IV day one

After an almost humorous evening of taping a plastic bag over my PICC line on my arm, just to shower, I made it to the first day of IV.

Friday morning of the eighth day of the eighth month 2008 - 08/08/08 the final leg begins.

Got up, had my oatmeal, herbal supplements and two potent oral antibiotics.

Went over to Shannon and Graham's for my first lesson of IV. Shannon looked a bit frazzled from the new IV she's on, though up and around ready to take on the day and roll with the punches. I arrived with my bag of meds, tubing, saline flush syringes and my slightly terrified expression on my face. Shannon had the pole ready and was about to show me some moves... OK, weirdos... it was an IV pole and we are going to administer badly needed medication, geesh.

As i was nervously laying out my paraphernalia and drugs, Shannon was already multitasking with IV prep, kitchen tasks and running the DVD player so her Daughter could watch Toy Story 2.

I felt like quite the novice in the company of such an expert in the field of IV self administration. As much as I am grateful that she knows how to do this, I wish she didn't have to.

So, I eventually got everything connected, counted my IV drip rate and then started staring at the air bubbles coming down the tube. These things are headed straight for my Heart and I'm thinkin this could be it, flat out on the floor with paramedics torn between saving my life and/or watching Toy Story 2. Well, as it turns out, Shannon says "you don't need to worry about those tiny bubbles, you need a lot more than that to kill you". Oh, really now... and she knows this, that's a bit unsettling. Anyways, I survived my first lesson.

Graham and I walked over to the pool as their daughter Avery wanted to demonstrate her swimming skills. Actually a refreshing break from Lyme. After the quick solo synchronized swimming demo, it was time for me to go home.

Got home, took some more new meds to support my IV treatment and watched the opening ceremonies to the Olympic Games. Other than that, feeling completely bagged today, but OK I guess considering all the meds in my body... "Bring it on" I say with nervously clenched teeth.

Nurse Joanne, from the community health centre, called and asked how my first day of IV went and set me up for an appointment with a home care nurse (at the health centre) Nurse Calvin. He'll fix up my picc line by shortening the outside line and possibly remove some suchers that hold down a small line clamp. This will allow for easier cleaning and maintenance. Instead of suchers (stitches) there will be little tape strips holding it in place.

This evening, a bit wonky and a headache for a few hours. Under the circumstances, not complaining at all

Saturday morning another IV lesson and then, I guess, Sunday I'll be doing it solo... eeek