Rumigirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15091
posted
I am about to get another IV line put in. After a ton of research, I have been lobbying for a port for a long time. Does anybody have any feedback on this and what I say below??
I had a PICC line last year, but had on-going pain along the whole course of the PICC line (arm to chest) for the whole 5 months I had it (until it sprung a leak). That's unusual. But if I coughed, sneezed, moved or stretched my arm or upper body much, I would be in more pain for a week or two!
That, and the fact that I'm likely to need the IV for a year or so (maybe more?) lead me to deciding on a port. BUT, my one concern from springshowers posts is that I may be like spring, and have pain from the port! And it's much more invasive.
Who knows if I'd have the same pain from another PICC, but I'm thinking probably yes. I still feel it somewhat where the PICC was when I swim or stretch, and it was taken out in mid-Oct.
With the PICC I could barely use my arm, or it would hurt more. If I got another PICC, it would probably have to be in my other arm, which is my dominant arm---hard! Plus, I do some bodywork in my work (couldn't do that with a PICC).
I'm now wondering if maybe I would have on-going pain and limitation of movement from the port, too. And it is much more invasive. Feedback anyone?
Posts: 3771 | From around | Registered: Mar 2008
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sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
Rumigirl, you have a hard decision to make. What does your new LLMD think?
Your PICC line experience is extremely abnormal and painful sounding. I could see how you would not want to go through that again.
But I can't help but wonder if you might do OK with another line in the opposite arm. Maybe have it placed in a different facility with more experienced personnel?
You might even try requesting a smaller sized catheter. That might be less irritating to your smaller veins. There smaller catheters because they are commonly used for little preterm NICU babies.
If you chose to get the port, will you insurance pay for placement? That would be a major concern for me.
Port or PICC, neither really belong in the body. They both carry risks of sepsis and blood clots and such.
If you tolerated a new PICC line well, you would probably be able to work with it. You just need to avoid heavy lifting. And keep it covered so that the lines don't accidentally get yanked out.
Port might also take more time to heal. I've never had one so I don't know what it would feel like once healed. It sounds like Springshowers felt uncomfortable with hers the entire time it was in.
Rumigirl, if it were my decision, I think that I would chose to try another PICC line before getting a port.
Good luck with whatever you choose. I'm sure that others will give you their honest opinions too.
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Rumigirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15091
posted
Thank you, sammy. I'll see what my new LLMD says tomorrow. It's impossible to know how we will be affected by either one ahead of time. That's the hard part.
Most people don't have the pain that I had with the PICC, and most people don't have the pain that springshowers had with the port. But it seems that my veins are not very good; that may be why.
When I tried peripheral IV's in the beginning of IV tx, I had 5 out of 6 veins collapse! Very painful! Mine are easy to access, but I guess not in good shape. I'd like a new model, please! : - )
Posts: 3771 | From around | Registered: Mar 2008
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sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
Take care Rumigirl. Let me know what you and your LLMD decide to do. I'll be keeping you in my prayers.
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