IV at home

[Maninblack]

My husband has been told he needs intravenous antibiotics to prevent chest infections. Apparently he has in the past had a bacteria infection that does not respond to oral antibiotics. Having attended the lung defence unit for a review, we now have to go to their clinic for training on home iv. Has anyone experience of this as it all seems a bit daunting.

[Morrison10]

I was born with PCD, have done own antibiotics at home, cannula in back of hand for two weeks. Mixed and injected antibiotics several times a day for two weeks, and if cannula failed had to go to local hospital for it to be replaced. Now I’m older get new oral antibiotics that mostly work, although have had to have district nurses give me I.v. Antibiotics at home for two weeks as had serious infection. I keep several oral antibiotics, and take one every day, keep record of what taken etc for my consultant. Best wishes, hope all goes well. Jean x

[Maninblack in reply to Morrison10]

Thank you for your reply. Much appreciated.

[Hidden]

I have done it several times. It depends how your local area organise it. The teaching hospital in Birmingham which I am with contact my local hospital. The very experienced nurses in the ambulatory unit put in a midline. This is far better than cannulas in the hand because it can stay in for a month. This has a small valve on the end that you connect the drug unit to. You will be instructed what to do. It is much simlpler now as the drug comes in a premixed container. We used to have to mix it up ourselves. They will probably give you saline to flush through the same valve before and after the drug to keep it free flowing. Don’t worry about it. It is easy once you have done one and far better than sitting in hospital for days waiting for nurses to come to give you the drug. Good luck. Let us know how you get on.

[helenlw7 in reply to Hidden]

I’m in hospital now and will be going out with iv antibiotics. I will have a pic line inserted because I’m not very easy to canulate.

[Hidden in reply to helenlw7]

Yes a good idea. I have refused a picc line so far in favour of a midline but many do have them and for you it seems sensible. I hope that you feel better soon.

[Maninblack in reply to Hidden]

We have the appointments through at the ambulatory unit at Papworth Hospital. One full day and two half days so will have to see how it goes.

[Hidden in reply to Maninblack]

It will be fine. They know what they are doing and they will look after you both and give you confidence. You will both be old hands at it.

[janedivney in reply to Maninblack]

They seem to be allowing a good long time 🤔 When I was shown, the nurse went through the procedure slowly as she was doing it, explaining every stage. I’d taken a notebook with me, which came in very handy. I did the next dose under her supervision, with her prompting me as necessary. If you don’t quite get the hang of it first time round, you can have another go and I bet by then you’ll sail through it. The main thing is to go slowly so you don’t get flustered.

[Alberta56]

Good luck. It does sound daunting, but I'm sure you'll get the hang of it.

[janedivney]

Honestly, it’s straightforward. They’ll show you the steps and then supervise you whilst you prepare a dose. They’ll probably give you a leaflet to remind you too. There are “how to” videos on youtube anyway. I always have a picc line, it works well.

Recently I was unable to do it myself because I’ve developed an annoying hand tremor. So my husband was shown how. Now, my husband is a clever man but has no practical skills at all & is especially hopeless where anything medical is concerned! But although he was apprehensive, he managed it fine, 3 times daily for 2 weeks

[Izb1]

I am not surprised you are worried I would be too, but looking at the replies it seems its not as bad as you imagine. Good luck and let us know how you get on x

[jeniwall]

Don't worry about it, it is very straightforward. Just follow what they tell you to do and the most imprtant cleanliness.

[Tinker26]

I had a picc line but went morning and night to a hospital ward for my iv for pseudomonas rather than take up a bed, it was fine

[Mooka]

I’ve also done it several times. I don’t think the nurses will send you home if they’re not confident you can manage. Honestly it’s so much better than being in hospital. One tip make up little bags with everything you need for one dose. Much easier in the long run. It helped me come to terms with having to inject myself weekly after I’d done the ivs. Of course we’re always here for you if you have any worries.

[watergazer]

Hopefully the advice given by our friends on here will have put you at ease x

[crashdoll]

I’ve done home IVs lots of times and it’s a game changer. I am so much healthier after and less breathless and my capacity for exercise is hugely improved.

They teach you and let you practice until you feel confident. I have a PICC line and quickly learned to manage it and wrap it up so I could shower as usual.

It’s much better than being stuck in hospital.

Best of luck!