Oh No, I need a another IV line inserted for LYME Disease TX and I am having Anx!
Question: Ok, I am not normally an axious person but I am now because I need another, yes... another PICC line inserted for Post LYME Disease Syndrome. I am having anxiety because the First PICC Line broke, got lost in my body. Ok it was in my chest through my heart in hanging in to my abdomen! I needed vascular surgery to get it out! I wasn't cured and needed another line inserted. I did that too. But 2 yrs. later and IT's back!!! Worse than ever. I have no other form of Treatment my doctor said it's not an option. I must have the line inserted again or I could have even worse problems than I already have. So now I have terrible anxiety and a phobia that the line may break again! Should I tell the doctor in greater detail how strong my anxiety is before I go ahead and have the line put in? Maybe he will prescribe an Anxiety drug? Then I'll be on mental medicine too this means?? LOL
Thanks for your input. If you need to learn about what a PICC line is go to Web MD.COM
Answers: Ok, I am not normally an axious person but I am now because I need another, yes... another PICC line inserted for Post LYME Disease Syndrome. I am having anxiety because the First PICC Line broke, got lost in my body. Ok it was in my chest through my heart in hanging in to my abdomen! I needed vascular surgery to get it out! I wasn't cured and needed another line inserted. I did that too. But 2 yrs. later and IT's back!!! Worse than ever. I have no other form of Treatment my doctor said it's not an option. I must have the line inserted again or I could have even worse problems than I already have. So now I have terrible anxiety and a phobia that the line may break again! Should I tell the doctor in greater detail how strong my anxiety is before I go ahead and have the line put in? Maybe he will prescribe an Anxiety drug? Then I'll be on mental medicine too this means?? LOL
Thanks for your input. If you need to learn about what a PICC line is go to Web MD.COM
I totally understand your anxiety about the PICC line. I had one also that broke, and swore I would never have one put in again. There are other options to discuss with your doctor, if you are trying to reach the Lyme in the brain. I have heard on this site of shots of rocephin instead of the IV. I switched to IM shots of Bicillin, and it actually worked better for me than the IV rocephin. I would definitely talk with your doctor, because there is never just one answer, unless you've exhausted everything including alternative methods of treatment.
Also, your anxiety is very normal for a Lyme patient, especially if you are having brain disfunction at all. It is one of the top symptoms, so anything that brings on anxiety in you can be worsened by the Lyme in the brain.
Good luck,
Vikki
Yes, talk to your doctor and tell him how you feel.
"mental medicine" ? What does that mean ?
That type of statement is so insensitive.
The fact that your doctor refers to Post-Lyme disease syndrome suggests that he is not affiliated with ILADS (International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society). "Post-Lyme syndrome" is a term used by docs who don't believe in the existence of chronic Lyme disease. It can seem like you're just playing with words, but it actually makes a big difference in how the docs treat your symptoms.
I recommend that you go to http://www.lymenet.com, click on "flash discussions," click on "medical questions," and then post your question there. Lymenet has a large group of very knowledgeable patients who have lived what you are talking about, and will be able to give you an experienced range of responses. They can also suggest Lyme-literate doctors in your region, in case you decide to seek a second opinion.
My daughter had a PICC line for Lyme treatment, and she didn't have problems with it. However, I know of folks who have had serious issues like yours, and it not something to be taken lightly. Even if you ultimately decide it's a risk you need to take, the fact that it is causing you such anxiety is definitely something to be discussed with your doctor.
Obviously, treatment decisions must be made on an individual basis. But many people are successfully treated for chronic Lyme disease without IV drugs. All the options should be discussed with someone who really knows how to treat the disease (which starts by acknowledging that it EXISTS.) Best of luck to you.
Good sources of info about Lyme disease:
http://www.canlyme.com
http://www.lymeinfo.net
http://www.lymenet.org
http://www.lymediseaseassociation.org
http://www.ilads.org
http://www.betterhealthguy.com
http://www.publichealthalert.com
http://www.freewebs.com/teenswithlyme
http://www.lymetimes.org