IV meds at home?
- Thread starter Mehita
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I've had that done at home. I went to the hospital for a PICC line to be put in. Then the VNA (visiting nurses) came by with the IV pump and their pharmacy came with the IV antibiotic.
I was taught how to hook it up so the medicine would be infused and the RN would come every other day to change the dressing around the PICC line.
The VNA did give me a number to call in case there was a machine malfunction or I couldn't flush out my IV line which happened only once.
I liked it because I was at home, I covered up the PICC with an old sock to protect it, and I wasn't in the hospital catching germs, dealing with a roommate, and I wasn't' woken up every hour for blood work or temp and BP.
It's cheaper for the insurance company because they aren't paying for the hospital room, the RN, the MD, blood work, etc.
I hate hospitals and unless it's life or death, I prefer being treated at home as an outpatient. All of the doctors on my medical team know this and are doing everything they can to keep it that way.
I was taught how to hook it up so the medicine would be infused and the RN would come every other day to change the dressing around the PICC line.
The VNA did give me a number to call in case there was a machine malfunction or I couldn't flush out my IV line which happened only once.
I liked it because I was at home, I covered up the PICC with an old sock to protect it, and I wasn't in the hospital catching germs, dealing with a roommate, and I wasn't' woken up every hour for blood work or temp and BP.
It's cheaper for the insurance company because they aren't paying for the hospital room, the RN, the MD, blood work, etc.
I hate hospitals and unless it's life or death, I prefer being treated at home as an outpatient. All of the doctors on my medical team know this and are doing everything they can to keep it that way.
DustyKat
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We haven't done IV meds at home but I know for us in Oz it would be a similar set up that GW describes.
If your lad is stable and you are confident in dealing with the situation then I would say go home. From my experience I can say that most patients recover better at home, not to mention far more restful for mum and child!
'
Good luck!
Dusty. xxx
If your lad is stable and you are confident in dealing with the situation then I would say go home. From my experience I can say that most patients recover better at home, not to mention far more restful for mum and child!
'Good luck!
Dusty. xxx
crohnsinct
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When O had her PICC line the doc said she could do any sport...she said, "even swimming" He said, "oops just not that one" But as it is just PE and if he wouldn't mind I would take a pass on PE...better safe than sorry.
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Any other tips on PICC lines? A friend suggested he wear his arm in a sling at school so kids are more cautious around him. He will only be going half days. What about carrying a backpack? I'm half tempted just to keep him home.
Are they hard to maintain? The more I read, the more nervous I'm getting.
On a good note, he'll wrap up the abx around the time his next Remicade dose is due. One less poke!
Are they hard to maintain? The more I read, the more nervous I'm getting.
On a good note, he'll wrap up the abx around the time his next Remicade dose is due. One less poke!
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I took an old sock and cut out the foot part. Then I place it over the area where the Picc was.
It looked like a sleeve. It's not hard to maintain because you'll have a visiting RN come to the home to change the IV line and check for infections, to make sure the line is open to flush the medication in, and she'll be taking his temp, BP, and check him overall. That way if there are any issues, she can call the MD asap if he needs to be seen.
It looked like a sleeve. It's not hard to maintain because you'll have a visiting RN come to the home to change the IV line and check for infections, to make sure the line is open to flush the medication in, and she'll be taking his temp, BP, and check him overall. That way if there are any issues, she can call the MD asap if he needs to be seen.
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M just got her PICC line removed a week ago. We had it 6 weeks for ton after a hospital stay. We were very sad to see it go. Infusions were so much easier. It was nice to know the access was there if we needed it for nutrients. As for school, totally possible. Course it depends on his med times but homecare gave us a backpack if needed. Everything is sent to your home by homecare. I had to do 3 days of training on the IV prep and line maintenance. In the beginning, nurses will come to make sure you are comfortable. Toward the end, they only came for dressing changes as I did cap changes. I am now quite comfortable and prepared for future use. No repetitive arm motions as it causes painful vein inflammation. Bumping can hurt so just inform people.. She either went early or late in each class to avoid crazy hallways. It totally is overwhelming when you do your classes but you can do it. It's all about clean or sterile. Comes second nature. I could be a PCA or more by now with the PICC line and poop catching
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My son had his for 6 weeks and went to school. He was grade school, so I just sent a note for the PE teacher and he participated as much as possible. Does yours have a 504 in place? He did have to quit his little league team, but went to some games anyway. It was harder on me, keeping up on the schedule, and we had to frequently clear his line, but manageable!
Hi. My daughter and my husband have both had the PICC line w/IV meds twice since this past spring.
At first it was intimidating but it doesn't take long to learn it. I double, triple checked everything I did beforehand and my daughter was a second pair of eyes as well. Our home health provider visited 2-3 times in the beginning and then once a week for dressing changes and blood draws.
She left the house with it and wore the pumps (she was on continuous infusion) in a backpack. It was amazing how quickly she adapted to it.
I can't say that we enjoyed it but I was grateful for how it allowed her to heal at home.
(((hugs)))
At first it was intimidating but it doesn't take long to learn it. I double, triple checked everything I did beforehand and my daughter was a second pair of eyes as well. Our home health provider visited 2-3 times in the beginning and then once a week for dressing changes and blood draws.
She left the house with it and wore the pumps (she was on continuous infusion) in a backpack. It was amazing how quickly she adapted to it.
I can't say that we enjoyed it but I was grateful for how it allowed her to heal at home.
(((hugs)))
Removal was not an issue at all. Having it explained step by step before it happens always helps to ease the anxiety. But honestly after watching my daughter and husband have it removed twice ea I can tell you they were not uncomfortable or in at pain at all.
Is almost time to finish w/IV?
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and toes plus noses
crohnsinct
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Yeah, O's removal was uneventful. I actually do not even remember it.
Exactly, they look the other way, at home, and it's out!
