tune ups??

Sakem

New member
Jessica,

I know nothing of your other posts, so I am just responding to this one. It is appropriate to question what the doctors want to do, yes they are the smart educated ones, but they are not always right, and there is usually no one right way of doing things. That being said, there has to be something to why they think she needs IVs. I would have said personally she should of had IVs the first time, she cultured PA. Our clinic feels and research shows that if u r very aggressive w/ PA the first time, u can erradicate it longer. Still there are docs out there that just use Cipro and tobi, and it works, but I would just want to be aggressive as I could with my childs lungs to keep PA away as long as I could.

PFTs in the 80s at 5 are fine.....cause at that age, one day she could blow 80 and the next day 100. It is almost impossible to get an accurate test at that age, I think for us, it was closer to almost7, maybe 6.

Has she ever had a CT scan of her lungs or a broncoscopy? Prehaps this is something to ask your doc about doing before IVs. This will give u a baseline for comparrison, plus just because she is not culturing anything, does not mean there is not something hiding out down in her lungs

Hope things work out the best for your daughter. Yes hospitializations are hard, but not the end all. Do not get all hung up on people that did not have IVs til 16 or older or the fact that older people have higher PFTs. None of these can predict your daughters health, only you, her, her docs, compliance, and luck can do this
 

Sakem

New member
Jessica,

I know nothing of your other posts, so I am just responding to this one. It is appropriate to question what the doctors want to do, yes they are the smart educated ones, but they are not always right, and there is usually no one right way of doing things. That being said, there has to be something to why they think she needs IVs. I would have said personally she should of had IVs the first time, she cultured PA. Our clinic feels and research shows that if u r very aggressive w/ PA the first time, u can erradicate it longer. Still there are docs out there that just use Cipro and tobi, and it works, but I would just want to be aggressive as I could with my childs lungs to keep PA away as long as I could.

PFTs in the 80s at 5 are fine.....cause at that age, one day she could blow 80 and the next day 100. It is almost impossible to get an accurate test at that age, I think for us, it was closer to almost7, maybe 6.

Has she ever had a CT scan of her lungs or a broncoscopy? Prehaps this is something to ask your doc about doing before IVs. This will give u a baseline for comparrison, plus just because she is not culturing anything, does not mean there is not something hiding out down in her lungs

Hope things work out the best for your daughter. Yes hospitializations are hard, but not the end all. Do not get all hung up on people that did not have IVs til 16 or older or the fact that older people have higher PFTs. None of these can predict your daughters health, only you, her, her docs, compliance, and luck can do this
 

chrissyd

New member
I think Jada made very good points. If you don't think she needs a tune up then you should probably start giving her her medication when you supposed to and not just when she "fits" the CF discription.

The origonal questions were:
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>my question is why did you have to have your first tune up? how old were you? and can they be avoided??? </end quote></div>

I was diagnosed at 21. My first tune up was right afetr my 30th birthday, I fought them on it. For over a year...I said things like "I'm not sick enough to need one"
Finally I was so run down I took my Dr.s advice and went in. I felt (and still do) like a dope. How could I not listen to a CF SPECIALIST? How was it that I convinced myself that I know better than she did? How idiotic, she must have thought I was...that lung function I lost I may *never* get back.

It can be avoided. But my advice, from someone who has been there...Don't. By avoiding my dr's urgings to go in for a tune up I hurt myself more than I realized.

<img src="i/expressions/rose.gif" border="0">
Chrissy
30 with CF and a mom too...

PS~ Please don't mix up being a jerk with someone trying to help you. We are all in this together, thats why we are on this site. Not all of us give advice the same...some are blunt, others sugar coat, ect...
This would not be a forum I'd visit everyday if everyone on it was identical. I like hearing from others with a different POV and expiriences...
 

chrissyd

New member
I think Jada made very good points. If you don't think she needs a tune up then you should probably start giving her her medication when you supposed to and not just when she "fits" the CF discription.

The origonal questions were:
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>my question is why did you have to have your first tune up? how old were you? and can they be avoided??? </end quote></div>

I was diagnosed at 21. My first tune up was right afetr my 30th birthday, I fought them on it. For over a year...I said things like "I'm not sick enough to need one"
Finally I was so run down I took my Dr.s advice and went in. I felt (and still do) like a dope. How could I not listen to a CF SPECIALIST? How was it that I convinced myself that I know better than she did? How idiotic, she must have thought I was...that lung function I lost I may *never* get back.

It can be avoided. But my advice, from someone who has been there...Don't. By avoiding my dr's urgings to go in for a tune up I hurt myself more than I realized.

<img src="i/expressions/rose.gif" border="0">
Chrissy
30 with CF and a mom too...

