Ertapenem

We have managed to stay away from the doctors office and hospital the last few days, but Terry's health hasn't really improved.  The day after our doctor visit he began getting those trembling chills when he got a fever.  We haven't called the doctor because he doesn't want to go to the hospital and he hopes that they subside soon ... and today seemed to be a slight bit better day.  I don't want him to have to go to the hospital either, but I am concerned.  He has added drenching sweats to his list of health issues this week and they have not been pleasant, to say the least.

We have been infusing daily hydration and antibiotic - new to the scene are these little balls or balloons of Ertapenem (antibiotic).

The picture on the left is a full dose before use and the picture on the right is after it has been infused.  These do not require a pump, but have their own built in pump allowing it to flow through the line within a 30 minute period of time.  They are so easy to use - just rip off the little white tape that holds the line, attach the end to the Hickman lumen, and unclip it - it starts infusing on it's own.  I thought it was kinda fun watching it shrink the first time we used it. 

We hope this is helping, but I am wondering if this medication might be the reason for the sweats, however, it could just be coincidental too, so we don't really know anything.  Maybe we'll learn something at our next visit and I hope what we learn doesn't make us regret not going in earlier.  If the doctor begins to reprimand us maybe we'll just smile and nod and say with an accent "no English!" 

;)

Have a great day!