After 3 rounds of different oral abx, I got the PICC line and started doing daily infusions of Rocephin. Did that for 7 weeks, knowing to be very careful to eat a low fat diet due to possible gallbladder issues that can be a side effect of the drug.
Well, I began to have an odd burning sensation under my right rib cage, so I called my doctor but they said I had just had my bloodwork done and everything was normal, so not to worry. Three days later, I ate a 2% Greek yogurt and felt and INTENSE burning and aching sensation in my upper gut. I tried walking it off but I started to feel really bad and panicky. My neighbor took me to the ER, where they did an ultrasound and said there were no apparent gallstones but that the gallbladder looked thick and there was probably an obstruction. That was on March 8th.
I was admitted to the hospital that night, told that I would have an ERCP (type of endoscopy) the next day to clear the "sludge" and open up my bile ducts. I was told that pancreatitis was a risk, but a small one, of the procedure.
Lucky me, I got pancreatitis. It was horrible. For those women who have experienced labor contractions, this was like the worst contraction you can imagine but in your upper gut and with NO breaks. Demerol didn't work, morphine didn't work, so I was on IV Dilauded (that finally helped and the hallucinations were entertaining as well).
I could not eat for 2 weeks, not even swallow water, in order to rest the pancreas. I developed a 103 fever for five days, so they removed the PICC thinking it could have been infected. Nothing. They did a CAT scan to see if I had an abscess or pseudocyst, but there was nothing. My enzyme levels were through the roof.
I was in the hospital for 2 1/2 weeks. Finally the fever broke and I could begin to eat very soft and bland food, so I was able to come home. I've been home for a week but I still can't really eat normally, my upper stomach doesn't feel right, and my pancreatic enzymes are still elevated. I can't be on any abx at this point so all my Lyme symptoms are returning (the Dilauded took away all my joint pain, but that's not a long term solution!).
So I would simply say to be very cautious about Rocephin, because I cannot believe what a nightmare this has been. It's also worth noting that I have never had any kind of gallbladder issues. Now they are not even sure if I might still have to have it removed, which would suck. I'd prefer to keep my organs, thanks.