2- or 3-week course of (IV) antibiotics

[catboogie]

hello. i'm coming up on two weeks on my IVs. at first, i thought my progress of getting better was so slow that i would for sure have to go for three weeks instead of just two. (i guess two weeks is normal for me.) but now i am beginning to lean toward just the two weeks. what do you guys use to determine how long you go?

i called my doctor today and i was discussing with him that i feel i've made progress with many of my symptoms (extreme fatigue, apetite, fevers) but that i've still had the same low pulse ox (93-94 when i'm usually 98 or so), still needing an extra daytime nap, and still getting short of breath. it hasn't been until yesterday or today that my pulse ox rose slightly to 96 and that i've had a noticable increase in energy.

anyway, my doctor seemed to be saying that you can't expect 100% recovery from antibiotics alone, which has been my experience in the past. and also that there is a "post antibiotic effect" that occurrs where you continue to improve when you are off the medicine. so i'm thinking my shortness of breate will get better as i get a little more active, and my fatigue is just going to take time to completely go away, which leaves me with my pulse ox that seems to be on the rise. for me, this adds up to 'let's call it a course.'

do you guys generally feel 80% better from abx? 90%? 100%?? i know it depends a lot on severity of your CF and how bad the exaccerbation is.

as i said, this was a really bad one for me. but maybe i've gotten all the benefit from the abx in two weeks? i don't know. i always struggle with this decision. it's just weird because when regular people go on abx for things, they feel better in 3 days and don't want to make it through the 10 day or two week course. it's like there's this extra time on the end they need to take it even though they feel well. is it the same for us?? thoughts??

 

[catboogie]

hello. i'm coming up on two weeks on my IVs. at first, i thought my progress of getting better was so slow that i would for sure have to go for three weeks instead of just two. (i guess two weeks is normal for me.) but now i am beginning to lean toward just the two weeks. what do you guys use to determine how long you go?

i called my doctor today and i was discussing with him that i feel i've made progress with many of my symptoms (extreme fatigue, apetite, fevers) but that i've still had the same low pulse ox (93-94 when i'm usually 98 or so), still needing an extra daytime nap, and still getting short of breath. it hasn't been until yesterday or today that my pulse ox rose slightly to 96 and that i've had a noticable increase in energy.

anyway, my doctor seemed to be saying that you can't expect 100% recovery from antibiotics alone, which has been my experience in the past. and also that there is a "post antibiotic effect" that occurrs where you continue to improve when you are off the medicine. so i'm thinking my shortness of breate will get better as i get a little more active, and my fatigue is just going to take time to completely go away, which leaves me with my pulse ox that seems to be on the rise. for me, this adds up to 'let's call it a course.'

do you guys generally feel 80% better from abx? 90%? 100%?? i know it depends a lot on severity of your CF and how bad the exaccerbation is.

as i said, this was a really bad one for me. but maybe i've gotten all the benefit from the abx in two weeks? i don't know. i always struggle with this decision. it's just weird because when regular people go on abx for things, they feel better in 3 days and don't want to make it through the 10 day or two week course. it's like there's this extra time on the end they need to take it even though they feel well. is it the same for us?? thoughts??

 

[catboogie]

hello. i'm coming up on two weeks on my IVs. at first, i thought my progress of getting better was so slow that i would for sure have to go for three weeks instead of just two. (i guess two weeks is normal for me.) but now i am beginning to lean toward just the two weeks. what do you guys use to determine how long you go?

i called my doctor today and i was discussing with him that i feel i've made progress with many of my symptoms (extreme fatigue, apetite, fevers) but that i've still had the same low pulse ox (93-94 when i'm usually 98 or so), still needing an extra daytime nap, and still getting short of breath. it hasn't been until yesterday or today that my pulse ox rose slightly to 96 and that i've had a noticable increase in energy.

anyway, my doctor seemed to be saying that you can't expect 100% recovery from antibiotics alone, which has been my experience in the past. and also that there is a "post antibiotic effect" that occurrs where you continue to improve when you are off the medicine. so i'm thinking my shortness of breate will get better as i get a little more active, and my fatigue is just going to take time to completely go away, which leaves me with my pulse ox that seems to be on the rise. for me, this adds up to 'let's call it a course.'

