioned not having a PICC. Certainly not going to want a catheter hanging from my arm. Don't want anyone to know I am sick. I don't want to be questioned and babied or bothered, I know some people do but I am not one of them.
Thanks a lot cave! What if I pay for this and no insurance company will be involved? Not going to want to be bothered by some nurse. I look horrible and probably feel worse than I look, which is bad. When I don't feel well, I just want to be left alone. So I am hoping I have that option. I can do all of that stuff myself.
Much thanks Ricobord! What kind of Rocephin shots do you get? You mentioned not having a PICC. Certainly not going to want a catheter hanging from my arm. Don't want anyone to know I am sick. I don't want to be questioned and babied or bothered, I know some people do but I am not one of them.
"What if I pay for this and no insurance company will be involved?"
Whoa!!! LOL If you're serious, I can list a dozens hurdles for that path.
I just wrote some out, but deleted them after I thought perhaps you're just joking.
Whoa!!! LOL If you're serious, I can list a dozens hurdles for that path.
I just wrote some out, but deleted them after I thought perhaps you're just joking.
No I am not joking!! LOL! I am not going to be treated like an invalid by some nurse! Not going to put anyone in charge of MY health. And I think I may have that option. If anything would happen, infection or whatever the blame would be on them. And they don't care anyhow! It's their job and they're getting paid, so why would they care if I got some sort of massive infection and died?? Not likely to happen, but just saying.
I have really got to quit putting so much personality into my post!!!
Thanks for your comments everyone!! It helps a lot!
Thanks for your comments everyone!! It helps a lot!
If your insurance will pay for any of it, you'll definitely want that. The cost adds up fast. You'd could easily incur a couple thousand a month. If you're looking at a year or more of treatment, the numbers get scary. There are a lot of people out there emptying retirement accounts, selling stuff, etc. to pay for Lyme treatment. You don't need to refuse coverage just for control over treatment. You just need to find the right providers who'll work with you.
There are a lot of people out there who do their own infusions, but only after they've been trained on how to do it properly. I'm a 'do-it-yourself' type also so I can relate, but it's still important to know what you're doing so you don't unnecessarily risk your own health.
My shots are an intra muscular injection in the rear. It starts out with a sting and ends feeling like a charlie horse. I usually have to split it in two locations. Some barely hurt at all and some are intolerable. It seems like it's random, but it's probably based on how close to a nerve or blood vessel I get. I usually feel like I have a couple marbles under the skin on each side in addition to various size bruises. It's not pretty.
I'm not sore as long as I use the hot pack afterwards. But I still prefer it to a line hanging out of my arm. I can actually do the shot myself, although it's awkward and I don't like to. It's not for the faint of heart. (Sorry if I'm repeating myself here...)
But even if you get the PICC line, the line is taped down to your upper arm. With sleeves on, it's unlikely others will notice, especially in winter with sweaters and jackets.
Just plan on not doing much of anything the first week. At the very least, you'll feel more fatigued than usual. And it's very important that you do ask the doctor all your questions. They're not idiotic when you have no experience with IV meds. Few people do, so they expect you to have lots of questions.
I've never had a nurse treat me like an invalid, so hopefully you won't experience that. I have experienced the opposite, with many of them not appreciating how sick I really was. It's a common story with late stage Lyme that the patients feel worse than they look.
The whole thing is less complicated than I worried it was. Once you get the hang of the process, it becomes routine.
There are a lot of people out there who do their own infusions, but only after they've been trained on how to do it properly. I'm a 'do-it-yourself' type also so I can relate, but it's still important to know what you're doing so you don't unnecessarily risk your own health.
My shots are an intra muscular injection in the rear. It starts out with a sting and ends feeling like a charlie horse. I usually have to split it in two locations. Some barely hurt at all and some are intolerable. It seems like it's random, but it's probably based on how close to a nerve or blood vessel I get. I usually feel like I have a couple marbles under the skin on each side in addition to various size bruises. It's not pretty.
I'm not sore as long as I use the hot pack afterwards. But I still prefer it to a line hanging out of my arm. I can actually do the shot myself, although it's awkward and I don't like to. It's not for the faint of heart. (Sorry if I'm repeating myself here...)
But even if you get the PICC line, the line is taped down to your upper arm. With sleeves on, it's unlikely others will notice, especially in winter with sweaters and jackets.
Just plan on not doing much of anything the first week. At the very least, you'll feel more fatigued than usual. And it's very important that you do ask the doctor all your questions. They're not idiotic when you have no experience with IV meds. Few people do, so they expect you to have lots of questions.
I've never had a nurse treat me like an invalid, so hopefully you won't experience that. I have experienced the opposite, with many of them not appreciating how sick I really was. It's a common story with late stage Lyme that the patients feel worse than they look.
