IV fluid shortage impacting at home care

WARRENSBURG, N.Y. (NEWS10) – The IV fluid supply shortage has impacted nearly half of New York hospitals, and it’s had serious implications on the most medically complex patients who receive care at home. One Warrensburg family discusses the challenges they’re faced with.

As Cathy LaFond-Evans preps IV fluids for her daughter Brooke Evans she explains how this is a process she should be doing twice a day. Brooke was born with mitochondrial disease.

“It greatly impacts my life in many aspects, but one of the main symptoms of mitochondrial disease is that you constantly feel like you’re being deprived of your energy sources,” said Brooke.

She suffers from chronic fatigue and chronic pain throughout her body. It affects every organ and body system. “It’s really ruined my life,” said Brooke.

She needs IV hydration because she can’t swallow. It became necessary after a stint in the hospital last year. Cathy said it took them a year to get the insurance to cover at home IV hydration, and all the supplies necessary.

“We finally get it going September 2024, the end of the month, and now we’re hit with this and we would’ve never suspected that we would be dealing with this all based upon a hurricane that happened in North Carolina,” said Cathy.

Brooke has severe immune deficiencies and their biggest fear is that she could end up back in the hospital.

Cathy said they were devastated when their at home provider contacted them saying they would be sending them the last of what they had.

“Which will get us through only until November 2nd, and then they cannot give us any kind of guarantee as to when they might be able to start again,” said Cathy.

According to the National Home Infusion Association roughly 3 million people are impacted by the shortage, affecting some of the most medically complex patients, including cancer and dialysis patients. 

“We’re hoping that this will shed light on this emergency so that hopefully we never ever have to go through this again in the future,” said Cathy.

Cathy said they will ration the last supply that was delivered on Monday, keeping Brooke at one bag a day instead of two, and all they can do is hope and pray for the best.