do you guys generally feel 80% better from abx? 90%? 100%?? i know it depends a lot on severity of your CF and how bad the exaccerbation is.

as i said, this was a really bad one for me. but maybe i've gotten all the benefit from the abx in two weeks? i don't know. i always struggle with this decision. it's just weird because when regular people go on abx for things, they feel better in 3 days and don't want to make it through the 10 day or two week course. it's like there's this extra time on the end they need to take it even though they feel well. is it the same for us?? thoughts??

 

[catboogie]

hello. i'm coming up on two weeks on my IVs. at first, i thought my progress of getting better was so slow that i would for sure have to go for three weeks instead of just two. (i guess two weeks is normal for me.) but now i am beginning to lean toward just the two weeks. what do you guys use to determine how long you go?

i called my doctor today and i was discussing with him that i feel i've made progress with many of my symptoms (extreme fatigue, apetite, fevers) but that i've still had the same low pulse ox (93-94 when i'm usually 98 or so), still needing an extra daytime nap, and still getting short of breath. it hasn't been until yesterday or today that my pulse ox rose slightly to 96 and that i've had a noticable increase in energy.

anyway, my doctor seemed to be saying that you can't expect 100% recovery from antibiotics alone, which has been my experience in the past. and also that there is a "post antibiotic effect" that occurrs where you continue to improve when you are off the medicine. so i'm thinking my shortness of breate will get better as i get a little more active, and my fatigue is just going to take time to completely go away, which leaves me with my pulse ox that seems to be on the rise. for me, this adds up to 'let's call it a course.'

do you guys generally feel 80% better from abx? 90%? 100%?? i know it depends a lot on severity of your CF and how bad the exaccerbation is.

as i said, this was a really bad one for me. but maybe i've gotten all the benefit from the abx in two weeks? i don't know. i always struggle with this decision. it's just weird because when regular people go on abx for things, they feel better in 3 days and don't want to make it through the 10 day or two week course. it's like there's this extra time on the end they need to take it even though they feel well. is it the same for us?? thoughts??

 

[catboogie]

hello. i'm coming up on two weeks on my IVs. at first, i thought my progress of getting better was so slow that i would for sure have to go for three weeks instead of just two. (i guess two weeks is normal for me.) but now i am beginning to lean toward just the two weeks. what do you guys use to determine how long you go?

i called my doctor today and i was discussing with him that i feel i've made progress with many of my symptoms (extreme fatigue, apetite, fevers) but that i've still had the same low pulse ox (93-94 when i'm usually 98 or so), still needing an extra daytime nap, and still getting short of breath. it hasn't been until yesterday or today that my pulse ox rose slightly to 96 and that i've had a noticable increase in energy.

anyway, my doctor seemed to be saying that you can't expect 100% recovery from antibiotics alone, which has been my experience in the past. and also that there is a "post antibiotic effect" that occurrs where you continue to improve when you are off the medicine. so i'm thinking my shortness of breate will get better as i get a little more active, and my fatigue is just going to take time to completely go away, which leaves me with my pulse ox that seems to be on the rise. for me, this adds up to 'let's call it a course.'

do you guys generally feel 80% better from abx? 90%? 100%?? i know it depends a lot on severity of your CF and how bad the exaccerbation is.

as i said, this was a really bad one for me. but maybe i've gotten all the benefit from the abx in two weeks? i don't know. i always struggle with this decision. it's just weird because when regular people go on abx for things, they feel better in 3 days and don't want to make it through the 10 day or two week course. it's like there's this extra time on the end they need to take it even though they feel well. is it the same for us?? thoughts??

