Hi Everyone, I'm new to this forum, so forgive me if this has been addressed elsewhere. It seems like everyone who has tried IV meds has done so via a PICC -- has anyone used a port? Of those of you that have had a PICC, were you ever able to self-administer meds or in any way maintain it yourself? Or did it always require the assistance of another person? The Lymie in my life is exhausted by daily interaction, and it would help us know how to move forward if we had a clear sense of how much interaction various forms of IV administration require. Thanks!
Posted by poppy (Member # 5355) on :
Have you contacted the support group in your area? Might get closer help that way. They will know the local home health providers, costs, etc.
PICC can be done alone, except for the fastener on the line, which is tricky. It is under the dressing and gets changed along with the dressing. Don't think this can be done one-handed, at least I couldn't. Without a fastener, the line will slip out a little every time until it is unusable. Some have used various sorts, maybe they will chime in.
Ports come in a variety. I only know Hickman, which can be done alone.
Most people cannot afford home health throughout, so they do mail order meds, supplies, after getting instructions from a home health nurse, which a doctor can order.
Posted by carriekaye (Member # 43533) on :
I think it would be near impossible to maintain sterility doing everything yourself... doing everything yourself essentially means diong it one-handed. Dressing changes would be especially difficult