I am scheduled for a Hickman catheter and have been reading old post about differences between the port and catheter.
The labroscopic dr said I could get catheter wet but past posts suggest only the port can get wet. Does anyone know if I have to cover the catheter like I would a picc to shower? Now I'm seriously reconsidering to a port, but I'm not sure he is qualified to do this.
This surgery is more invasive and want to make sure this is the right choice. Does anyone know if the risk of infection is lower in the Hickman versus a picc????
Why would my dr want me on this particular IV? What are the pros/cons?
Thanks so much for any advice/feedback.
Best, mandy
Posted by mandy614 (Member # 16524) on :
Another question...does this require heparin flush????
Thxs!
Posted by Erica741 (Member # 15186) on :
Up for answers! Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
If you get a Hickman, you will want to keep the site clean and dry in order to prevent infection.
Honestily, if I had to choose, i'd pick a PICC line or port over the Hickman or Central line. PICC lines can last a couple months to a year. Ports can last several years. PICC placement is an outpatient procedure usually performed by a nurse. Ports as you mentioned require a more invasive surgical procedure because it is placed under the skin.
You can get PICC covers from places like Dry-Pro online to keep the site dry while showering. You can shower when the Port is deaccessed but will need to keep the site covered and dry when it is accessed.
My best advice, read up on all your options. Compare and take your time to make the right decision for you.
Good luck.
Posted by mandy614 (Member # 16524) on :
thank you sammy!! great info there!
I have no clue what to do!!!
Posted by mandy614 (Member # 16524) on :
thank you lyme ed!!!
I'll inquire about the groshung. Anticipate my treatment will be at least 6 months but have poor veins in my arms. Also, pcp says picc in arm have more chance of infection but sounds like the central line has just as great of a risk.
Will the nurse from the IV company give me heparin supplies if he can't do a groshung? The surgeon acted like he only knew how to do the procedure, nothing else...
Posted by 4Seasons (Member # 14601) on :
My daughter has had a groshong line in her chest for a year and we have found it easy to care for and use.
She had a port in her arm first and it was a disaster.
We do need to have it replaced because she got an blood infection, but we will definitely go with the groshong again.
I am not well versed in the difference between the Hickman and Groshong, but we know several people who are happy with the Groshong.
Posted by mandy614 (Member # 16524) on :
thxs 4 seasons i think its the right choice after speaking with a few people
Posted by Kreynolds (Member # 15117) on :
I recently had a Hickman Port put in and LOVE it!
Before the port I had 2 PICC lines put in and hated them.
The tubing hanging down from my arm and all the complications that came along with the PICC lines drove me nuts.
The good thing about a port is when they deaccess it you can shower, exercise and it lasts for 10 years!
If you and the doc decide to take a break on IV ABX, you can still keep the port in.
I currently stopped IV and am on Orals now for a bit.
It's the best thing in my opinion, I forget it's even there....
Good Luck!
Posted by mandy614 (Member # 16524) on :
thank you Kreynolds, unfortunately mine is a catheter but the tube is 3-4 inches long and clear.
I've heard the port you have to stick yourself with needle every time but can definitely see the benefits and if had the choice would go with port.
Posted by Kreynolds (Member # 15117) on :
Yes,
The needle was accessed every week. It doesn't hurt at all.
Good luck with the catheter and keep us updated on how it's working!
![[Smile]](smile.gif)