PS~ Please don't mix up being a jerk with someone trying to help you. We are all in this together, thats why we are on this site. Not all of us give advice the same...some are blunt, others sugar coat, ect...
This would not be a forum I'd visit everyday if everyone on it was identical. I like hearing from others with a different POV and expiriences...
 

chrissyd

New member
I think Jada made very good points. If you don't think she needs a tune up then you should probably start giving her her medication when you supposed to and not just when she "fits" the CF discription.

The origonal questions were:
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>my question is why did you have to have your first tune up? how old were you? and can they be avoided??? </end quote></div>

I was diagnosed at 21. My first tune up was right afetr my 30th birthday, I fought them on it. For over a year...I said things like "I'm not sick enough to need one"
Finally I was so run down I took my Dr.s advice and went in. I felt (and still do) like a dope. How could I not listen to a CF SPECIALIST? How was it that I convinced myself that I know better than she did? How idiotic, she must have thought I was...that lung function I lost I may *never* get back.

It can be avoided. But my advice, from someone who has been there...Don't. By avoiding my dr's urgings to go in for a tune up I hurt myself more than I realized.

<img src="i/expressions/rose.gif" border="0">
Chrissy
30 with CF and a mom too...

PS~ Please don't mix up being a jerk with someone trying to help you. We are all in this together, thats why we are on this site. Not all of us give advice the same...some are blunt, others sugar coat, ect...
This would not be a forum I'd visit everyday if everyone on it was identical. I like hearing from others with a different POV and expiriences...
 

chrissyd

New member
I think Jada made very good points. If you don't think she needs a tune up then you should probably start giving her her medication when you supposed to and not just when she "fits" the CF discription.

The origonal questions were:
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>my question is why did you have to have your first tune up? how old were you? and can they be avoided??? </end quote></div>

I was diagnosed at 21. My first tune up was right afetr my 30th birthday, I fought them on it. For over a year...I said things like "I'm not sick enough to need one"
Finally I was so run down I took my Dr.s advice and went in. I felt (and still do) like a dope. How could I not listen to a CF SPECIALIST? How was it that I convinced myself that I know better than she did? How idiotic, she must have thought I was...that lung function I lost I may *never* get back.

It can be avoided. But my advice, from someone who has been there...Don't. By avoiding my dr's urgings to go in for a tune up I hurt myself more than I realized.

<img src="i/expressions/rose.gif" border="0">
Chrissy
30 with CF and a mom too...

PS~ Please don't mix up being a jerk with someone trying to help you. We are all in this together, thats why we are on this site. Not all of us give advice the same...some are blunt, others sugar coat, ect...
This would not be a forum I'd visit everyday if everyone on it was identical. I like hearing from others with a different POV and expiriences...
 

chrissyd

New member
I think Jada made very good points. If you don't think she needs a tune up then you should probably start giving her her medication when you supposed to and not just when she "fits" the CF discription.

The origonal questions were:
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>my question is why did you have to have your first tune up? how old were you? and can they be avoided??? </end quote>

I was diagnosed at 21. My first tune up was right afetr my 30th birthday, I fought them on it. For over a year...I said things like "I'm not sick enough to need one"
Finally I was so run down I took my Dr.s advice and went in. I felt (and still do) like a dope. How could I not listen to a CF SPECIALIST? How was it that I convinced myself that I know better than she did? How idiotic, she must have thought I was...that lung function I lost I may *never* get back.

It can be avoided. But my advice, from someone who has been there...Don't. By avoiding my dr's urgings to go in for a tune up I hurt myself more than I realized.

<img src="i/expressions/rose.gif" border="0">
Chrissy
30 with CF and a mom too...

PS~ Please don't mix up being a jerk with someone trying to help you. We are all in this together, thats why we are on this site. Not all of us give advice the same...some are blunt, others sugar coat, ect...
This would not be a forum I'd visit everyday if everyone on it was identical. I like hearing from others with a different POV and expiriences...
 

chrissyd

New member
I think Jada made very good points. If you don't think she needs a tune up then you should probably start giving her her medication when you supposed to and not just when she "fits" the CF discription.

The origonal questions were:
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>my question is why did you have to have your first tune up? how old were you? and can they be avoided??? </end quote>

I was diagnosed at 21. My first tune up was right afetr my 30th birthday, I fought them on it. For over a year...I said things like "I'm not sick enough to need one"
Finally I was so run down I took my Dr.s advice and went in. I felt (and still do) like a dope. How could I not listen to a CF SPECIALIST? How was it that I convinced myself that I know better than she did? How idiotic, she must have thought I was...that lung function I lost I may *never* get back.

