After being sick for seventeen years and trying oral antibiotics for several months with NO reaction whatsoever, I am finally going ahead with IV antibiotics through a PICC line.
Is there anything I should know, or do you have any advice for me before I get my PICC line?
I've done a search and read older posts about PICC lines so I know basically what to expect (keep it dry, sterile, flushes, etc) but I wonder if there is anything in specific that would be good to know before I have the line inserted.
I think I'm just getting nervous; this is a big step for me after being so sick for so long. I also have two kids, an 8 year old who is a dream, and a 4 year old who is special needs and requires a bit more of me.
Thanks for sharing any really important tidbits that it might be good to know before I start!
***Editing to add: I also am concerned about the fact that I sweat so much. I used to use pain patches but had to stop them since I just couldn't get them to stay adhered to my skin. I know that I have to keep the PICC line area dry, but what about when I sweat a lot???
Posted by gmb (Member # 23562) on :
A good amount of us who had PICC lines developed a rash from the standard bandage adhesives. Ask for Alcohol/Betadine type dressing from the start may save problems later.
I got sweaty from minor activity like mowing the lawn and the dressing stayed on OK. Best to have a few bandage changes ahead just in case.
good luck.
gmb
Posted by MamaBear11 (Member # 25116) on :
Excellent! Just the kind of tips I was looking for. Thank you!
Posted by ladycakes (Member # 12619) on :
I don't tend to sweat much, even being pretty active. But I'd guess you may just have to change your dressing more often (mine's changed once a week). Possibly you can extend the life of it by taping the edges, which I've had to do a few times when it wasn't placed all that well.
I know IV treatment's different for everybody, but it's the only thing that really improved my health after being sick for so long. It's totally been worth the hassle for me.
If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch.
Posted by MamaBear11 (Member # 25116) on :
Thank you, ladycakes!
Posted by droid1226 (Member # 34930) on :
Get the saline flushes with the alcohol filled caps on the other end. They're virtually same price. Keeps the end of your line capped and double protected.
Posted by jmb (Member # 18338) on :
I am on round two of IV abx. Back in round one, to keep the line secure, instead of a cut up tube sock, I picked up a pair of Pearl Izumi Summer Skins. (Can get em on Amazon.) They are sleeves to keep the sun off bike riders arms in the summer. I am a medium sized man, and a large is snug but not tight.
To keep it dry in the shower I tuck a bread bag with the closed end cut open over the summer skin and tuck it in the ends. And then slide the other summer skin over to keep it in place.
I had the line in for nine month the first time, and I kept the line safe and clean and dry with the skins even though I did a whitewater trip, and pretty much taught a kid to swim. The home nurse helped for sure but the summer skins were a wonderful find.