 

[catboogie]

hello. i'm coming up on two weeks on my IVs. at first, i thought my progress of getting better was so slow that i would for sure have to go for three weeks instead of just two. (i guess two weeks is normal for me.) but now i am beginning to lean toward just the two weeks. what do you guys use to determine how long you go?

i called my doctor today and i was discussing with him that i feel i've made progress with many of my symptoms (extreme fatigue, apetite, fevers) but that i've still had the same low pulse ox (93-94 when i'm usually 98 or so), still needing an extra daytime nap, and still getting short of breath. it hasn't been until yesterday or today that my pulse ox rose slightly to 96 and that i've had a noticable increase in energy.

anyway, my doctor seemed to be saying that you can't expect 100% recovery from antibiotics alone, which has been my experience in the past. and also that there is a "post antibiotic effect" that occurrs where you continue to improve when you are off the medicine. so i'm thinking my shortness of breate will get better as i get a little more active, and my fatigue is just going to take time to completely go away, which leaves me with my pulse ox that seems to be on the rise. for me, this adds up to 'let's call it a course.'

do you guys generally feel 80% better from abx? 90%? 100%?? i know it depends a lot on severity of your CF and how bad the exaccerbation is.

as i said, this was a really bad one for me. but maybe i've gotten all the benefit from the abx in two weeks? i don't know. i always struggle with this decision. it's just weird because when regular people go on abx for things, they feel better in 3 days and don't want to make it through the 10 day or two week course. it's like there's this extra time on the end they need to take it even though they feel well. is it the same for us?? thoughts??

 

[lightNlife]

The length of therapy depends on how well the body is responding to it. My doctor and I usually decide together if the abx are working based on my overall energy level, and the improvement of my FEV1. There are times (like now) where I have been on abx for a month, and haven't seen much improvement, so then we take a break for a month then try again.

One of the things I've had to learn is not to jump the gun when I finally notice an improvement. In the past I have been too quick to judge my energy level, and have ruined my good progress in a matter of days.

You and your doctor should decide. Things that indicate whether IVs have run their course include:

-less frequent cough
-decreased SOB
-improved FEV1
-improved energy
-improved sats
-thinner and clearer mucus/secretions
-weight gain

I know it's frustrating to have to be on a longer course of abx, especially compared to the rest of the world. CFers operate from a whole different play book. Work with your doc to do what's right for you and your body.

Glad to hear your energy is improving. Don't forget to keep hydrated--that will help flush the infection out of your system, as well as keep your organs from being adversely affected by the strong abx.

 

[lightNlife]

The length of therapy depends on how well the body is responding to it. My doctor and I usually decide together if the abx are working based on my overall energy level, and the improvement of my FEV1. There are times (like now) where I have been on abx for a month, and haven't seen much improvement, so then we take a break for a month then try again.

One of the things I've had to learn is not to jump the gun when I finally notice an improvement. In the past I have been too quick to judge my energy level, and have ruined my good progress in a matter of days.

You and your doctor should decide. Things that indicate whether IVs have run their course include:

-less frequent cough
-decreased SOB
-improved FEV1
-improved energy
-improved sats
-thinner and clearer mucus/secretions
-weight gain

I know it's frustrating to have to be on a longer course of abx, especially compared to the rest of the world. CFers operate from a whole different play book. Work with your doc to do what's right for you and your body.

Glad to hear your energy is improving. Don't forget to keep hydrated--that will help flush the infection out of your system, as well as keep your organs from being adversely affected by the strong abx.

 

[lightNlife]

The length of therapy depends on how well the body is responding to it. My doctor and I usually decide together if the abx are working based on my overall energy level, and the improvement of my FEV1. There are times (like now) where I have been on abx for a month, and haven't seen much improvement, so then we take a break for a month then try again.

One of the things I've had to learn is not to jump the gun when I finally notice an improvement. In the past I have been too quick to judge my energy level, and have ruined my good progress in a matter of days.

You and your doctor should decide. Things that indicate whether IVs have run their course include:

-less frequent cough
-decreased SOB
-improved FEV1
-improved energy
-improved sats
-thinner and clearer mucus/secretions
-weight gain

I know it's frustrating to have to be on a longer course of abx, especially compared to the rest of the world. CFers operate from a whole different play book. Work with your doc to do what's right for you and your body.

Glad to hear your energy is improving. Don't forget to keep hydrated--that will help flush the infection out of your system, as well as keep your organs from being adversely affected by the strong abx.