It can be avoided. But my advice, from someone who has been there...Don't. By avoiding my dr's urgings to go in for a tune up I hurt myself more than I realized.

<img src="i/expressions/rose.gif" border="0">
Chrissy
30 with CF and a mom too...

PS~ Please don't mix up being a jerk with someone trying to help you. We are all in this together, thats why we are on this site. Not all of us give advice the same...some are blunt, others sugar coat, ect...
This would not be a forum I'd visit everyday if everyone on it was identical. I like hearing from others with a different POV and expiriences...
 

jdprecious

New member
i seriously doubt that jada was trying to "help" me by calling me a whiner and a liar! you can have a difference of opinion all day long and still relay that message in a respectful tone. her feelings probably run a little deeper since we visit the same clinic, that i can understand but that sure as hell doesnt mean that i have to have the same feelings. what is good for her and her kid may not work for me and mine. that is why i am here for different answers but certainly not to be called names. i am open to any response that is respectful.

and aside from all of that, OUR DOCTOR called us this morning and wants to see us back at next clinic. Thank Jesus for that. I do not know if i could have waited out the whole month to see if he agrees with the other doc about the tune up. So, that is a huge relief for me. Whether she gets it or not is certainly up to him but I would "prefer" to exhaust every at home effort first before I throw her in a hospital to have IV's shoved up her arms for 14 days.

and ps. not to make it ok, but part of the reason i want to keep her away from the hospital is bc my dad died of pulmonary fibrosis in sept 2004, 4 monhts before she was dx'd. He went in for a simple lung biopsy and got a damned hospital infection and never came home. 48 yrs old. I dont want a repeat and to say that it isnt a valid concern is ludicrous. Ive lived thru it once. I really dont want to have to experience that again if i can at all help it. So before some of you judge just remember you havent walked a mile in my shoes.
 

jdprecious

New member
i seriously doubt that jada was trying to "help" me by calling me a whiner and a liar! you can have a difference of opinion all day long and still relay that message in a respectful tone. her feelings probably run a little deeper since we visit the same clinic, that i can understand but that sure as hell doesnt mean that i have to have the same feelings. what is good for her and her kid may not work for me and mine. that is why i am here for different answers but certainly not to be called names. i am open to any response that is respectful.

and aside from all of that, OUR DOCTOR called us this morning and wants to see us back at next clinic. Thank Jesus for that. I do not know if i could have waited out the whole month to see if he agrees with the other doc about the tune up. So, that is a huge relief for me. Whether she gets it or not is certainly up to him but I would "prefer" to exhaust every at home effort first before I throw her in a hospital to have IV's shoved up her arms for 14 days.

and ps. not to make it ok, but part of the reason i want to keep her away from the hospital is bc my dad died of pulmonary fibrosis in sept 2004, 4 monhts before she was dx'd. He went in for a simple lung biopsy and got a damned hospital infection and never came home. 48 yrs old. I dont want a repeat and to say that it isnt a valid concern is ludicrous. Ive lived thru it once. I really dont want to have to experience that again if i can at all help it. So before some of you judge just remember you havent walked a mile in my shoes.
 

jdprecious

New member
i seriously doubt that jada was trying to "help" me by calling me a whiner and a liar! you can have a difference of opinion all day long and still relay that message in a respectful tone. her feelings probably run a little deeper since we visit the same clinic, that i can understand but that sure as hell doesnt mean that i have to have the same feelings. what is good for her and her kid may not work for me and mine. that is why i am here for different answers but certainly not to be called names. i am open to any response that is respectful.

and aside from all of that, OUR DOCTOR called us this morning and wants to see us back at next clinic. Thank Jesus for that. I do not know if i could have waited out the whole month to see if he agrees with the other doc about the tune up. So, that is a huge relief for me. Whether she gets it or not is certainly up to him but I would "prefer" to exhaust every at home effort first before I throw her in a hospital to have IV's shoved up her arms for 14 days.

and ps. not to make it ok, but part of the reason i want to keep her away from the hospital is bc my dad died of pulmonary fibrosis in sept 2004, 4 monhts before she was dx'd. He went in for a simple lung biopsy and got a damned hospital infection and never came home. 48 yrs old. I dont want a repeat and to say that it isnt a valid concern is ludicrous. Ive lived thru it once. I really dont want to have to experience that again if i can at all help it. So before some of you judge just remember you havent walked a mile in my shoes.
 

jdprecious

New member
i seriously doubt that jada was trying to "help" me by calling me a whiner and a liar! you can have a difference of opinion all day long and still relay that message in a respectful tone. her feelings probably run a little deeper since we visit the same clinic, that i can understand but that sure as hell doesnt mean that i have to have the same feelings. what is good for her and her kid may not work for me and mine. that is why i am here for different answers but certainly not to be called names. i am open to any response that is respectful.

