The one thing most people want to know is how is Ryan’s urinary tract infection. Unfortunately, the urine culture we sent in last Saturday re-grew the same bacterial infection. It’s one that is highly resistant to oral antibiotics.
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So, what next?
Well, this means going with intravenous (IV) antibiotic infusion. Before this can happen Ryan will need to get a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line inserted. Here’s a good definition of it: “It is long, slender, small, flexible tube that is inserted into a peripheral vein, typically in the upper arm, and advanced until the catheter tip terminates in a large vein in the chest near the heart to obtain intravenous access. It is similar to other central lines as it terminates into a large vessel near the heart. However, unlike other central lines, its point of entry is from the periphery of the body the extremities. And typically the upper arm is the area of choice”.
Ryan has had several PICC lines in the past. This is a sterile procedure that takes just ten to fifteen minutes. Typically not a big deal, although the final placement must be confirmed with an x-Ray. This means Ryan will need to have this done at the hospital (which, to me, is a big deal). Removing the PICC line can be done at home when no longer needed.
Related articles
- E. Coli That Cause Urinary Tract Infections are Now Resistant to Antibiotics (blogs.discovermagazine.com)
Ive tried many products recommended by my naturopath. But my bladder infections were becoming unbearable. Antibiotics are what got me into this mess in the first place!
I took the Lady Soma Cranberry Pills full dose each day for about a week, I felt less inflammation in my gut and food felt easier to digest. It’s been a couple weeks now, and I’m feeling overall less fatigued and having fewer headaches. Meanwhile, I haven’t changed anything else in my daily routine.
***Sigh**** I hate this for you, Ryan. And for your family. I pray that the IV antibiotics will, to quote my late brother, “Go Hard and Go Strong!!!” SHSP, NGA.
Sorry to hear the UTI isn’t responding to antibiotics. Good luck with the PICC and we hope the IV drugs can knock this sucker out.
We are still here.
Unfortunately the PICC is needed but let’s thank God there is a way to deal with this nasty UTI. The sooner it’s behind us, the better. Praying for all to go well. God Bless you!
ugh…I am so upset. Ken, hugs. Hugs for Ryan too. Please keep us updated when you can. I feel so sad this is happening, but I do believe the new treatment will help. I’m sorry you are going through this Ken, along with dear Ryan.
Love, prayers, still believing
Paula
Yes let’s deal with one thing at a time. My prayers continue.
Hi Ken, Ryan, Sue and Kari~ I am so sory to hear about the UTI persisting:(. Hopefully the PICC will be abe to deliever strong enough antibiotics to kill the infection for good. I am so sorry that you continue to have these constant struggles. If you have any concerns regarding the PICC, please let me know and hopefully I can help. Having been on a PICC for 9 years, on and off) I am pretty up to speed about their workings and such. Much love, Jen
Ken,
Thinking/question–are people with TBI more prone to UTI because of long term catheter usage or is UTI caused by other issues related to TBI? Reason why I ask is because I recall reading on here from caregiver of TBI patient that they removed catheter and it reduced UTI. I suspect this is easier said than done (sure other issues created with this choice as well).
Sue G, it can be caused by either… or both. Ryan doesn’t use an indwelling catheter, so this is isolated.
When I talked to the Bioderm rep, I understood him to tell me that IF an infection was already present , the use of this type of catheter would not necessarily clear the infection (not sure if I am wording this correctly). I am wondering if you have considered just not using one at all until this gets cleared totally. I know it is extra work because we have been doing it for five years 24/7 until we recently found out about Bioderm. Obviously this is just an idea and I realize I am not there.
I am glad you are going to start the IV. Gotta get this knocked out. We brought Jonathan home with IV antibiotics and I gave them for a month. We were told we were going to be doing it an hour before we left in the ambulance.
Anyway, you know I am praying…. for all of you… Please keep us posted.
Oh, s+=t! Say it isn’t so!! Very sorry to read this! 🙁
Oh, no! Was hoping for good news, but will be praying that the antibiotic through the PICC line will take care of it.
The Discover article is interesting, however scary! We all could use this lesson, considering the way I see Z-Pacs handed out these days. It seems to be due to patient demand as well as physician and PA over-load. Ken, what about Response #3, Robert, re: Croatian E-Kapi or
E-Drops Nano? Of course, we know Ryan isn’t subjected to just any old cure recommended by just any old “expert.” I’m going to check this out along with you in the interest of Ryan and a couple of friends who have recurring UTIs.
Breathe in some of that nice fresh air this morning. It smells so clean outdoors after the rain. Always here with love and prayers.
Ken,So sorry Ryan has to have PICC line to get rid of UTI,:( just one more thing to deal with. Praying this works( how long should it take?) Thinking of you all and keep us posted when you can Love Gail
It will take a least a couple of weeks.
Hoping they do it as soon as possible,hate for Ryan to go to hospital,but if this clears up infection ,then let’s get it done. Ken, you all are doing so great with Ryan,.This WILL clear up too!!!!!!!!! Love gail
Sorry to hear Ryan must take another trip to the hospital. These infections are so unwelcome. C’mon….. Dear God have mercy on Ryan and his healing. Prayers continue for dear, sweet Ryan. Love, Peggie
I’m so sorry Ryan needs iv antibiotics. Hopefully that will finally knock out this UTI. When will the PICC line be placed? You all are in our prayers today and always <3
Probably not today. Hoping for tomorrow.
darn…..well, let’s just get rid of this infection.
phooey. Just phooey. Well, if this is path to take, let’s just get rid of this nasty bacteria, and get Ryan better.