I'm looking for some information of my options here. I'm supposed to be getting a PICC line next week.
Problem is, I have a 1 year old son. Will I be able to lift him to get him in and out of his crib as so on?
I read that I will not be able to lift over 10 pounds. When I spoke to my LLMD briefly, he said it was not a problem, but then, he doesn't have children! LOL!
Posted by sutherngrl (Member # 16270) on :
Sounds like it could be an issue to me. Can you not take oral meds?
Posted by timaca (Member # 6911) on :
I would be concerned that the baby would tug on the picc line. I had one for 6 1/2 months.
Definitely try orals and/or make sure viruses are not part of your problem before trying the picc line.
Best, Timaca
Posted by blinkie (Member # 14470) on :
Been on orals two years and I have C diff. So, my options are now very limited.
I'll be doing IV levaquin for bart, which is my biggest problem.
Posted by springshowers (Member # 19863) on :
How about a port instead?
Posted by sutherngrl (Member # 16270) on :
Nothing with LD is ever easy. Sorry you have so much to deal with.
Can you take a break while you try to get the C diff under control?
Posted by blinkie (Member # 14470) on :
Been doing the break thing already. Time to get back to it. I think if I can beat bart, I'll be near remission.
I think I may have to look into a port. Anyone know more about that? I know they cost more.
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
Ports do cost more. They are inserted surgically.
PICCs are placed by a specially trained RN or radiologist. It is done in the outpatient setting.
If you are only going to be on IV for a couple months, go with the PICC. If you may be on IV for a few years, look into getting a port.
You will still be able to care for your son with a PICC line. Though you will have to be careful. You will learn to do most of your heavy lifting with your free arm. Just keep the PICC arm covered so that the extension tubing doesn't get pulled and you should be fine.
Take care and good luck with whatever you decide.
Posted by Florence1 (Member # 22960) on :
i just had a picc with a 2 yr old and actually it was fine....i had it covered with a cut sock ( !!) or a crepe bandage so she couldnt pull it or knock it.......it was fine.....
Posted by blinkie (Member # 14470) on :
Did you have any trouble picking her up wit hthe weight lifting limit?
Posted by cactus (Member # 7347) on :
I had a picc with a 15 month old - it's do-able, but you'll need to be careful.
Lift with your other arm (tough, I know), and protect your line.
Do you have someone to help you with this?
I think going it as a single parent would be near impossible unless you wait till your little munchkin is a bit older.
But if you've got help around at least some of the time, you should be okay.
Posted by blinkie (Member # 14470) on :
well, I'm home alone with him during the day.
Posted by cactus (Member # 7347) on :
blinkie, I just asked my husband what he thought - could I have managed a picc line with a 1 year old during the day - and he answered, "yes."
But - he's concerned about the crib issue, too.
Does your crib's side lower sufficiently for you to get the baby out easily now, or are you sort of stretching to do it? (I am short, so always had to stretch.)
If so - maybe you could figure out another option for the baby's naps... find a way for him/her to nap in an area where it might be easier for you to maneuver.
If we can help you brainstorm on that, we'll try.
Posted by CD57 (Member # 11749) on :
I did it with a 3 yr old. The only problem I ran into is when he would reach out to steady himself on my sleeve and would grab the picc.
I found that I was pretty freaked out at first about it at first, but as time passed and the PICC sort of healed up a bit, I became less concerend. And I lifted him, but used my other arm as the driving weight.
I think it will be ok.
What will you do your Levaquin with, and for how long? I have heard that IV Rifampin + IV Flagyl is a good combo too.
Posted by mazou (Member # 15319) on :
I did it with an 18-month-old. It was fine. Just be sure to put the Picc in the opposite arm that you carry them in. So, I put mine on the right, since I carried my daughter on my left hip.
Good luck
Posted by blinkie (Member # 14470) on :
thanks, everyone! Lots of good info here! Unfortunatly, my son is not a good sleeper so he will have to sleep in his crib.
I'm going to think this over, talk it over with my LLMD next week when I get the order and talk to the nurses when the line is installed.
Hubby and i will look around the house and find ways to make it more manageable for me during the day!
I don't know what I will be taking the levaquin with. It's a complicated situation for me with the c diff.
Posted by zil (Member # 12048) on :
Wrap an ace bandage around it for protection.
Posted by mazou (Member # 15319) on :
Actually, I used the leg from a "just my size" capri (available at drugstore chains). They have nude and black, and can stretch to cover the entire upper arm. So, the line barely shows, keeping curious little hands away!
Posted by Florence1 (Member # 22960) on :
as others have said i would pick her up then do the left hip carry and just avoid that arm...weight wasnt an issue really....