and aside from all of that, OUR DOCTOR called us this morning and wants to see us back at next clinic. Thank Jesus for that. I do not know if i could have waited out the whole month to see if he agrees with the other doc about the tune up. So, that is a huge relief for me. Whether she gets it or not is certainly up to him but I would "prefer" to exhaust every at home effort first before I throw her in a hospital to have IV's shoved up her arms for 14 days.

and ps. not to make it ok, but part of the reason i want to keep her away from the hospital is bc my dad died of pulmonary fibrosis in sept 2004, 4 monhts before she was dx'd. He went in for a simple lung biopsy and got a damned hospital infection and never came home. 48 yrs old. I dont want a repeat and to say that it isnt a valid concern is ludicrous. Ive lived thru it once. I really dont want to have to experience that again if i can at all help it. So before some of you judge just remember you havent walked a mile in my shoes.
 

jdprecious

New member
i seriously doubt that jada was trying to "help" me by calling me a whiner and a liar! you can have a difference of opinion all day long and still relay that message in a respectful tone. her feelings probably run a little deeper since we visit the same clinic, that i can understand but that sure as hell doesnt mean that i have to have the same feelings. what is good for her and her kid may not work for me and mine. that is why i am here for different answers but certainly not to be called names. i am open to any response that is respectful.

and aside from all of that, OUR DOCTOR called us this morning and wants to see us back at next clinic. Thank Jesus for that. I do not know if i could have waited out the whole month to see if he agrees with the other doc about the tune up. So, that is a huge relief for me. Whether she gets it or not is certainly up to him but I would "prefer" to exhaust every at home effort first before I throw her in a hospital to have IV's shoved up her arms for 14 days.

and ps. not to make it ok, but part of the reason i want to keep her away from the hospital is bc my dad died of pulmonary fibrosis in sept 2004, 4 monhts before she was dx'd. He went in for a simple lung biopsy and got a damned hospital infection and never came home. 48 yrs old. I dont want a repeat and to say that it isnt a valid concern is ludicrous. Ive lived thru it once. I really dont want to have to experience that again if i can at all help it. So before some of you judge just remember you havent walked a mile in my shoes.
 

jdprecious

New member
i seriously doubt that jada was trying to "help" me by calling me a whiner and a liar! you can have a difference of opinion all day long and still relay that message in a respectful tone. her feelings probably run a little deeper since we visit the same clinic, that i can understand but that sure as hell doesnt mean that i have to have the same feelings. what is good for her and her kid may not work for me and mine. that is why i am here for different answers but certainly not to be called names. i am open to any response that is respectful.

and aside from all of that, OUR DOCTOR called us this morning and wants to see us back at next clinic. Thank Jesus for that. I do not know if i could have waited out the whole month to see if he agrees with the other doc about the tune up. So, that is a huge relief for me. Whether she gets it or not is certainly up to him but I would "prefer" to exhaust every at home effort first before I throw her in a hospital to have IV's shoved up her arms for 14 days.

and ps. not to make it ok, but part of the reason i want to keep her away from the hospital is bc my dad died of pulmonary fibrosis in sept 2004, 4 monhts before she was dx'd. He went in for a simple lung biopsy and got a damned hospital infection and never came home. 48 yrs old. I dont want a repeat and to say that it isnt a valid concern is ludicrous. Ive lived thru it once. I really dont want to have to experience that again if i can at all help it. So before some of you judge just remember you havent walked a mile in my shoes.
 

triples15

Super Moderator
Hi Jessica-

I just wanted to let you know that I think it is perfectly okay and natural to want to see your primary doctor to get his "take" on the situation. I am 26 years old and have seen the same doctor since I was diagnosed as an infant. However, sometimes when I have a scheduling conflict I will see the other doctor in my local CF clinic. I have a great amount of trust and respect for both doctors. In fact, I like both of the doctors very much. However, if it came to an important decision, such as a hospitalization, I would want my primary doctor to help me make it. I think that's perfectly natural. Just as you said about your doctor, my primary doctor knows my ENTIRE medical history. I don't think that waiting to see him will harm anything!

