Goodbye PICC line, Hello Infusion Center
- Oct 30, 2025
- 3 min read
So long Penelope
I went to the ER on August 10th with excruciating left hip pain, only able to lay flat on my back. I was diagnosed with sepsis, started on antibiotics, had my left hip abscess aspirated, had my left thumb aspirated and nail removed, and had a coil embolization for the pseudoaneurysm that resulted from the infection on my aortic graft. I came home with a PICC line (named Penelope), daily IV antibiotics, home health weekly nurses visits, weekly blood draws and in home physical therapy. I have had lots of visits with specialists and had to have my PICC line replaced at one point.
I have improved a little bit each day. I no longer need an assistive device when I walk, I can sleep without excessive pillows, I have started driving locally and doing better overall. Just a reminder -The infection on my aortic graft is chronic and the pseudoaneurysm embolization is a temporary solution. At this point I am trying to prioritize being able to do the things that are important to me. I have spent time with friends and family, went and cheered my son in on his 18 mile training run, went to see my son's dorm room, gone out to eat with friends, tailgated at my son's college, got my haircut, stayed in the city and spectated for my hubby and my son while they ran the marathon, attended an MLS playoff match, decorated the house for Fall, dressed up for a Halloween party, started Christmas shopping and had lots of normal days (which are just as great as all the things listed above).
My blood work last week showed some concerning elevation of some numbers, which indicated that my body was no longer tolerating the daily IV antibiotic. My infectious disease doctor switched me to a different antibiotic that is administered weekly at an infusion center. My last dose of my home IV antibiotics was last week on Tuesday, my home health nurse came to remove my PICC line (Penelope 2.0) last Thursday morning and I went to the infusion center on Thursday afternoon. The infusion only takes 30 minutes - easy peasy. It is a 30/35 minute drive each way. The only hiccup is that I have to be followed by one of the infectious disease doctors at the infusion center. My infectious disease doctor from my teaching hospital will take a back seat, but is available if I am ever in the ER or hospitalized again. I will meet with the new doctor today. (He did his fellowship at the teaching hospital where I am treated). I have an aversion to new doctors, especially those who are outside my preferred hospital system. I have a 20+ year complicated medical history involving two open heart surgeries, several minor surgeries, and lots of nuance. I "hate" having to rehash all of this, explain all the parts/pieces of my medical journey, and having to advocate for myself. My hubby went with me
- he is an awesome support and advocate - and we will press on. I need the strongest, most effective antibiotics to keep the infection from spreading. I will tolerate the new doctor (until I decide if I like him or not) and am grateful that there is an option of a weekly infusion medication.
I am looking forward but also scared of looking too far ahead. I live with hope, but also some despair for what this infection is doing or will do to me. I live with joy because each day is a gift from God but also have bad/dark days. I enjoy time with my family and friends but also relish solitude.
My new mantra is "I CAN DO HARD THINGS". (Philippians 4:13).
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