Started Bicillin; battled DD's boss

Hi-
Just writing in to say hello, and share a little. It was a tough week. I impulsively purchased Bicillin in Mexico last Saturday, because I wasn't sure how much insurance would cover (I later found out we would have $300 co-pay, not as bad as I thought), and the LLMD had given his blessing to buy in Mexico. I spent a lot of time figuring out what equipment we needed (syringes, needles, gloves etc.) and watching Youtube Videos on how to give the injection. I know this sounds a little crazy - but I've worked in hospitals for the last 20+ years (though not a nurse), and I feel comfortable with medical procedures. We did DD's first injection on Wednesday. It was tough at first, because for some reason the medication (which is very thick), wouldn't go into the muscle. Somehow on the third try, I got it to work, but it was stressful. DD was very patient and did well, though she did vomit about 30 minutes later. The next day she was fine. I started her off on 1.2 mil instead of 2.4, just to see how she tolerated it. She's supposed to get it every 2 weeks, but I'm thinking of trying her on full dose next week, since she didn't have full dose this week, and I've read that many people take Bicillin weekly or sometimes several times a week. No herxing reactions so far.

The other thing that happened was that my daughter's employer gave her a very hard time about leaving campus 3 weeks early and not completing her job responsibilities. He knows about her illness, and had ZERO compassion about it. He made me so furious - he was harassing her, quizzing her friends about what she had tole them - it was really unbelievable how insensitive he was over the situation. I finally wrote his boss a long letter (which took me HOURS to compose), and DD was relieved of all of her work duties and does not have to interact with this boss at any point. It's a very long story, but it's been super upsetting, and I've felt anxious and irritable all week as a result. DD was also extremely anxious, until she received the final email yesterday relieving her of her duties (she feels better now). She filed a harassment complaint against boss, though I'm skeptical anything will happen.

Thanks all - just needed a place to vent - this illness affects everyone connected to the Lymie (sp?)

Mom -

I'm SO GLAD you both are done with the idiot boss. I have a feeling, if it wasn't for DD's illness, he'd find something else to be stupid about. Too many other, better jobs out there to be stuck with someone as miserable as that. I learned the hard way that those are little red flags that just multiple like bunnies and it's better to move on than to try to fix it.

DD is so dang lucky to have you on her side. If she doesn't fully realize this now, she will when she's older. ;) I bet this experience is bringing you even a little closer.

I'm also pretty impressed with your courage and perseverance to do the IM injections on your own - sounds like it's going very well so far.

Keep us informed - hope she seems some progress - detox and rest! For both of you (don't forget to take care of yourself, too).

-p

A few days late, but thank you all so much for the support. Things are feeling quite a bit better now. Agreed, the boss is a real piece of work, but he's out of our lives for now, thank goodness.

Regarding Bicillin from Mexico - I didn't realize it's not being produced in the U.S. at the moment. I asked at a CVS how much our co-pay would be, but they didn't say anything about non-availability. The process of getting it in Mexico was time-consuming but not terribly difficult. The doctor gave us a 2 page sheet that another one of his patients had written. I will write it up with some updated info, and email to folks who request it. Bear with me - it may take a few days.

Traveler said...
Congratulations on getting that first injection done! The rest should go much easier!

And, congratulations on getting rid of the bad Boss!! I've dealt with them a lot over my life (as I was undiagnosed) and it's really unfair. At least it's over with now!

I would encourage you to continue to go slow with the doses of the Bicillin though. No need to have her herxing horribly early on in it's use.

Thanks, Traveler! The bizarre thing about Bad Boss (perhaps not so bizarre, because he was probably projecting), is that he had his own serious, even life-threatening illness last summer. Conveniently for him, as he is in academia, his illness happened while school was out. I think something about DD totally triggered him on a personal level.

Re the Bicillin - I agree completely - and I started her on half dose. I'm thinking I'll go not quite full dose tomorrow - maybe about 3/4ths? I don't want her to herx unnecessarily, but I also know that some docs like to go "in for the kill" quickly, so that the little buggers can't be forewarned. I'll keep ya'll posted. Not sure how many other people are on Bicillin....??