As far as tune-ups go, I totally understand your anxiety and apprehension. I too, was VERY afraid upon my first hospitalization, and really felt like it was beginning of the end. I was 21 (if I remember right) when I had my first tune-up. I had been hospitalized twice previously, in my teens, for pneumonia, but this was my first tune-up. I think that the tune-up push is quite recent, and that is why my first one was only a few years ago. It's my understanding that new research came out showing that more frequent hospitalizations and/or IV antibiotics improves overall lung function. The only thing I can tell you about my two "tune-ups" is that when I went in to the hospital I didn't even realize I felt bad, but when I went home I felt really great, and I realized I must have felt like crap before! They really did make a difference and I felt better. The second time they wanted me to come in for a tune-up, as much as I didn't want to go, I knew it would make me feel better. It definitely was NOT the beginning of the end. I have only been in the hospital 4 times in the past 10 years and am very healthy.

The other thing that has changed in the past few years is the improvement in PICC lines. They are now using a micro-introducer needle that is much smaller than those of the past, and honestly the insertion of the PICC is really minimally painful. For me, it is pretty comparable to a routine lab draw. If they do want to start a PICC I would make sure they are using the kit with the micro-introducer. The first time is always very frightening. Another thing I would suggest is asking which nurse or doctor will be inserting it. I have learned to be quite forward and always ask that either a certain nurse who I am close to, or my primary doctor be the one to start the line. They have always granted my request and I feel a lot more comfortable about the whole situation this way! I would certainly recommend this if there is a certain nurse or doctor Jaelyn feels most comfortable with. While it sounds VERY scary, PICC's are not as scary as they seem. The other good thing about them is that they generally (mine always have) last through the entire course of antibiotics, not like peripheral lines of the past, that have to be re-started...OUCH

Someone else mentioned doing IV's at home as an option. I have done this my last 3 hospital visits. I stayed in the hospital 5 days, and then did home IV's for 9 days, to get 14 days of treatment. Doing IV's at home is also very scary at first, but you catch on pretty quick, and it's really pretty easy. Plus, being a young child, no doubt your daughter would feel much more comfortable in her own home, having her family around, her own bed to sleep in, etc. You can also be very active with a PICC in. I went to class and work with mine in. Jaelyn would be able to do most of her normal activities, while still receiving the antibiotics.

Overall I understand it is a very scary decision to make! Just as you are planning, I would wait and discuss it with her primary doctor. Sorry I have written a novel here. I just wanted to offer anything that may help! I look forward to hearing what you decide. My thoughts are with you.

Autumn, 26 y/o female w/ CF in Lincoln, Nebraska, diagnosed at 3 weeks.
 

triples15

Super Moderator
Hi Jessica-

I just wanted to let you know that I think it is perfectly okay and natural to want to see your primary doctor to get his "take" on the situation. I am 26 years old and have seen the same doctor since I was diagnosed as an infant. However, sometimes when I have a scheduling conflict I will see the other doctor in my local CF clinic. I have a great amount of trust and respect for both doctors. In fact, I like both of the doctors very much. However, if it came to an important decision, such as a hospitalization, I would want my primary doctor to help me make it. I think that's perfectly natural. Just as you said about your doctor, my primary doctor knows my ENTIRE medical history. I don't think that waiting to see him will harm anything!

As far as tune-ups go, I totally understand your anxiety and apprehension. I too, was VERY afraid upon my first hospitalization, and really felt like it was beginning of the end. I was 21 (if I remember right) when I had my first tune-up. I had been hospitalized twice previously, in my teens, for pneumonia, but this was my first tune-up. I think that the tune-up push is quite recent, and that is why my first one was only a few years ago. It's my understanding that new research came out showing that more frequent hospitalizations and/or IV antibiotics improves overall lung function. The only thing I can tell you about my two "tune-ups" is that when I went in to the hospital I didn't even realize I felt bad, but when I went home I felt really great, and I realized I must have felt like crap before! They really did make a difference and I felt better. The second time they wanted me to come in for a tune-up, as much as I didn't want to go, I knew it would make me feel better. It definitely was NOT the beginning of the end. I have only been in the hospital 4 times in the past 10 years and am very healthy.

The other thing that has changed in the past few years is the improvement in PICC lines. They are now using a micro-introducer needle that is much smaller than those of the past, and honestly the insertion of the PICC is really minimally painful. For me, it is pretty comparable to a routine lab draw. If they do want to start a PICC I would make sure they are using the kit with the micro-introducer. The first time is always very frightening. Another thing I would suggest is asking which nurse or doctor will be inserting it. I have learned to be quite forward and always ask that either a certain nurse who I am close to, or my primary doctor be the one to start the line. They have always granted my request and I feel a lot more comfortable about the whole situation this way! I would certainly recommend this if there is a certain nurse or doctor Jaelyn feels most comfortable with. While it sounds VERY scary, PICC's are not as scary as they seem. The other good thing about them is that they generally (mine always have) last through the entire course of antibiotics, not like peripheral lines of the past, that have to be re-started...OUCH

Someone else mentioned doing IV's at home as an option. I have done this my last 3 hospital visits. I stayed in the hospital 5 days, and then did home IV's for 9 days, to get 14 days of treatment. Doing IV's at home is also very scary at first, but you catch on pretty quick, and it's really pretty easy. Plus, being a young child, no doubt your daughter would feel much more comfortable in her own home, having her family around, her own bed to sleep in, etc. You can also be very active with a PICC in. I went to class and work with mine in. Jaelyn would be able to do most of her normal activities, while still receiving the antibiotics.

