PICC time

On Thursday I woke up feeling pretty congested. I just chalked it up to the change in seasons, but still was on the look out during the day to see how I felt. I was getting a patient ready when I felt what I'd call a "jab" of pain in my left lower lung. It was enough to take my breath away. So I decided that definitely warranted a listen with the stethescope.

Sure enough my lungs sounded pretty gross in the lower and mid lobes. They had lots of crackles, gurgles, and tons of expiratory wheezing. I usually have clear lungs, so I knew something was up. I gave Hopkins a ring to see what they thought, and of course they wanted to see me and take a listen for themselves.

I didn't even do PFT's because of the shooting pain. The Dr. took a listen and basically said "So what kind of IV's have workded in the past?" Awesome. I was definitely open to having a PICC line right now. I don't want this to have a chance to turn into something awful. And because we are officially in flu season I want to be safe.

So I went to a new place yesterday for my PICC placement. Other areas couldn't get me in until next Wednesday. Or, I could get admitted. I'd rather not be in the hospital anyway because of germs, but even moreso because I don't feel bad, just playing it safe. So I'm PICC'd and ready to go. Bring on the drugs and "roto-rootering" I'm ready for these lungs to be happy again :)

I'm going to take a few days off from exercising. I think rest is important right now. But I ended this week with running 6.5 miles :)

Halloween @ Work

Today at work we had our Halloween party. Lot's of fun as always, and our patients love that we dress up too. Everyone brings in a yummy dish they made and it just makes for a fun work day. (Always a good thing). This years costume couldn't have been more convenient I must say. Deciding to be a referee was also the perfect way to have a lovely "R" on my arm which also acted as a subtle PICC cover ;) Good times!

Still feeling better each day, and my lungs are very happy. Today's FEV1 meter reading....2.02! NEW RECORD on the meter!!!!

Now off to watch The Great Pumpkin :)

Feeling So Much Better

Not the greatest pic, but meet Peter the PICC line ;)

Well I got home on Saturday night from Hopkins and have been feeling better everyday. It's so nice to be able to treat this bugger at home. Nothing too exciting going on here since I've been doing a whole lot of nothing, but thoroughly enjoying it ;) So the plan is to have the PICC in until roughly November 5th (2 weeks). I'm going back to Hopkins for re-evaluation then, so we'll go from there. I've been doing my FEV1 meter at home just to see how things are improving. I have to say that little meter was right on the money on Thursday when I felt so poorly. Talk about consistency. Each day my numbers are improving dramatically. YAY!!!! :)

Tomorrow I'm going to attempt to go back to work. Overall I'm definitely feeling like me again, and am SO grateful for the support and well wishes from everyone. As for today....I'm going to enjoy this last day off from work. It's my favorite kind of Fall day out there, rainy, colorful leaves blowing around, and chilly. Coffee in hand, IV meds infusing, and I'm feeling good!