They had them installed next to their hearts. I do not like that idea at all. It really creeped me out. I've watched Youtube videos also, and a girl had one installed on what looked like her forearm area.
If you've had one, where was yours installed? Do you have a say so in this? I have a 2 year old and having something that close to my heart given his unpredictable nature scares me...even if biologically poses no threat...it just weirds me out.
Can someone clue me in?
Posted by dmc (Member # 5102) on :
I didn't know they give IV abxs to children under 5 for lyme.
What did your child's llmd suggest? Mine is in my upper arm and no I didn't have choice.
Posted by Nessa1815 (Member # 15697) on :
Sorry to be unclear. My 2 year old doesn't have Lyme, I do. What I meant to say was that if *I* had something installed that close to my heart and always playing with him, holding him, etc...what if he accidentally tugged on it too hard or accidentally pulled it out?
That was what I meant to say but finding the right words is hard anymore. :|
Posted by JKMMC09 (Member # 15795) on :
I have had both, and they are not bad--they look worse they they feel/are.
I hope your treatment goes well Posted by lightfoot (Member # 2536) on :
You can do your own research and have input on the type if delivery system. It is your body!!!!!!!
I have had a PICC in my arm and a port. I would choose a port any day over a PICC. Not a Hickman but a port.....big difference.
Good luck!
Posted by mazou (Member # 15319) on :
I am getting mine installed this coming Monday, in my arm, because I can't stomach the idea of one coming out of my chest.
I am the mother of a 20-month-old, so my doctor is a little concerned about lifting her, etc., but we are giving it a try.
Good luck!
Posted by AidWorker1000 (Member # 16379) on :
Hi, I had a port-a-cath (under skin of chest) for chemo. for cancer and although I was freaked out about the idea at first, it was really no big deal. I was aware of it at little at first but barely felt it after that, and it was in for over a year. I believe it's very safe - lots of people have them. Hugs are fine; actually my toddler slammed into me full-body a couple of times and it hurt like hell but nothing happened -they're designed to withstand a lot.
Make sure they give you good drugs when it's installed - I had Versed and I literally could not feel a thing but for a little tugging. They can't put you out totally as you need to be aware enough to cough at some critical point. Also make sure it's the right size - I'm a small woman and they gave me a smaller port. It was a little harder for the nurse to access but much more comfortable for me.
Best of luck and god bless.
Posted by METALLlC BLUE (Member # 6628) on :
You seriously don't want a PICC in the arm. Risk of line-sepsis, discomfort, all sorts of unpleasantness.
A port-a-cath, is safe, effective, low risk of infection, and relatively easy to remove quickly. The hardest part, which isn't much, is installing.
In the long run, it's the right choice in my opinion.
Posted by InADaze (Member # 7711) on :
I've had both. I currently have a port in my chest, which I've had for 3 years. It does require a needle stick every week, but it is far more convenient than the PICC line was.
Showering is much easier, it takes only a small patch to keep it away from the water (though washing my hair is still tough because it tugs on the waterproof cover.
My husband has been having a bad experience with his PICC, so it makes me thankful that I have a port. His was a 20 minute install, mine was a same-day surgery. It's important to find an experienced surgeon because there is very small risk of puncturing the lung.
I just tuck the end of the tubing in my bra, and it's out of sight and doesn't get caught on anything.
Posted by hiker53 (Member # 6046) on :
I had absoulutey no problems with a picc line. Only had it for 5 months and it broke. Figured it was God's signal to get off I.V. antibiotics-LOL.
I used veterinary gynecological gloves to wear when I showered. They came up to shoulder and I just put a rubber band around it and stayed dry. You can get them at Tractor Supply or Farm and Fleet.
I found it very easy to hook up the I.V. antibiotics and my school nurse where I worked helped me change the dressing. I hate needles, so the port grosses me out. Hiker53
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