Overall I understand it is a very scary decision to make! Just as you are planning, I would wait and discuss it with her primary doctor. Sorry I have written a novel here. I just wanted to offer anything that may help! I look forward to hearing what you decide. My thoughts are with you.

Autumn, 26 y/o female w/ CF in Lincoln, Nebraska, diagnosed at 3 weeks.
 

triples15

Super Moderator
Hi Jessica-

I just wanted to let you know that I think it is perfectly okay and natural to want to see your primary doctor to get his "take" on the situation. I am 26 years old and have seen the same doctor since I was diagnosed as an infant. However, sometimes when I have a scheduling conflict I will see the other doctor in my local CF clinic. I have a great amount of trust and respect for both doctors. In fact, I like both of the doctors very much. However, if it came to an important decision, such as a hospitalization, I would want my primary doctor to help me make it. I think that's perfectly natural. Just as you said about your doctor, my primary doctor knows my ENTIRE medical history. I don't think that waiting to see him will harm anything!

As far as tune-ups go, I totally understand your anxiety and apprehension. I too, was VERY afraid upon my first hospitalization, and really felt like it was beginning of the end. I was 21 (if I remember right) when I had my first tune-up. I had been hospitalized twice previously, in my teens, for pneumonia, but this was my first tune-up. I think that the tune-up push is quite recent, and that is why my first one was only a few years ago. It's my understanding that new research came out showing that more frequent hospitalizations and/or IV antibiotics improves overall lung function. The only thing I can tell you about my two "tune-ups" is that when I went in to the hospital I didn't even realize I felt bad, but when I went home I felt really great, and I realized I must have felt like crap before! They really did make a difference and I felt better. The second time they wanted me to come in for a tune-up, as much as I didn't want to go, I knew it would make me feel better. It definitely was NOT the beginning of the end. I have only been in the hospital 4 times in the past 10 years and am very healthy.

The other thing that has changed in the past few years is the improvement in PICC lines. They are now using a micro-introducer needle that is much smaller than those of the past, and honestly the insertion of the PICC is really minimally painful. For me, it is pretty comparable to a routine lab draw. If they do want to start a PICC I would make sure they are using the kit with the micro-introducer. The first time is always very frightening. Another thing I would suggest is asking which nurse or doctor will be inserting it. I have learned to be quite forward and always ask that either a certain nurse who I am close to, or my primary doctor be the one to start the line. They have always granted my request and I feel a lot more comfortable about the whole situation this way! I would certainly recommend this if there is a certain nurse or doctor Jaelyn feels most comfortable with. While it sounds VERY scary, PICC's are not as scary as they seem. The other good thing about them is that they generally (mine always have) last through the entire course of antibiotics, not like peripheral lines of the past, that have to be re-started...OUCH

Someone else mentioned doing IV's at home as an option. I have done this my last 3 hospital visits. I stayed in the hospital 5 days, and then did home IV's for 9 days, to get 14 days of treatment. Doing IV's at home is also very scary at first, but you catch on pretty quick, and it's really pretty easy. Plus, being a young child, no doubt your daughter would feel much more comfortable in her own home, having her family around, her own bed to sleep in, etc. You can also be very active with a PICC in. I went to class and work with mine in. Jaelyn would be able to do most of her normal activities, while still receiving the antibiotics.

Overall I understand it is a very scary decision to make! Just as you are planning, I would wait and discuss it with her primary doctor. Sorry I have written a novel here. I just wanted to offer anything that may help! I look forward to hearing what you decide. My thoughts are with you.

Autumn, 26 y/o female w/ CF in Lincoln, Nebraska, diagnosed at 3 weeks.
 

triples15

Super Moderator
Hi Jessica-

I just wanted to let you know that I think it is perfectly okay and natural to want to see your primary doctor to get his "take" on the situation. I am 26 years old and have seen the same doctor since I was diagnosed as an infant. However, sometimes when I have a scheduling conflict I will see the other doctor in my local CF clinic. I have a great amount of trust and respect for both doctors. In fact, I like both of the doctors very much. However, if it came to an important decision, such as a hospitalization, I would want my primary doctor to help me make it. I think that's perfectly natural. Just as you said about your doctor, my primary doctor knows my ENTIRE medical history. I don't think that waiting to see him will harm anything!

