Hi Everyone: I was supposed to get a picc line put in at the LLMD's office on Tues but they couldn't get it in b/c of all the scar tissue from all the blood draws and other work I have had done. Anyone else with this problem? Two years ago I got one in with no problem so this is very frustrating. Now I am probably scheduled to go to the local hospital and have it put in under fluoroscopy ( xray ). Anyone else have this happen and if so I could sure use your support right now. I am about ready to give up completly and I don't want to do that. I am just so tired of fighting with everyone to get better. The drs, insurance, family on occasion etc.
thanks lynne
Posted by Foggy (Member # 1584) on :
My arms weren't great but it wasn't a big deal. I would only have this proceedure done at a hospital, in an interventional radiology dept. that uses Fluoroscopy. I insisted that an adept MD perform the PICC, and not a resident or fellow. Good luck and try not to let the anxiety get you down.
Posted by Nancy-OH (Member # 3567) on :
Hi Lynne,
It's frustrating, I know. I did well the first month and then the line broke, my veins kept blowing, etc.
Maybe this is a better way for you because you won't have to worry about your veins blowing like mine did.
I know you are tired and frustrated and anxious.
I'm not familiar with your history, but orals worked very well for me first. We only did the IV after 2 years on orals. I succeeded very well.
Good luck, Nancy
Posted by marblenose (Member # 6477) on :
Hi Lyne, I got my PICC line put in in the hosp. It was easy and interesting to watch the line go up towards my heart. The only discomfort for me was the stitches on the arm to keep the line from pulling out. I wish you the best. Blessings, Marblenose
Posted by lymemomtooo (Member # 5396) on :
Lynne, I think the only safe way to go is in the hospital radiology dept with the best Dr available.. Good luck..
Posted by kare (Member # 5041) on :
I had a similar problem when I got my line put in last Fri. The nurse could only get it up about half way up my arm. She tried the other arm and it worked like a champ. Good luck - believe me we all get frustrated! Hang in there - it will work. Good Luck
Posted by arg82 (Member # 161) on :
Hi Lynne,
I had trouble getting my PICC line put in in 2002. For me, it was the same problem as Kare described - they could find a vein (after a lot of searching) but they could only get the line in about 3-4 inches before reaching a branching off where the line wasn't able to figure out which way to go. They tried both arms with the same problem both times. So, then they decided to send me to the hospital to have it put in with a contrast dye. That went very smoothly and it went in very easily. Unfortunately, I was allergic to the dye they used so I ended up having an allergic reaction and the whole experience wasn't much fun, but the PICC line insertion itself was fine.
I also have a lot of scar tissue built up in my one good and reliable vein because of weekly and bi-weekly blood draws for a long time. The vein still works most of the time, but it may not hold out that much longer for me. I have a port in my chest now so I don't have to worry about trying to get a PICC put in again and I can have routine blood work drawn through it, too.
