How, exactly does IV antibiotics work?

[Ephedra]

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!

[Ephedra]

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!

[cave76]

"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.

[Ephedra]

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!

[cave76]

"I have really got to quit putting so much personality into my post!!!"  

I find them enlightening.

[Ricobord]

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.

[Ephedra]

I have really got to quit putting so much personality into my post!!!  

Thanks for your comments everyone!!  It helps a lot!