Intra-veinous Anti-biotics - how are they administered?

[KatyMac]

DH (of the constant chest infections) is having IV AB

We are going to Papworth this Thursday to discuss how/when/where etc

But can anyone give me any more info

Papworth is 90 miles/2 hours away will he be admitted to hospital for an overnight stay or several? Will it happen for a day for several days or longer?

Can we ask for it to happen at our local hospital?

Message withdrawn

There is no way anyone can say as it would be totally specific to him, he may need 3 lots over 12 hours, 10 lots over two days. IV ABs don't take long themselves (to actually go in to the body) but like oral tablets, one lot doesn't work!

Admitted overnight in general, depending on the course he needs.

You can ask to have it at your local hospital, absolutely, but it depends on what course of treatment he needs.

So he could be in for several days 2 hrs from home...bummer

The docs/nurses will insert a cannulae into a vein in arm/hand.Depends as to what AB as to frequency,length of time to give and dilution/volume.

some hospitals do ahve "ambulatory care" which involves ivs being given at home by a specialist nurse. If dh needs further investigation: `xrays, scans, pulmonary function tests etc, it may be simpler to be admitted for a few days and get them all done at the same sitting.

Tissy - he has had all them

The AB are the result of his 2nd (3rd?) CAT in 12 months

As others have said it depends.

I assume he is seeing a consultant at Papworth lovely little hospital BTW - as hospitals go). He may prescribe something - which can be administered by the local district nurse/practice nurse. He may be able to go to local hospital. He may have to stay in papworth.

They may give a couple of days IV - to kick start the effect and then continue with oral.

Has been asked to take an overnight bag? I would ring and find out the answer to that Q - which may give guidance as to your answer.

Well I phoned today to ask why instead of a 6 weeks appointment (mid July) which we have, we ggot an extra appointment on Thursday

Oh it's to discuss the IVAB

What IVAB asked Katymac - Oh we have decided.......
Do we need to bring a bag?
No it's just to arrange it all

OK so far - but I am S/E and drive DH around on journeys - plus nana is dying in the local hospital & I have staff off sick this week

So I'm a bit stressed

That would be lovely SMS - please bare with me if I don't reply immediately

If they are just going to arrange it all it sounds as though they may be either doing it locally or planning to do it at the 6 week appointment.

You won't be expected to stay this week by the looks of it.

Could you/did you not point out that a 4hr round trip for a 20minute appointment to potentially be given a prescription is a bit much?

I didn't know if that was cheeky

I mean they are helping him

I just find taking a day off every 4 weeks quiet trying (esp in my job)

Would it be rude to mention it do you think?

Half the time we need to be their at 9am so we have to stay at a hotel because getting up too early is really hard on him (I'm not being sarcastic btw it really knocks him)

It is a difficult one.

Not sure what I would do. I think if I was making a first enquiry I would ask if it is possible to have a telephone consultation given the distance. Particularly if you don't think there will be any tests/exam. It may come across as nagging if you have already enquired about the same appointment.

OTOH you don't know if you don't ask...

My phone call was a kind of 'why do I have yet another appt?'

I gently questioned the point of coming - so I guess we have to

But at least I don't have to pack a bag (this time)

I think I would ask if he needs to be there for any tests, xrays, spirometory etc, or if it is just to discuss the IV abs and admission, and if so if you could do it over the phone - totally reasonable, given the distance.
good luck, and hope he is not in too long - will prob be a few days at least though for IV abs for chest infection - they may be able to administer at home, or train him to do so - I do my own at home now after 2-3 days in as I have 14 day courses - it is possible to do this if you are trained in the hospital. good luck

Thanks

I guess that means I will be doing it as I can't see DH doing it

Gulp

Its all a bit much atm tbh

Well I have managed to get cover so we can go on Thursday

It has been a bit of a palava

Well it is for 14 days

It is 3-4 days in papworth then the rest at home if he cam=n do it

Obviously DH going into hospital just after nana died in one is not going to go down well with DD so we need to think about when it happens

Bloody hell KatyMac.

Surely they have staff trained to give IV ABs in Norwich or Kings Lynn at the very least.

for you.

Poor DH

Poor DD too I can't et DH go into Hospital only days after Nana died in one