Traveling with PICC and IVs

[Jane]

This week Jesse will go to the hospital for 4 day to start the same antibiotic routine as Josh has had for a month now. (IV imipenem 4X day) ,oral rifabutin and oral bactrim. Josh hasn't felt great (nausea, fatigue), so Jesse is pretty anxious to start up. So we will have the summer vacation with NO swimming and are trying to think of other activities to keep them busy and happy.

Before all the medical complications, we had promised the boys that this year we would go to visit cousins in Atlanta for a few days. We would be staying with my brother and SIL who are very supportive and helpful. My question is:

Is it out of the question to take the boys out of our area when they are on IVs? On one hand I keep thinking, its only a two hour flight and Atlanta has great hospitals if we need it. But how awful to be away from home and have something go wrong. I don't know if I'm being overly cautious or realistic?

Any advice?

 

[luke]

Jane,

I don't see a problem at all with traveling with your IV's. The only problem I can see it with it would be the line. But as you stated, a new PICC is just a flight home. Last year we went to Cedar Pointe while I was on IV's. I used a pump so I just infused while driving and once we left the park. My wife is a nurse and I still use peripheral lines so we just took extra supplies in case I tore my line out on a coaster. Everyone deserves a vacation and if he feels like going I say go.


Luke

 

[anonymous]

I don't see a problem with traveling with IVs either. We traveled by care 3-4 hours a way several times when Rip was on IVs.
There is the O2 thing too tho.... Since the boys are using O2 at night, you might want to check with the docs to see if they would need O2 for flying (the O2 in an airplaine is more like the O2 at very high altitude then like the O2 at sea level.)
-LisaV

 

[Scarlett81]

Something could happen-so like you said, get the local hosp info ready, maybe the number for a local pulmonologist.
But-going away during an episode like this would probably be so good for them. Sometimes you need to get out of that environment. WHo knows it could even kick those bugs out of them! When you're excited, having fun, playing-all that positive thinking!

I would definately be cautious about the plane ride-I always wipe everything down with anti-bac wipes-the tv knobs, arm rests, ect. Do not let them have ANY airplane ice-no ice in their drinks. Airplane ice is FULL of germs! (believe me, my very close friend is a flight attendant-just believe me!) And maybe even slap a mask on their faces.

Best to you on whatever you decide.

 

[anonymous]

I'll tell you a story that my nurse told me when I 1st joined my adult CF clinic - and I was kicking and screaming about staying in the hospital for 14 full days of IV's.

As SeanDavis has said many times, doctors and nurses are human and they make mistakes.

Several times at my hospital nurses have made mistakes by hooking up just sugar water - and no IV - to patients while in the hospital for the first few days after admission.

And they get better. White blood cell count went down. PFT's went up. They got better with sugar water!

Why? Well placebo effect is one - but the other is <b>REST. </b> Good old fasion rest......

Your boys need to rest. Postpone the trip for Pete's sake. An exacerbation is a serious thing that if not treated correctly, could lead to worse damaged lungs and stronger bacteria for your kids to deal with in the future.

I vote not traveling.... I think in the long run you'll regret not giving the kids' bodies a chance to recover and you'll see more frequent infections in the future.

 

[Scarlett81]

how you doin SD?

had any sugar water lately?

 

[anonymous]

that anon post was me, actually. sorry - i'm on my other computer and i forgot to sign in.

 

[anonymous]

and apparently i did again.

-Amy

 

[NoExcuses]

finally!

 

[thelizardqueen]

I would suggest waiting as well. I know that when I've got an infection or feeling rundown, all I want to do is rest. Resting will make him feel better, and he'll get better quicker. I mean, you've got the whole summer to take trips too right? A couple of weeks won't make much of a difference.

 

[JennifersHope]

I say go for it. To me, kids mental health is just as important as their physical health. As long as they are not running fevers, and they feel well enough that they can enjoy themselves. GO. Have fun.

I am continually amazed at what having a good time and getting an emotional break does for my physical health.

It really does depend on how they are feeling as the trip draws closer.

Jennifer

 

[anonymous]

Well, I'd say wait if wthe IVs were scheduled for the typical 14 days, but since the boys are scheduled to be on IVs for 3-4 months, then if they want to go and they think they're up for it then go...

 

[Jane]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>anonymous</b></i>


Your boys need to rest. Postpone the trip for Pete's sake. An exacerbation is a serious thing that if not treated correctly, could lead to worse damaged lungs and stronger bacteria for your kids to deal with in the future.

I vote not traveling.... .</end quote></div>


The thing is Amy, both boys had their clean-outs last month. This antibiotic course is to treat the mycobacteria LONG TERM. (3-5 months) Josh is going stir-crazy after being in the hospital for a month and out of school a second month. They will be able to rest at their uncle's house too, just with a change of scenery. I'm not taking them to climb Mt. Everest. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Thanks everyone, just wondering what people thought.

 

[LisaV]

LOL, Jane...
"not taking them to climb Mt. Everest"....
It must sound like I'm thinkin that when I bring up the O2 issue...
But airplane O2 is set for 8500 feet ab ove sea level which is about 20% less O2 than sea level. There was a time when Rip could be home here on the coast without O2 but needed it when flying.
I don't know what your boys levels are so just wanted you to be aware..

 

[Jane]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>LisaV</b></i>


I don't know what your boys levels are so just wanted you to be aware..</end quote></div>


Oh,Lisa, I totally understood your concern. The doctor did suggest we do o2 at home when they dip at night. So far we haven't needed it since their sats remain above 93 when asleep. Josh has been 99 during the day. Jesse has been 95-96. I haven't talked to our doctor about going down south yet, thought I'd check with all y'all here first.<img src="">

I just wanted Amy to know that we weren't going on a strenuous vacation, just laying low with the family.

 

[Emily65Roses]

I didn't read all the responses. But let me just tell you I've gone on vacation twice while on IVs. Once was to Lake George NY. We go every year. My IVs were actually done mid-week and we went to the nearby ER to have them pull the PICC when I was done.

The other time was after my port was placed. It was just last summer actually. I drove 10 hours (construction on the GW Bridge) to go to Penn to visit a friend from 4th grade. That's with no AC in the car.

I don't think it's unreasonable or dangerous to take the kids on vacation while on IVs, whether port or PICC. If a problem arises, there will always be hospitals nearby that you can take them to. Even so, it shouldn't be a big deal where a problem <i>would</i> arise. Besides, you already told the boys they could go and they'll be crushed if they can't. One more thing CF denied them, you know? I say if you can coordinate it, do it. They'll be happy you did. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[NoExcuses]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>Jane</b></i>

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>LisaV</b></i>



I just wanted Amy to know that we weren't going on a strenuous vacation, just laying low with the family.</end quote></div>

Of course. But just hopping on a plane and a new environment can be stressful (good stress!).

 

[Tess]

Well Jane,

You have a question only you your husband and boys can answer..... Sit down and talk it out ... possibly the boys well be ok with doing other stuff around your area... And they may want to live that extra little bit ... If it were a months course of antibiotics then I'd agree with waiting, but 3 to 5 months summer would be over and all that ... I talk it over if the want to go then make your arrangements...

I wouldn't have the first clue about flying with all the equipment and stuff.... Though in Atlanta I did see that there is a marvellous huge Aquarium with sea creatures from as far as China and Japan .... If I had a chance to travell I'd definately go to see it ..... I think I saw it on the discovery channel ... so if you do go check it out for me and post some pictures... Please... Good Luck....