The whole thing is less complicated than I worried it was. Once you get the hang of the process, it becomes routine.
"I have really got to quit putting so much personality into my post!!!"
I find them enlightening.
I find them enlightening.
Haha cave. I'm glad you do :)
I wouldn't know where to look for providers that would go beyond a months worth of IV abx. I would be considered to have a preexisting condition, so I am sure the rates would be through the roof.
"a couple thousand a month" are you serious Ricobord? I was under the impression that it was $600 a month, which is not impossible. A couple thousand a month, not able to happen. Could it vary by state? I still couldn't imagine it being that much of a difference.
I'm glad I may have the option of doing it myself if it comes down to it. I am not sure who picks the time for some nurse to come out. Do they pick the time or am I the one? Or do they just stop by whenever? I sleep a lot, unfortunately. Don't feel well as you can imagine, and my circadian rhythm is way off.
Not a big fan of sleeves, which is why I was concerned about the visibility.
I'd sort of rather have a chest port than a PICC hanging out of my arm. But I'd imagine that it would be harder to do myself due to the location.
Thanks a lot Ricobord!
I wouldn't know where to look for providers that would go beyond a months worth of IV abx. I would be considered to have a preexisting condition, so I am sure the rates would be through the roof.
"a couple thousand a month" are you serious Ricobord? I was under the impression that it was $600 a month, which is not impossible. A couple thousand a month, not able to happen. Could it vary by state? I still couldn't imagine it being that much of a difference.
I'm glad I may have the option of doing it myself if it comes down to it. I am not sure who picks the time for some nurse to come out. Do they pick the time or am I the one? Or do they just stop by whenever? I sleep a lot, unfortunately. Don't feel well as you can imagine, and my circadian rhythm is way off.
Not a big fan of sleeves, which is why I was concerned about the visibility.
I'd sort of rather have a chest port than a PICC hanging out of my arm. But I'd imagine that it would be harder to do myself due to the location.
Thanks a lot Ricobord!
"I'm glad I may have the option of doing it myself if it comes down to it. "
I hope Ricobord will clear up any confusion you have about PICC lines.
I hope Ricobord will clear up any confusion you have about PICC lines.
Did I not already thank you too for your help, cave? You and Ricobord are both are very helpful!! But unfortunately I cannot choose two best answers.
I'll just have to wait and see how things are done around here as far as the ability to do it myself or not. But I think I got the main idea. Anything else you want to add would be great!
Thanks again!
I'll just have to wait and see how things are done around here as far as the ability to do it myself or not. But I think I got the main idea. Anything else you want to add would be great!
Thanks again!
Oh, yes you did thank me! I appreciate all thanks.
And thank you for thanking me. (grin)
And thank you for thanking me. (grin)
I believe the shots are cheaper than the IV, but I'm not positive. If you're going out of pocket after a month, then you have to find the best cost supplier. But then maybe your insurance company will surprise you and pay for extended treatment! Some actually do.
Many pharmacies will charge the full retail price, which is usually more than insurance companies pay. For example, the pharmacy that supplied my Bicillin charged over $650/mo for 10 shots, but my insurance company authorized only about half that. I had to pay 20% of that, a bargain for me at about 70 bucks a month. If I was paying out of pocket, I'd have had to pay the full $650.
My Rocephin is more than that (20+/mo, Lidocain, and the syringes and needles to buy). Insurance companies vary greatly in their coverage, as do pharmacies in their pricing. (Mail order pharmacies can be surprisingly better at pricing than some others.)
I have heard of people going with Bicillin over Rocephin because of cost, but ultimately, it comes down to which one works for you.
I've shared everything I know about PICC lines based on all the questions I asked before making a decision for shots. For actual experience, Cave76 and others who've been through it are a much better source.
I encourage you not to be afraid of trying IV meds. For many people (not all) with entrenched Lyme infections, it's how they get their best results.
Happy Holidays!
Many pharmacies will charge the full retail price, which is usually more than insurance companies pay. For example, the pharmacy that supplied my Bicillin charged over $650/mo for 10 shots, but my insurance company authorized only about half that. I had to pay 20% of that, a bargain for me at about 70 bucks a month. If I was paying out of pocket, I'd have had to pay the full $650.
My Rocephin is more than that (20+/mo, Lidocain, and the syringes and needles to buy). Insurance companies vary greatly in their coverage, as do pharmacies in their pricing. (Mail order pharmacies can be surprisingly better at pricing than some others.)
I have heard of people going with Bicillin over Rocephin because of cost, but ultimately, it comes down to which one works for you.
I've shared everything I know about PICC lines based on all the questions I asked before making a decision for shots. For actual experience, Cave76 and others who've been through it are a much better source.
I encourage you not to be afraid of trying IV meds. For many people (not all) with entrenched Lyme infections, it's how they get their best results.
Happy Holidays!
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