In 2021, I began using intravenous nutrition called TPN. The infusion company I had was FABULOUS. I loved the people I worked with. The dietician, nurse, and pharmacist were all top-notch.
In 2022, I abruptly was changed to a different infusion pharmacy. The infusion pharmacy I was at became overwhelmed with new patients. They found a different infusion pharmacy for me and switched me over. I had no say in the process. (It quite upsetting.)
So, in 2022, I switched to an infusion pharmacy I have used previously for intravenous antibiotics. The staff is friendly. However, I absolutely HATE the alcohol wipes they send with my TPN. The alcohol wipes are sized as "medium". The ones I was receiving from the other infusion company are labeled as "large". I am not sure who determined the size of the alcohol wipes, but the "medium" are quite small. They rip, fall apart, and usually require at least two of the alcohol wipes to be used together to ensure the alcohol wipes do not fall apart when I clean the end of my intravenous line.
The "large" alcohol wipes are just the perfect size. They cover the end of my intravenous line nicely. They have a lot of alcohol infused into them and are made from a heavy duty material. In short, just one "large" alcohol wipe is sufficient for cleaning off the end of my intravenous line.
With all the said, I was very upset the new infusion company only carries the "medium" sized alcohol wipes. I have pleaded my case with the company, but I have been told the "medium" sized wipes are sufficient. If I want the "large" size, I have to buy them myself. With this information, I have been sparingly using the "large" alcohol wipes. (I reserve them mostly for times when I have to prepare intravenous antibiotics and need the larger size alcohol wipe to clean the top of the glass vial, which contains the antibiotic powder.
Of late, I have had several rounds of infections which have required intravenous antibiotics. My supply of "large" alcohol wipes has dwindled. I lamented that I would have to buy some "large" alcohol wipes soon.
This week, when completing my TPN refill, I requested more of the "medium" alcohol wipes. I am not out of them, but I wanted to rotate out some of my stock.
When my order arrived today, there in my shipment was a box of 100 "LARGE" alcohol wipes. I could not believe it! I screamed and profusely thanked God. (My poor mama nearly had a heart attack. She came running over to me to ask what was wrong. Sorry mom! She clearly did not express as much joy and excitement as I did over a box of alcohol wipes!) For four YEARS I had been praying the infusion company would switch to the "large" size alcohol wipes...and now, I was able to get a box of "large" alcohol wipes. YIPPEE!!
As an aside, I have been notified, the infusion pharmacy is trying to streamline all their products across their multiple pharmacy locations. So, I am not sure if the "large" sized alcohol wipes are the new stock, or if someone found a box of the "large" sized alcohol wipes when cleaning out the inventory and are just sending them out to get rid of them. Nonetheless, I hope to remember to order more alcohol wipes next week, and I pray I once again receive the "large" sized ones.
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