As far as tune-ups go, I totally understand your anxiety and apprehension. I too, was VERY afraid upon my first hospitalization, and really felt like it was beginning of the end. I was 21 (if I remember right) when I had my first tune-up. I had been hospitalized twice previously, in my teens, for pneumonia, but this was my first tune-up. I think that the tune-up push is quite recent, and that is why my first one was only a few years ago. It's my understanding that new research came out showing that more frequent hospitalizations and/or IV antibiotics improves overall lung function. The only thing I can tell you about my two "tune-ups" is that when I went in to the hospital I didn't even realize I felt bad, but when I went home I felt really great, and I realized I must have felt like crap before! They really did make a difference and I felt better. The second time they wanted me to come in for a tune-up, as much as I didn't want to go, I knew it would make me feel better. It definitely was NOT the beginning of the end. I have only been in the hospital 4 times in the past 10 years and am very healthy.

The other thing that has changed in the past few years is the improvement in PICC lines. They are now using a micro-introducer needle that is much smaller than those of the past, and honestly the insertion of the PICC is really minimally painful. For me, it is pretty comparable to a routine lab draw. If they do want to start a PICC I would make sure they are using the kit with the micro-introducer. The first time is always very frightening. Another thing I would suggest is asking which nurse or doctor will be inserting it. I have learned to be quite forward and always ask that either a certain nurse who I am close to, or my primary doctor be the one to start the line. They have always granted my request and I feel a lot more comfortable about the whole situation this way! I would certainly recommend this if there is a certain nurse or doctor Jaelyn feels most comfortable with. While it sounds VERY scary, PICC's are not as scary as they seem. The other good thing about them is that they generally (mine always have) last through the entire course of antibiotics, not like peripheral lines of the past, that have to be re-started...OUCH

Someone else mentioned doing IV's at home as an option. I have done this my last 3 hospital visits. I stayed in the hospital 5 days, and then did home IV's for 9 days, to get 14 days of treatment. Doing IV's at home is also very scary at first, but you catch on pretty quick, and it's really pretty easy. Plus, being a young child, no doubt your daughter would feel much more comfortable in her own home, having her family around, her own bed to sleep in, etc. You can also be very active with a PICC in. I went to class and work with mine in. Jaelyn would be able to do most of her normal activities, while still receiving the antibiotics.

Overall I understand it is a very scary decision to make! Just as you are planning, I would wait and discuss it with her primary doctor. Sorry I have written a novel here. I just wanted to offer anything that may help! I look forward to hearing what you decide. My thoughts are with you.

Autumn, 26 y/o female w/ CF in Lincoln, Nebraska, diagnosed at 3 weeks.
 

triples15

Super Moderator
Hi Jessica-

I just wanted to let you know that I think it is perfectly okay and natural to want to see your primary doctor to get his "take" on the situation. I am 26 years old and have seen the same doctor since I was diagnosed as an infant. However, sometimes when I have a scheduling conflict I will see the other doctor in my local CF clinic. I have a great amount of trust and respect for both doctors. In fact, I like both of the doctors very much. However, if it came to an important decision, such as a hospitalization, I would want my primary doctor to help me make it. I think that's perfectly natural. Just as you said about your doctor, my primary doctor knows my ENTIRE medical history. I don't think that waiting to see him will harm anything!

As far as tune-ups go, I totally understand your anxiety and apprehension. I too, was VERY afraid upon my first hospitalization, and really felt like it was beginning of the end. I was 21 (if I remember right) when I had my first tune-up. I had been hospitalized twice previously, in my teens, for pneumonia, but this was my first tune-up. I think that the tune-up push is quite recent, and that is why my first one was only a few years ago. It's my understanding that new research came out showing that more frequent hospitalizations and/or IV antibiotics improves overall lung function. The only thing I can tell you about my two "tune-ups" is that when I went in to the hospital I didn't even realize I felt bad, but when I went home I felt really great, and I realized I must have felt like crap before! They really did make a difference and I felt better. The second time they wanted me to come in for a tune-up, as much as I didn't want to go, I knew it would make me feel better. It definitely was NOT the beginning of the end. I have only been in the hospital 4 times in the past 10 years and am very healthy.

