Day One of Out Patient IV Treatment

[alynwa]

First of all, I want to thank everyone who commented for their well wishes and concern.  I do have a UTI, but it was exacerbated by a kidney stone trying to pass which turned it into something much worse than your run of the mill infection.

I drove to the hospital this morning; I gave myself extra time to get there, but still arrived 15 minutes late because I had to get around 3(!) accidents.

I stepped off the elevator on the 6th floor and approached the front desk where Rachel greeted me and had me sign forms so insurance can be billed and confidentiality rules applied.  I had a seat and she gave me a bottle of water.  After a few moments, I met with another Infectious Disease doctor who reviewed my test results with me and asked if I felt any better, which I do.

After that, I went into a room and sat and Alla introduced herself to me as the nurse who would be helping me today.  She questioned me about some of my medical history and explained that she would be placing a stent (not sure of the terminology) in my arm.  She tied off my left arm and began feeling for veins in my forearm.  "Excuse me," she said, "But did you leave your veins at home?"  I do have small ones and she couldn't find one on either arm and ended up placing it in the crook of my left arm after ten minutes of searching.  At one point, she yawned, which caused me to yawn and then we started a yawning contest.  She finally had to step away for a moment so she could stop.  Once she connected my antibiotics, it only took about 30 minutes to complete the dose.

She put a sleeve on my arm to protect it.  I've been trying not to bend it too much because when I do, I feel the needle that's inserted, but it's not painful.

Tomorrow morning and 8 mornings after that, I'll be seeing my new friends at the hospital.  I really don't mind.   

Comments

More roses to keep you feeling better

[sparky955.livejournal.com]

Thrilled you're feeling better.

Rest easy. you do not have a needle in your arm. You have a fairly firm tiny plastic sheath. When we hit a good vein, we pull the needle out from the sheath and either connect the IV or put a cap on the end of the sheath to allow us to use the vein later.

It sounds like you've encountered some very nice health care workers.

Re: More roses to keep you feeling better

[alynwa.livejournal.com]

They were wonderful.

Yes, that. What you describe is exactly what happened. Still feels like a needle, especially since I feel it whenever I bend my arm, but that was the only place the nurse could find a vein. My body may not be small and dainty, but my veins sure are!

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Wow a kidney stone, now that explains the pain. Wow been there did that and Zowie! Glad it's going easily for you and that you feel better Hopefully not complications with passing the stone.

Hugs to you my friend!

[alynwa.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I feel much more human today.

[garonne.livejournal.com]

It's never nice to have to keep trekking back and forth to the hospital, but I'm glad things seem to be going as well as they could be for you under the circumstances!

[alynwa.livejournal.com]

I consider it a small price to pay so I'm not complaining. Thanks for the good thoughts!

[spikesgirl58.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad you are feeling better and that things are progressing. I remember having an epidural once and the next day being on the floor of my bathroom moaning in pain. I thought something had happened with the injection, but it turned out to be a ruptured cyst. They tell me the pain was like labor pains - so glad I never gave birth for real. No connection, but it was sure scary for a while. I'm glad we are BOTH feeling better now.

*hugs*

[alynwa.livejournal.com]

Me, too!