Self-administration of IV antibiotics

[normannippy]

I was admitted to hospital with Pseudonomas yesterday and am on intravenous antibiotics three times a day.

It has been suggested that I might be discharged tomorrow and allowed to self-administer the drug at home. I am anxious to escape hospital but am wondering whether problems such as a dislodged cannula, infection, or anything else could arise, in which case staying in hospital for two long weeks is the better option.

Had anyone had actual experience of self-administering IV drugs at home?

I would appreciate comments!

[Yumz199725]

Ah hun your poor thing, I would be so nervous to administer anything myself so I really feel for you x hope you feel better soon ❤️

[peege]

All I can recall from reading here is that there are different lines in..... one is called a pic line. Not much help am I 🙄. If you don't get many replies write IV antibiotics in the search bar and lots of posts & replies will come up.

[Hidden]

Yes I have done it several times. You just need to follow hygeine instructions and don't be silly trying to do things that might knock the canulla. My hospital puts a midline in which is much better. You should be able to call the department if you have a problem. Truly liberating compared to sitting in hospital.

[normannippy in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Littlepom! That’s what I wanted to hear!

[GintyFerguson]

Yip, I've done it. Just need to be meticulous with hygiene and they give you everything you need . My arm became a bit sore and they saw me same day to resite the line. Actually, I went to work with it in!

[normannippy in reply to GintyFerguson]

Thanks Ginty. That’s good!

[Mooka]

yes I’ve done it a few times. Much better than staying in hospital. I had a problem once where I couldn’t get the meds in. I called the specialist nurses and they saw me the next day and fitted a new line. They are very supportive and at the end of a phone if you need them.

[normannippy in reply to Mooka]

That’s very reassuring. Thank you!

[LMEI]

Hi

Just finished a course of IV at home for the first time administering myself. I had a mid-line fitted. We did have to go back twice as it was leaking. The first time they tweaked the line but it only lasted for a day. The second time a new mid-line was put in.

Just take things slowly and be methodical in preparing the drug and things. I was obsessed with the bubbles in the antibiotic, but the little ones are fine, just carbon dioxide. Just relax and it is so much nicer than being in hospital. I was able to give my drugs at 6am, 2pm and 10pm.

I have had IV drugs for the last 10 years and having taken Littlepom's advice and seen a bronch specialist in a different area, I have finally been allowed to administer the drugs myself. No hospital stays or waiting for nurses to call.

The nurses are always on the end of the phone if you get any problems. It is the way to go. And give the drugs slowly.

Linda

[normannippy in reply to LMEI]

Thank you for your advice!

[lvn0619]

Will you have a visiting nurse to assist you at home. They often will teach a family member how to administer ABX using sterile techniques including hand washing which is so important. Also glove use after washing hands.

[normannippy in reply to lvn0619]

I am widowed and live alone so there is no one to help me. I am trying to convince the doctors to let me go home and self-administer (although the thought scares me) but I don’t know if they are going to agree yet! If they do I will ask if they can send a nurse to assist me. Thsnk you.

[crashdoll in reply to normannippy]

I live alone and I do mine alone. They trained me and I feel very confident now. It is daunting but it’s been life changing avoiding hospital.

[crashdoll]

I’m having regular home IV antibiotics. I find I am so much better at home, in my own bed and in my own environment. My physical and mental recovery is definitely better than in hospital.

They train you and keep supporting you until you feel confident. I would highly recommend it if you’re well enough to be at home. 🙂

I’m on home IVs right now, just waiting for my ending dose and then bed.