Stopping my IV

[JazzysMom]

I had another check up with my Dr. today & she wanted me to continue my IV at least through the weekend. At my last visit she said no more than 2 weeks which would be this visit. I was so looking forward to being "free" of my PICC & she blasted me with this. All I did was cry & say "its your call". If you think its necessary, but she asked why I was crying I told her I had enough. I was admitted in 3/05 for 2 weeks went home on IV for 3 weeks was off IV for about 11 days went back into the hospital for 3 weeks & have been home on IV since which is now 4 weeks. My chest xray & bloodwork show infections are ok, but my PFT is still in the toilet; however the PFT is slowly getting better as we try alternatives in my treatments etc to open up the airways. I have been through weeks of hot/humid weather already. I am tired of not being able to swim or take a shower/bath easily. I was looking at the overall picture not just the physical part. My doctor is usually very good about addressing the emotional part. Anyway we agreed that the PICC gets pulled tomorrow & I have to do 4 treatments a day until my next visit in July. She is just worried that my airways will close up again & all the hard work to get things back will be a waste. I understand her concern. I just have had enough. Thanks for listening especially since I will be "free"!

 

[HollyCatheryn]

I'm glad you will be "free" soon. I know IVs are a huge drag, even when done at home. I would just encourage you to get really (overly, even) practive about finding alternatives. Antibiotics are great, but they can do a lot of damage to your body as well. Have you tried anything out of the mainstream, yet? Now sounds like a really good time. Look around for alternative practices that can help your lung function, force yourself to get active. You can swim laps or do water-aerobics and it's great during the summer because you're keeping cool while you do it. Actitivy (deliberate exertion) has always been the thing that helps my lung function the most. You can even jump on a little in-door trampoline or do jumping jacks or dance or sing (like choir singing). All of those things exercise your lungs. Hang in there and keep us posted.

 

[shamrock]

Hey Jazzysmom, good to see you'll soon be free. I can relate to you on the constant ivs thing. Im 17 and this year has been my crappist so far. I feel your utter frustration at the ivs, feeling sometimes that you're not even in control and just the general hassle of it all. Im home a week from hospital after been in there for 5 weeks (and that was 2weeks after a 3week course!) Now next monday I have to go back for a week of ivs because Im going abroad on holiday for two weeks and want to be at my best.
Like you, I feel good now but my pfts are useless!! It helps to vent, and you can be sure that on this site somebody will be able to share your feelings.<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[anonymous]

I hear what your doctor is saying, but at the same time the body needs to be free on continuous antibiotics, otherwise - I think- the body becomes more dependant on them. I agree with HollyCatheryn that doing exercise and other things to help keep your airways clear and open is good practice. I get down in the dumps too when I am on IV's, I have come to the conclusion that sometimes the medication itself is a depressant. And something as simple as a shower, without having to keep your arm dry, can make a person feel so good. I have been struggling for six months with lung infections after having chest surgery and am trying to improve my pfts, it's tough.

Hope things go well, keep active.

Sarah
28w/cf