 

[lightNlife]

The length of therapy depends on how well the body is responding to it. My doctor and I usually decide together if the abx are working based on my overall energy level, and the improvement of my FEV1. There are times (like now) where I have been on abx for a month, and haven't seen much improvement, so then we take a break for a month then try again.

One of the things I've had to learn is not to jump the gun when I finally notice an improvement. In the past I have been too quick to judge my energy level, and have ruined my good progress in a matter of days.

You and your doctor should decide. Things that indicate whether IVs have run their course include:

-less frequent cough
-decreased SOB
-improved FEV1
-improved energy
-improved sats
-thinner and clearer mucus/secretions
-weight gain

I know it's frustrating to have to be on a longer course of abx, especially compared to the rest of the world. CFers operate from a whole different play book. Work with your doc to do what's right for you and your body.

Glad to hear your energy is improving. Don't forget to keep hydrated--that will help flush the infection out of your system, as well as keep your organs from being adversely affected by the strong abx.

 

[lightNlife]

The length of therapy depends on how well the body is responding to it. My doctor and I usually decide together if the abx are working based on my overall energy level, and the improvement of my FEV1. There are times (like now) where I have been on abx for a month, and haven't seen much improvement, so then we take a break for a month then try again.

One of the things I've had to learn is not to jump the gun when I finally notice an improvement. In the past I have been too quick to judge my energy level, and have ruined my good progress in a matter of days.

You and your doctor should decide. Things that indicate whether IVs have run their course include:

-less frequent cough
-decreased SOB
-improved FEV1
-improved energy
-improved sats
-thinner and clearer mucus/secretions
-weight gain

I know it's frustrating to have to be on a longer course of abx, especially compared to the rest of the world. CFers operate from a whole different play book. Work with your doc to do what's right for you and your body.

Glad to hear your energy is improving. Don't forget to keep hydrated--that will help flush the infection out of your system, as well as keep your organs from being adversely affected by the strong abx.

 

[lightNlife]

The length of therapy depends on how well the body is responding to it. My doctor and I usually decide together if the abx are working based on my overall energy level, and the improvement of my FEV1. There are times (like now) where I have been on abx for a month, and haven't seen much improvement, so then we take a break for a month then try again.

One of the things I've had to learn is not to jump the gun when I finally notice an improvement. In the past I have been too quick to judge my energy level, and have ruined my good progress in a matter of days.

You and your doctor should decide. Things that indicate whether IVs have run their course include:

-less frequent cough
-decreased SOB
-improved FEV1
-improved energy
-improved sats
-thinner and clearer mucus/secretions
-weight gain

I know it's frustrating to have to be on a longer course of abx, especially compared to the rest of the world. CFers operate from a whole different play book. Work with your doc to do what's right for you and your body.

Glad to hear your energy is improving. Don't forget to keep hydrated--that will help flush the infection out of your system, as well as keep your organs from being adversely affected by the strong abx.

 

[catboogie]

thanks for your input, lauren. sometimes i wish my doctor was a little more assertive, but he very much believes that the patient knows best ultimately.

anyway, wanted to comment on a couple of things you said. first of all, my doctor has always strongly cautioned me against going over 3 weeks of antibiotics. he said this is a good way to get pan-resistant bugs. i guess it depends on what you culture. have you ever heard this?

also, i rarely, if ever, notice an improvment in my FEV1 within the first month of being off of antibiotics. my doctor said this is common so i'm wondering why you think this should be an indicator? anyway, this time i didn't have PFTs at the front end, so it's anybody's guess.

 

[catboogie]

thanks for your input, lauren. sometimes i wish my doctor was a little more assertive, but he very much believes that the patient knows best ultimately.

anyway, wanted to comment on a couple of things you said. first of all, my doctor has always strongly cautioned me against going over 3 weeks of antibiotics. he said this is a good way to get pan-resistant bugs. i guess it depends on what you culture. have you ever heard this?

also, i rarely, if ever, notice an improvment in my FEV1 within the first month of being off of antibiotics. my doctor said this is common so i'm wondering why you think this should be an indicator? anyway, this time i didn't have PFTs at the front end, so it's anybody's guess.

