Topic: PICC line protectors for swimming- what is best?
ktkdommer
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 29020
posted
My son unfortunately will have his PICC line in over the summer. He is 16. Does anyone have advice about the best brand or perhaps an old L or XL one they would want to sell?
-------------------- Things are never dull. After 3 fighting Lyme, 2 are in remission. Youngest is still sick, age 22. He has new diagnosed Chiari Malformation and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. Posts: 1366 | From Perrysburg, Ohio | Registered: Nov 2010
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posted
Hi Kari, Brown medical makes a cast cover that he can use to prevent the PICC from getting wet.
However it is best to avoid swimming altogether. One issue is if he swims in a pool, and gets his PICC wet he may get a bacterial infection from feces etc. Chlorine does not kill everything and not everyone showers before going into a pool. If it is your own pool at least you have some control over it.
If he swims in a lake, and gets his PICC wet he still has the potential to get an infection, as lake water has bacteria in it also.
Also he needs to be careful when "swimming" as the arm movement from stroking, or diving etc, can cause the PICC to move internally, causing a phlebitis or blood clot. Need to limit lifting to 5-10lbs and no excessive are movements ie lifting weights etc.
I know it stinks to be 16 and have a PICC for the summer. But you always want to think of safety, and trying to avoid complications.
I am a nurse and did cover my PICC with a cast cover and avoided getting it wet and did not have complications.
Grace
Posts: 27 | From central nj | Registered: Mar 2011
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sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
Order a DryPro PICC protector. It is made for swimming and bathing. It completely seals the water out. It is durable, so if you purchase one now it should easily last you all summer.
If you have any questions about ordering the proper size or anything give them a call. Their customer service people were so helpful and nice.
I only recommend this product because it works. When I use it I don't have to worry about water getting to my PICC.
Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
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posted
I had a DryPro cover as well, but the seal leaked occasionally when I'd swim with the kids. I'd have to really limit the movement of that arm to avoid water from getting under the cover.
-------------------- Blessings to you! Posts: 141 | From Southern California | Registered: Mar 2010
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posted
As a matter of fact, I have a large one that was too big for me and I forgot to mail it back. PM me with your address and I'll mail it to you.
-------------------- Blessings to you! Posts: 141 | From Southern California | Registered: Mar 2010
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sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
The first one I got was a little too big, it would lose it's seal after awhile. I called, they sent me a smaller size and instructed me on how to trim it to fit properly. The second one didn't leak no matter how long I left it on.
Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
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ktkdommer
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 29020
posted
Thanks everyone for the information! I appreciate your time to share.
Mcaringella- I will be PM you! How kind!
-------------------- Things are never dull. After 3 fighting Lyme, 2 are in remission. Youngest is still sick, age 22. He has new diagnosed Chiari Malformation and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. Posts: 1366 | From Perrysburg, Ohio | Registered: Nov 2010
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map1131
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2022
posted
I just would not trust any protector for myself or child. Pools can be such a pool of bacteria.
I especially wouldn't allow son in any lakes, rivers or streams this summer. The heavy flooding in much of country this spring has lead to high increase of e-coli and bacteria(s) in water.
Spray him off with a hose. Not much fun for 16 yr old boy. lol He wouldn't be happy with me.
I would hate to think about those darn staph/strep infections that are deadly from one to another.
Pam
-------------------- "Never, never, never, never, never give up" Winston Churchill Posts: 6478 | From Louisville, Ky | Registered: Jan 2002
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posted
drycorp.com = I used it last year during my vacation with no problems.
Their representative gave me info on local pharmacies that had this product so I was able to go to one local Rx and tried two different sizes. I had to buy one size bigger than recommended by size chart. There was no need to cut one I got.
I admit it was a little pain in the neck to put in on and take it off.
And of course movement with my right arm were limited with the protector on, but I was able to swim.
Good luck and enjoy the summer.
Posts: 191 | From va | Registered: Sep 2008
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