What to expect, hospital IV antibiotics for lung pseudomonas aeruginosa?

[Stillkickin123]

Hi All, looks like the cipro hasn’t wiped out the p aeruginosa so doc wants to get me in hospital for IV treatment. He said a few days to a week stay? Can anyone please share if they have done this and what to expect? J

[HungryHufflepuff]

I hope it all goes well for you 🤞 Sending you lots of good wishes 🐑

[Delamere]

Hi l was in hospital in January for the same reason. I also was told 7 days but the standard stay fir this is 10 so be prepared it was a shock to me. My main advice is give yourself time to recover when you get home. It takes a long time it took me 6mths to get back to my former wellbeing. Do not loose faith you will get there. I found my physios were my best friends encourageing me and advising me every step of the way from being able to sit up and actually get out of bed to climbing the stairs Good Luck be kind to yourself and take your time

[Stillkickin123 in reply to Delamere]

Wow thanks for sharing your experience. I’m feeling a bit daunted by that length of time but what option do I have? Is the drip 24 hours a day?

[Delamere in reply to Stillkickin123]

Hi no drip only takes about 30 min and l had it twice a day. This is what makes it all so frustrating 10 days in hospital for an hours treatment each day

[Stillkickin123 in reply to Delamere]

I’m trying to imagine I am better so I don’t have to go but my wife won’t have it!

[Delamere in reply to Stillkickin123]

I have the same problem with my husband bless him trouble is you can only fool them for a short while. I think we would find it easier if we knew that hospital visit would be the cure rather than a stop gap. I know that my husband lives in hope that it cure me. If clinicians could just get a grip of these infections life would be much easier

[Hidden]

There are quite a few of us who have IV for pseudo and other bacteria. It is possible to do it at home yourself for those of us who need it several times each year. I have bronchiectasis and the course is 14 days. Slightly less for copd I believe. A few days to a week will do nothing to get the numbers down low enough.You don't say which lung condition you have. Pseudomonas is not a lung condition in itself but gets into those who are vulnerable to it. There is a misconception that it can be eradicated because lab tests come back not showing its presence. Unfortunately it never goes away but lurks in the lungs in numbers too low to be detected by standard lab tests until it begins to breed again. The aim with pseudo is to keep the numbers low enough to be able to live a normal life with it ( which I think that I have told you before).Good luck with the IV. I hope that you are treated by someone who has enough knowledge of lung conditions to give you an effective course.

[Stillkickin123 in reply to Hidden]

I have not been diagnosed with any lung condition but I know I have something undiagnosed because of always had a cough. My mum just told me she has Bronchiectasis so maybe me too? Hopefully specialist in hospital can shine some light. I get the feeling i’ll Be in for a while so i’ll Get some books to read. Great info very helpful thanks.

[Hidden in reply to Stillkickin123]

Bronchiectasis isn't usually dna linked but there is a genetic condition called A1A antitrypsin deficiency which can lead to lung conditions including bronchiectasis because of the lack of the substance which protects the lungs from damage caused by infections and other attacks. It can be diagnosed by a simple blood test and there are centres researching into treatment at several large hospitals.You need a ct scan to diagnose whatever is giving you this cough. If it is bronchiectasis you then need to insist on referral to a bronch specialist. Most general respiratory consultants and nearly all GPs have next to no training in it. Your GP is obviously out of their depth with whatever you have. A good bronch specialist will decide on the form of drug therapy and you will be taught to manage your condition. Good luck with it. Once you have a proper diagnosis there are lots of great people on here who will be happy to support you.

[Stillkickin123 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks that is helpful info. I will be looked after by a respiratory specialist so at least they will likely provide ct and I could get a diagnosis (something or nothing). I think you are right, my GP is a little out of depth on this. Wish i’d Done a sputum test a bit sooner after having about 5 different courses of antibiotics and every other treatment. My advice to any person is do a sputum test early. I’m nearly three months into this and that provides more time for the colony to take hold.... oh well i’ll Just have to deal with it now.

[Mooka in reply to Stillkickin123]

I have always had my ivs 3 times a day. You have a cannula in and the nurse simply attaches the syringe to that and in it goes. You will have a saline flush before and after to clean the line. If you are on 3 times a day one of them is often a night one. Littlepom is right (as usual) many of us do them at home and find it much more convenient. It may be that they will suggest this when you are there and give you the appropriate training. As Littlepom has said a few days will unlikely eradicate it. You may need ongoing antibiotics to keep it away. Good luck I hope it goes well for you.

[LizPat30 in reply to Hidden]

Dear Littlepom I hope Stillkickin doesn't mind me asking you for some clarification re pseudo as you are so knowledgeable. Two years ago I was extremely fit until a chest infection resulted in mucus plugs causing the collapse of my left lung. The bronchoscopy found pseudo, the CT that I now had bronchiectasis and later diagnosis of asthma. I had the course of Cipro but my specialist never told me that the pseudo would never completely disappear. I have had no problems with pseudo since but obviously from what you say I need to keep the numbers low, so I assume I can try and do this by good general bronchiectasis management is that correct, if I do have an infection in the future should I be tested for pseudo. As always Littlepom I really value your help. Thank you Jo xxx

[Stillkickin123 in reply to LizPat30]

Mooka and lizpat30 hope you are going well. Cipro has not succeeded after 14 days so specialist I have never met told my dr to cut it off. My condition has worsened and I’ll admit to feeling a bit down (have been batting this nearly three months) I don’t even know What underlying condition I have (but I know I have one for sure). I’m on pause right now but will likely be on the iv from some time next week, hoping it works, j

[LizPat30]

I hope it works for you, the last few months have obviously been very challenging for you. Fingers crossed, good luck and love from me xxx

[Stillkickin123 in reply to LizPat30]

Thanks It is good there are some more treatments up the sleeve, and I’ll share what happens in here maybe it can help someone else