posted
Because of comments on here, I am totally paranoid about getting even a drop of water on this picc line.
I used a plastic bag and saran wrap yesterday, taped it off . . . what a pain.
It will be hard to bathe/shower.
I am talking to the home health nurse, but I want all of your experiences.
Was there any thing special, techniques, you did to keep it so it is dry?
I am going to a medical supplies company today to try to buy things.
I saw the xero sox, and will order one.
-------------------- Jeff Posts: 533 | From CA | Registered: Mar 2006
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arg82
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 161
posted
A drop or two of water won't hurt the line, as long as it is just on the dressing and doesn't get UNDER the dressing - that's the key. Preventing it from getting wet is basically to prevent it from getting under the dressing, if it's ON the dressing it will be okay.
I used a xerosox when I had my PICC line for six months in 2002 and it worked great. I showered with it and even swam with it - very gentle swimming, no big strong movements of my arms that might hurt the picc.
mlkeen
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1260
posted
I used the tub while I had my PICC.
My only trouble was when I had wrapped it in plastic because I was going to be outside in the rain.
I sweated under the plastic and that loosened the bandage. The nurse had me clean the area, put neosporin under the loose area and re-tape it until my next change.
I did it mostly in the winter so generally left the bandage un-covered under a shirt so there was plenty of air on it.
timaca
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6911
posted
If I got another picc line in I would try the xerosox. I did the saran wrap-rubber band thing with my line, and sometimes it would get wet...the extension tubing end...
I don't think that is what caused the fungal infection in the line...for that seemed to be in the hub of the line.
But, I would try the xerosox next time around just to see if I could avoid a fungal infection in the line. I'm sure I would have kept the line in longer if an infection had not developed.
Timaca
Posts: 2872 | From above 7,000 ft in a pine forest | Registered: Feb 2005
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posted
I was pretty paranoid about not getting my site wet. It was a big pain however but I didn't have any difficulties with my line at all. My problem arrived when I had an allergic reaction to the medicine itself after 5 weeks. I'd keep it as dry as possible. My nurse really stressed it. I figure its better to be safe then sorry.
Posts: 547 | From Maryland | Registered: Mar 2005
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posted
I had a central line, not a PICC, but was really fanatic about keeping it dry after reading an article about catheter infections, which could be caused by ordinary tap water. Was published in a nursing journal I think. Anyway, my catheter was in for a very long time, due to trouble getting treated, losing docs, etc. And no line infections, knock on wood. No swimming, kayaking, use a handheld shower attachment, etc.
Posts: 8430 | From Not available | Registered: Oct 2000
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