 

[catboogie]

thanks for your input, lauren. sometimes i wish my doctor was a little more assertive, but he very much believes that the patient knows best ultimately.

anyway, wanted to comment on a couple of things you said. first of all, my doctor has always strongly cautioned me against going over 3 weeks of antibiotics. he said this is a good way to get pan-resistant bugs. i guess it depends on what you culture. have you ever heard this?

also, i rarely, if ever, notice an improvment in my FEV1 within the first month of being off of antibiotics. my doctor said this is common so i'm wondering why you think this should be an indicator? anyway, this time i didn't have PFTs at the front end, so it's anybody's guess.

 

[catboogie]

thanks for your input, lauren. sometimes i wish my doctor was a little more assertive, but he very much believes that the patient knows best ultimately.

anyway, wanted to comment on a couple of things you said. first of all, my doctor has always strongly cautioned me against going over 3 weeks of antibiotics. he said this is a good way to get pan-resistant bugs. i guess it depends on what you culture. have you ever heard this?

also, i rarely, if ever, notice an improvment in my FEV1 within the first month of being off of antibiotics. my doctor said this is common so i'm wondering why you think this should be an indicator? anyway, this time i didn't have PFTs at the front end, so it's anybody's guess.

 

[catboogie]

thanks for your input, lauren. sometimes i wish my doctor was a little more assertive, but he very much believes that the patient knows best ultimately.

anyway, wanted to comment on a couple of things you said. first of all, my doctor has always strongly cautioned me against going over 3 weeks of antibiotics. he said this is a good way to get pan-resistant bugs. i guess it depends on what you culture. have you ever heard this?

also, i rarely, if ever, notice an improvment in my FEV1 within the first month of being off of antibiotics. my doctor said this is common so i'm wondering why you think this should be an indicator? anyway, this time i didn't have PFTs at the front end, so it's anybody's guess.

 

[catboogie]

thanks for your input, lauren. sometimes i wish my doctor was a little more assertive, but he very much believes that the patient knows best ultimately.

anyway, wanted to comment on a couple of things you said. first of all, my doctor has always strongly cautioned me against going over 3 weeks of antibiotics. he said this is a good way to get pan-resistant bugs. i guess it depends on what you culture. have you ever heard this?

also, i rarely, if ever, notice an improvment in my FEV1 within the first month of being off of antibiotics. my doctor said this is common so i'm wondering why you think this should be an indicator? anyway, this time i didn't have PFTs at the front end, so it's anybody's guess.

 

[lightNlife]

Mostly my suggestions were based on how my doc manages my care. Perhaps I do longer IV therapy than others because that's the only option for me, since I don't tolerate oral abx and I'm allergic to the basic most powerful ones.

Pan resistance is more likely to happen when you're taking a big-gun common abx like Cipro. The problem is also when you use the same abx to treat different bugs. For example, if you cultured something different every time but were always given 1 type of antibiotic, then yes you may eventually find that all of those bugs become resistant. In my case, I culture the same thing every time, so we have really zeroed in on which combination of IVs will knock them out.

My FEV1 is usually the indicator of whether I need abx in the first place. My FEV1 usually comes up shortly into a course on IVs. Your situation may be quite different. I was just basing it all on my particular POV. As always, adjust accordingly <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[lightNlife]

Mostly my suggestions were based on how my doc manages my care. Perhaps I do longer IV therapy than others because that's the only option for me, since I don't tolerate oral abx and I'm allergic to the basic most powerful ones.

Pan resistance is more likely to happen when you're taking a big-gun common abx like Cipro. The problem is also when you use the same abx to treat different bugs. For example, if you cultured something different every time but were always given 1 type of antibiotic, then yes you may eventually find that all of those bugs become resistant. In my case, I culture the same thing every time, so we have really zeroed in on which combination of IVs will knock them out.

My FEV1 is usually the indicator of whether I need abx in the first place. My FEV1 usually comes up shortly into a course on IVs. Your situation may be quite different. I was just basing it all on my particular POV. As always, adjust accordingly <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">