So, I finally got a PICC Line put in again this afternoon. I've had lots of PICCs in my lifetime just because of a surrounding medical condition, But due to some complications I'm In a wheelchair this time around.
I'm pretty independent in my chair and I like this, But I've already noticed some problems, the first one came with bleeding at the line's site, and then that my right arm is just tired and sore (well, obviously just following insertion).
My question is, do you think that I'll still be able to sufficiently get myself around with the PICC? or do I need to really take it easy. I mean I'm going to be honest I'm a pretty big guy, but I'm also fairly strong otherwise, but it still must take some heavy underlying strength to get me around.
It may sound like a silly question, but I'm allergic to Lidocaine, so I rather not have it get damaged or anything and have the docs have to replace it.
Thanks!!
-------------------- Is currently undergoing treatment with doxycycline & ceftriaxone.
Also + for anaplasmosis :|
~Just because I'm sick doesn't mean I can't make beautiful music~ (still bowing away) Posts: 15 | From Massachusetts | Registered: Nov 2010
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momlyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 27775
posted
My son has a picc and he is in a wheelchair when and if he goes out. I won't let him try to wheel himself around. I push him . Sorry you have to deal with this. I wish I had an answer for you besides my opininon-- Don't overdo!
I would love to hear your bowing somethime! I am assuming that means violin? I am sure you do make beautiful music.
-------------------- May health be with you!
Toxic mold was suppressing our immune systems, causing extreme pain, brain fog and magnifying symptoms. Four days after moving out, the healing began. Posts: 2007 | From NY/VT Border | Registered: Aug 2010
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blinkie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 14470
posted
I think, given the circumstances, you should tell the PICC nurse, they may be able to add extra security to the line so it doesn't move, like steri-strips.
I think for the first week, yo ureally need to take it easy. Until the insertion site heals, it may be easier to move the line out.
Posts: 1104 | From N.California | Registered: Jan 2008
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posted
I also had bleeding at the insertion site for quite a while. Someone on lymenet suggested using that arm a lot less, which I did, and the bleeding stopped. So, maybe some people can use their arms normally, some of us have to take it easy.
Sorry, maybe after the bleeding situation gets better, you will be able to use the arm more. I am somewhat less careful now, after about a month, and no bleeding recurred. But still not going full speed ahead.
Posts: 8430 | From Not available | Registered: Oct 2000
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posted
thanks for all the support guys, The problem is that I'm actually at a rehab, and they are somewhat "under supplied" I did convince my primary nurse to reinforce the dressing. but I'm in physical therapy who really doesn't seem to care whether i'm in pain or bleeding to death, they're going to do their thing anyways. ha.
momlyme, you're pretty close, I'm a cellist and an amateur luthier (a person who builds stringed instruments)
-------------------- Is currently undergoing treatment with doxycycline & ceftriaxone.
Also + for anaplasmosis :|
~Just because I'm sick doesn't mean I can't make beautiful music~ (still bowing away) Posts: 15 | From Massachusetts | Registered: Nov 2010
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posted
Well, if movement is causing the bleeding, you need to educate your physical therapists or it is more likely to get infected and pulled. Surely they can find a way to do exercises without harming you and causing problems in your medical treatment. Get a note from your lyme doctor if necessary.
We have to take care of our musicians. They make life more bearable.
Posts: 8430 | From Not available | Registered: Oct 2000
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Rumigirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15091
posted
Yes, be careful with the PICC arm. I had on-going pain when I had a PICC line (not a usual circumstance). The more I did too much with the arm---lifted too much, stretched too much, too much movement---the worse it hurt. And, yes, it bled for a while.
Yes, speak up and educate the PT's. And have your dr write a note to them, too.
Posts: 3792 | From around | Registered: Mar 2008
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posted
I've learned to be more careful with my PICC, the PTs still didn't ease up even after being told by "the team" aka the care team (primary nurse, attending, physiotrists, PT, OT etc) so I just eventually had to develop my own sort of work arounds.
-------------------- Is currently undergoing treatment with doxycycline & ceftriaxone.
Also + for anaplasmosis :|
~Just because I'm sick doesn't mean I can't make beautiful music~ (still bowing away) Posts: 15 | From Massachusetts | Registered: Nov 2010
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