posted
I had the hickman catheter placed yesterday. It went in quicker than we could get the medication ordered or the nursing set up.
I am waiting on the drs office to call back. The company they usually use to supply the supplies and nursing, said now that they will not do that for someone getting their meds somewhere else.
Then they asked me who flushed my line today...NO ONE! They said, well you need that flushed everyday...
I know it needs to be flushed when I start the meds, but I haven't...I thought I would be ok until they set up a VNA to come out next week, I'd have the meds by then etc.
It's a Friday, and its almost 3! I am scared. Am I supposed to be flushing it right now? I don't have anything to do that.
poppy
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5355
posted
Any chance someone in your area with lyme would have a couple of heparin flushes you could borrow and repay after your supplies come? Got a support group around there you can call, ask for contact with someone who could loan heparin?
Yes, the instructions say to flush every day. Not sure what will happen if you wait a couple of days. The flushing is meant to keep blood clots from forming, I think. Maybe shouldn't say this, but when I had a hickman, I did not flush everyday. But people vary in their blood clotting rate.
Am annoyed that the company turned you down cold. Could you appeal to them for a few flushes at least?
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poppy
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5355
posted
Generally when a line is inserted, an instruction sheet will be given. If you didn't get this, google hickman catheter care and a bunch of websites will come up from medical facilities. I saw one in pdf form that you can just print out. It may be that the nursing people who will come next week will bring instructions.
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Ellen101
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 35432
posted
Do you have a regular local doctor you could see for help? If all else fails you could go to the Er for a flush. Sorry, I know how frightening it all must be. I hope your doctors office returns your call soon.
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posted
ok, the dr said they don't deal with the lines in office, so she didn't know. Maybe go to urgent care and have them flush it.
Then I called the day surgery number, and the surgeons office. They said it should be ok until the nurse comes next week. I did reach a VNA that was going to call drs office and let them know what they need to set me up.
However, I still need to order meds and supplies from infuserve. dr hasn't faxed that over yet
Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5829
posted
Sorry you are having this situation happening, especially on a weekend. Do you have a hospice near you? No, not for you silly, for getting some intermediate help with a flush.
Or do you know an off duty nurse nearby? They've been helpful in the past in emergencies with folks.
You can also use the doc in a box or a do drop in- whatever they're called- to get a flush. Call ahead to be sure they have supplies.
Personally, I don't like the idea of no flushes for that long. I'm not a doctor, but it doesn't "feel right".
Hope you get what is needed!
BTW- I think I'd call that first company back and give them the what for because they dropped you after the line was in. Mention the word "abandon". That is a HUGE no-no and that may get them in gear at least till something else can be arranged.
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