The other thing that has changed in the past few years is the improvement in PICC lines. They are now using a micro-introducer needle that is much smaller than those of the past, and honestly the insertion of the PICC is really minimally painful. For me, it is pretty comparable to a routine lab draw. If they do want to start a PICC I would make sure they are using the kit with the micro-introducer. The first time is always very frightening. Another thing I would suggest is asking which nurse or doctor will be inserting it. I have learned to be quite forward and always ask that either a certain nurse who I am close to, or my primary doctor be the one to start the line. They have always granted my request and I feel a lot more comfortable about the whole situation this way! I would certainly recommend this if there is a certain nurse or doctor Jaelyn feels most comfortable with. While it sounds VERY scary, PICC's are not as scary as they seem. The other good thing about them is that they generally (mine always have) last through the entire course of antibiotics, not like peripheral lines of the past, that have to be re-started...OUCH

Someone else mentioned doing IV's at home as an option. I have done this my last 3 hospital visits. I stayed in the hospital 5 days, and then did home IV's for 9 days, to get 14 days of treatment. Doing IV's at home is also very scary at first, but you catch on pretty quick, and it's really pretty easy. Plus, being a young child, no doubt your daughter would feel much more comfortable in her own home, having her family around, her own bed to sleep in, etc. You can also be very active with a PICC in. I went to class and work with mine in. Jaelyn would be able to do most of her normal activities, while still receiving the antibiotics.

Overall I understand it is a very scary decision to make! Just as you are planning, I would wait and discuss it with her primary doctor. Sorry I have written a novel here. I just wanted to offer anything that may help! I look forward to hearing what you decide. My thoughts are with you.

Autumn, 26 y/o female w/ CF in Lincoln, Nebraska, diagnosed at 3 weeks.
 

triples15

Super Moderator
Hi Jessica-

I just wanted to let you know that I think it is perfectly okay and natural to want to see your primary doctor to get his "take" on the situation. I am 26 years old and have seen the same doctor since I was diagnosed as an infant. However, sometimes when I have a scheduling conflict I will see the other doctor in my local CF clinic. I have a great amount of trust and respect for both doctors. In fact, I like both of the doctors very much. However, if it came to an important decision, such as a hospitalization, I would want my primary doctor to help me make it. I think that's perfectly natural. Just as you said about your doctor, my primary doctor knows my ENTIRE medical history. I don't think that waiting to see him will harm anything!

As far as tune-ups go, I totally understand your anxiety and apprehension. I too, was VERY afraid upon my first hospitalization, and really felt like it was beginning of the end. I was 21 (if I remember right) when I had my first tune-up. I had been hospitalized twice previously, in my teens, for pneumonia, but this was my first tune-up. I think that the tune-up push is quite recent, and that is why my first one was only a few years ago. It's my understanding that new research came out showing that more frequent hospitalizations and/or IV antibiotics improves overall lung function. The only thing I can tell you about my two "tune-ups" is that when I went in to the hospital I didn't even realize I felt bad, but when I went home I felt really great, and I realized I must have felt like crap before! They really did make a difference and I felt better. The second time they wanted me to come in for a tune-up, as much as I didn't want to go, I knew it would make me feel better. It definitely was NOT the beginning of the end. I have only been in the hospital 4 times in the past 10 years and am very healthy.

The other thing that has changed in the past few years is the improvement in PICC lines. They are now using a micro-introducer needle that is much smaller than those of the past, and honestly the insertion of the PICC is really minimally painful. For me, it is pretty comparable to a routine lab draw. If they do want to start a PICC I would make sure they are using the kit with the micro-introducer. The first time is always very frightening. Another thing I would suggest is asking which nurse or doctor will be inserting it. I have learned to be quite forward and always ask that either a certain nurse who I am close to, or my primary doctor be the one to start the line. They have always granted my request and I feel a lot more comfortable about the whole situation this way! I would certainly recommend this if there is a certain nurse or doctor Jaelyn feels most comfortable with. While it sounds VERY scary, PICC's are not as scary as they seem. The other good thing about them is that they generally (mine always have) last through the entire course of antibiotics, not like peripheral lines of the past, that have to be re-started...OUCH

Someone else mentioned doing IV's at home as an option. I have done this my last 3 hospital visits. I stayed in the hospital 5 days, and then did home IV's for 9 days, to get 14 days of treatment. Doing IV's at home is also very scary at first, but you catch on pretty quick, and it's really pretty easy. Plus, being a young child, no doubt your daughter would feel much more comfortable in her own home, having her family around, her own bed to sleep in, etc. You can also be very active with a PICC in. I went to class and work with mine in. Jaelyn would be able to do most of her normal activities, while still receiving the antibiotics.

Overall I understand it is a very scary decision to make! Just as you are planning, I would wait and discuss it with her primary doctor. Sorry I have written a novel here. I just wanted to offer anything that may help! I look forward to hearing what you decide. My thoughts are with you.

Autumn, 26 y/o female w/ CF in Lincoln, Nebraska, diagnosed at 3 weeks.
 
Top