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Update

Zoey7206

New member
Hey Zoey's doc just called and said she is running a fever and she
looks puffy. They think she has an infection from her central line
being in so long. She is starting her on 3 antibiotics until she
gets the blood culture back. Has anyone had this happen before?
This is also going to delay her bowel reconnection.
<img src="">  I'm so scared right now I just want all
this to be over with and her to be home!!!!!!  Please give me
any advice you can. Thanx   Sarah
 

anonymous

New member
HELP PLEASE!!!!!!

Hi Sarah,

Hang in there. Information from doctors always sounds much scarier over the phone when you can't read their body language.

I had an infection from my line once and the antibiotics did the trick really quickly! It must have made you worry to hear that they are putting her on 3 at once, but that's pretty standard for CF. It is much easier to knock out an infection when it's being hit with 3 meds at once. Sometimes progress can be seen/felt within just a couple of days! Chances are they'll back off with the antibiotics as soon as they cultures come back, but with CF it's always a good idea to strike hard and strike fast at the first sign of infection.

I know this is scary stuff, but she's in good hands. It sounds like the doctors are responding quickly and are doing what they know has worked in the past. I'm sorry this delays her surgery. Ultimately her recovery will go much better if she's in tip-top shape before they do it. Think of it this way, a few days delay at this point is likely going to spare her a much longer recovery on the other side of things.

You are in my thoughts and prayers. You're doing a great job and it's normal to be upset and worried. Consider yourself hugged.

LightNLife
 

Diane

New member
HELP PLEASE!!!!!!

Hi Sarah,
I agree with what LightNlife said.... 3 antibiotics are the best course for a nasty infection . I know this is all new to you so i can only imagine how scary it must be. I did have some fevers once from an iv, and we simply changed the site and it went away pretty quickly. It sounds like Zoey is in good hands.
* huggs *
 

Zoey7206

New member
HELP PLEASE!!!!!!

Thanks you guys I guess i may be a little over worried. Please keep the replies coming!!!!
 

Nicole

New member
HELP PLEASE!!!!!!

My son got a blood infection from his PICC line while he was in the hospital too. They started him on a bunch of different antibiotics until they figured out which one would fight the infection. He did end up needing to get a new PICC (his 4th) because they were concerned that the line was infected. He had to be on antibiotics for awhile but after a few days they did let him come home and we did the meds at home. I know it feels like one more thing being thrown at you and it sucks. Hang in there!
 

Hughett

New member
HELP PLEASE!!!!!!

Hi,<br>
     Long time no talk.  I am so
sorry she is having trouble.  My only advice is to stay
strong.  Doctors are required to tell you the worst possible
outcomes.  Scares you half to death but that's what they do.
 I hope she recovers very very soon.  Message me if you
need someone to talk to.  <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">  <br>
<br>
Brad
 

julie

New member
HELP PLEASE!!!!!!

I don't have any help or recommendations but I'll keep you guys in my thoughts and prayers as they do the blood cultures and make further decisions. Keep us posted as you hear.....
 

Ratatosk

Administrator
Staff member
HELP PLEASE!!!!!!

DS had a broviac when he was recovering from surgery. He had a couple of infections, poor kiddo ended up having to have a spinal tap -- figured out what kinda bug he had and treated it with IV antibiotics for about 10 days. He was pretty good after about a day or so.
 

Emily65Roses

New member
HELP PLEASE!!!!!!

I've never had trouble with my port (though it most certainly happens), but I had big problems with PICCs. It was a pain in the @ss, but it was always fix-able. 3 antibiotics sound like a wonderful plan for infection. Think of it, they're not just doing 1, or 2. They're bombarding her with 3. That really should blast it right out.

More delay, more worry, certainly crap you don't need... but she should be fine.
 

Scarlett81

New member
HELP PLEASE!!!!!!

I have absolutely no experience with this situation so I can't offer anything wise! Just I hope all comes back normal. Don't be scared, wait till you hear from the doc. You're in my thoughts.
 

anonymous

New member
HELP PLEASE!!!!!!

My husband had this with his PICC many times. Scared the immortal crap out of me every time (and he weighed 180 lbs). I quite understand your concern. But it sure sounds to me like they're doing all of the right things and as little as she is and as few antibiotics as she's ever been on I would think that she'll respond quickly and well. It's good they're doing the lab work to find out exactly what antibiotic will be the most helpful (no need to have her longtime on anything that isn't zeroing in on the baddies.)
Keep us informed as things progress?
I'll be keeping you all in my heart,
LisaV
 

Zoey7206

New member
HELP PLEASE!!!!!!

Thank you guys for all the advice given so far. I love this
site!!!! It is really encouraging to talk to people with the same
problems as zoey is having and seeing that you made it through.
Thanks again and keep 'em coming <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">
 

DEES4

New member
HELP PLEASE!!!!!!

When my son was in the NICU with the same problem as Zoey (meconim ileus and colostomy bag) he started running a fever one day. I happened to be at home (which was rare because I was usually there with him) and the doctor called me. She was not gentle about the info. she gave me at all. She told me they were starting him on several different antibiotics and starting blood cultures (they didn't know the source of the infection). She told me that although infections while in the NICU are fairly common they can be serious...I was scared out of my mind. Well within a few days the infection was under control and he was out of the woods. It sounds like the doctors are taking all the precautions by starting all the antibiotics and I am sure she will be feeling better soon. I know when you are going through all of this it feels like forever until it things will be better but before you know it she will be home and you both will have all of this behind you. I will keep Zoey in my prayers!
Carrie
 

anonymous

New member
HELP PLEASE!!!!!!

Getting information over the phone is the WORST. The told my dad OVER THE PHONE that I had been diagnosed with CF. No info, no encouragement, just the cold, hard, diagnosis.

I've since learned that not every doctor has the greatest bedside manner. For some reason this is particularly true in "teaching hospitals". Don't get me wrong, I'm glad to be able to help young doctors learn more about CF, but sometimes it's hard to feel human in an environment like that.

Zoey sounds like she's going to be okay; still I'll keep praying for her health and for the mental stamina that you and your husband are going to need as you lean on each other. We're here for you too.
 

anonymous

New member
HELP PLEASE!!!!!!

Zoey's doc just called. She said the source of the infection is in her central line.(already knew that) Apparently there was a blood clot at the end of it. The surgeon is coming by today to take it out. That means they will have to fight with the veins in her feet and hands to give her her nutrition. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0"> Also they think she has another atresia in her lower bowel. They are going to do a spinal tap to make sure her infection hasn't spread to her spinal fluids. The surgeon is going to do something with her bowels at the end of next week so she can start eating and come home......YEAH. Anyways just thought I would give an update. Sarah
 

anonymous

New member
HELP PLEASE!!!!!!

Thanks for the update, Sarah.
Am glad things are progressing well.
I can't imagine how eager you are to have your little beauty home with you all.
-lisaV
 
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