Due to have my first PICC line inserted next week and reading about all these potential problems with PICC lines, and getting very nervous, HELP!
Posted by ByronSBell 2007 (Member # 11496) on :
There are alot of great treatments out there besides PICC lines. I was offered to have IV abx by a LLMD but declined...
Posted by proud pup (Member # 4152) on :
You are seeing all the bad right now while most people make out fine with them.
Getting it done did not hurt (make sure it is done by a radiologist)
What is making you most nervous??
Posted by k-lyme (Member # 5574) on :
Relax! If you take care of your PICC line the way you are instructed to by the people who insert it, then you will have minimal to no problems at all (when I say minimal, I'm talking like your line on the outside kinks up because the nurse who changed your dressing positioned it wrong........that kind of stuff). In my opinion, for what it's worth, having a PICC line and getting IV antibiotics sets you up for a much better chance of a quicker recovery.
You'll be okay Just remember, if it were a real serious procedure, then the medical proffessionals would put you under. It is no big deal, TRUST ME. Again, make sure to follow the directions and instructions that the person who puts you PICC line in gives you, and you should be fine. Also, one other thing. When you find a place that you want to get you supplies from (specifically saline), get some heparin from them because the PICC line's anti clotting tip is not full proof and they can and generally do back up after a while. (This is medical advice that was given to me by Dr. P in Wilton, CT when I had my PICC line). All you do is, a few times a week (preferably every other day) is flush your PICC line with 0.25 to 0.50 a cc of heparin before you flush your line with saline. This will keep your PICC clot free and should not have a noticeable thinning affect on your blood.
NOTE: If you are a haemophilliac or have a clotting disorder of any kind, do check with your own doctor about the heparin.
Take Care and DON'T WORRY! Okay?
K-lyme
Posted by kam (Member # 3410) on :
You will probably do fine. I, too, was concerned, but after having 4 PIC lines I no longer have that concern.
Posted by Kings Park (Member # 11390) on :
Initial pain, decreased mobility afterward,sleeping, and what seems to be the potential for a serious problem at anytime, are my biggest concerns.
Posted by Kings Park (Member # 11390) on :
Thanks K-lyme I feel much better now, I was really sweating it for a while. Pain on insertion, not a problem?
Posted by Kings Park (Member # 11390) on :
THANK YOU ALL, I feel much better about this now Posted by savebabe (Member # 9847) on :
I had three picc lines put in and had absolutely no problems.
The key is to keep it clean and covered, especially when you take a shower. I purchased my arm cover from www.brownmed.com and it worked well. From reading your past posts, IV Rocephin will really help with your neurolyme. Good luck and don't worry, it's a piece of cake!
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Just remember, if it were a real serious procedure, then the medical proffessionals would put you under. It is no big deal, TRUST ME. Again, make sure to follow the directions and instructions that the person who puts you PICC line in gives you, and you should be fine. Also, one other thing. When you find a place that you want to get you supplies from (specifically saline), get some heparin from them because the PICC line's anti clotting tip is not full proof and they can and generally do back up after a while. (This is medical advice that was given to me by Dr. P in Wilton, CT when I had my PICC line). All you do is, a few times a week (preferably every other day) is flush your PICC line with 0.25 to 0.50 a cc of heparin before you flush your line with saline. This will keep your PICC clot free and should not have a noticeable thinning affect on your blood.![[Smile]](smile.gif)