I hate my PICC line. I despise it. I want it out. I hate it so much.
I can't find anything sufficient to cover this damn thing for daily use. I have tried everything over the last 3 months and I am at the point where I just want to rip it out with frustration.
Ive tried socks, stockings, and stockingette covers, etc. The stockinette covers stretch out after one minute of wear and the tube falls out. This isn't exactly okay since I ride the subway and go to work etc. I walk a half mile to work too and I just don't want the stupid thing flapping all over the place.
The stockings are just too tight and its summer and I am sweating like you wouldn't believe. I want something like a stockingette cover that is actually going to STAY on my arm. I want something that is medical -- something that isn't a sock. Something that is skin toned. Something that I can wear with dresses something that doesn't make me want to jump out the damn window.
I have spent over $80 on all of these failed attempts and I want to scream with rage. Nothing works.
I hate this.
Posted by wendihk (Member # 20554) on :
Hey I found this website, these look cool.http://www.designforyourlife.com/
Posted by AmandaM (Member # 17466) on :
Those are neat -- but they are way too short for what I am looking for. I need something to cover my entire upper arm. They are also too "designy" as I wear dresses to work in the summer. I want something very toned down.
I have done so much research on this and it seems there is no solution for me.
I have been crying all day about it.
Posted by pryorka (Member # 13649) on :
Your infusion company didn't give you any? Mine gives me exactly what you need and they have all different sizes. I don't know where else to get them except through them. Next time they set up a delivery be sure to ask them if they have any. The kind I have are just plain white and they come long enough to nearly cover your whole arm.
Posted by AmandaM (Member # 17466) on :
I don't have an infusion company anymore. I do this all on my own which is why I am so upset that I have spent so much money on all of this. I'm broke.
I have 3" stockinette covers right now and they are too big. I want to just cry.
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
Hi Amanda, I understand your frustration. I don't like the way the socks covers look either.
What works for me is a sports wrap called "Coban". It is thinner than the typical ace bandage, stretchier, and it sticks to itself. Because it sticks to itself it is easy to wrap around your own arm.
It also comes in flesh tones so it doesn't stand out so much. Costs about $2-3 at Walmart or any pharmacy. And one piece can be reused many many times. It eventually stretches out too much and loses its stickiness.
Posted by AmandaM (Member # 17466) on :
I have tried those Coban things but the tubes also fell out of those. Maybe I wasn't using it right.
*sigh*
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
Coban is a wrap. As you wrap it around your arm, pull gently and allow it to overlap a little to help it stick together. If you pull too tight it will be uncomfortable. If it is too loose it will gap and your tubing will fall out.
It might help if you start by holding the end of the wrap in your one hand over the tubing (on the inside of your arm), then place your chin on the end of the wrap to hold it in place, bring the roll under your arm and around to the outside of your arm, then start wrapping from the top of your arm downward. That's how I do it, kinda hard to explain in words.
Keep trying, you'll find a way to make it work.
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
Or you can put on one of your loose stocking covers first to help keep the tubing in place then wrap your arm top to bottom. Might be easier for you.
Posted by AmandaM (Member # 17466) on :
Hehe I just did the chin thing -- I am wearing some now. I tried it again and I think this might work. I have to see how it holds up.
I know it seems silly that I am active and need a PICC but I guess I am more active than I would like to be.
At least I am working, that's good - i just wish it wasn't such a dumb commute!
I am going to use this tape until it is gone and see if i should buy some more. Thank you for reminding me about this stuff.
<3
Posted by soleil16 (Member # 16326) on :
Just wanted to tell you to hang in there... I'm working too and have had my PICC line since January. It's frustrating but really worth it to be able to have this treatment.
I cut the toe off of a flesh toned knee high nylon and it works really well. Of course, I'm super self conscious so I'm still wearing long or 3/4 sleeves to work, but it really doesn't look too bad. Cheap, too.
Hope it gets easier for you.
Posted by ticked-offinNc (Member # 15420) on :
Try coach wrap at walmart. sticks to itself, can reuse, wash etc. Comes on a roll, so you can cut the length you need.
Also, if you want colors, try a farm supply store, for vet wrap. Works like the coach wrap, an ace bandage that sticks to itself, water resistent. Costs about $2.50 a roll.
Hope this helps.
Posted by AmandaM (Member # 17466) on :
Unfortunately we do not have any Walmarts near me. That's what I get for living on Long Island and in NYC lol. Seems ridiculous that I don't have one right?
I am trying to see if they have it on their website.
Posted by mazou (Member # 15319) on :
I bought the slenderizing capris from Target and chopped out the panty. They have "fleshtone" and black. Worked perfectly.
Posted by ThatColorGreen (Member # 16016) on :
i bought leg warmers from target; they have all kinds of styles... i just cut the foot off.
. i have picc covers for virtually every outfit Posted by lnc2000 (Member # 18440) on :
did you try men's athelete socks
Posted by AmandaM (Member # 17466) on :
I tried those athlete socks but they are quite tight and very thick.
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