posted
OK, I'm ecstaic that I'm finally scheduled to get the rocephin started, but I'm also a nervous wreck!
What should I expect with this procedure tomorrow? Will I feel up to doing things later in the day? How uncomfortable is it? Can I take anything to relax me during it??
-------------------- Wendy Posts: 253 | From Near Albany, NY | Registered: Jan 2009
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posted
I've had 5 PICC lines placed, so I'm getting pretty good at it
I imagine hospitals differ on procedures, but here's how mine went.
After I checked in, they took me to radiology and got me set up on the table. They used an ultrasound to find a good vein, and marked the spot, then put a drape over my chest and under that arm, set up their equipment, etc.
I think they put a tourniquet on my arm before they started, but I can't exactly remember for what part. They also get the fluoroscopy set up - personally, I think it's kind of cool to watch while they do it, but if it weird you out, they can angle it so you don't see it.
Once the doctor came in, I got a few shots of lidocaine. The shots pinch, and the liodcaine burns for a few minutes, but after that I didn't feel anything that they did (some pressure, maybe, but that's it).
They put the line in, and used the fluoroscopy to make sure it was in the right spot. After that, they pull the wire out of the tube (that keeps it stiff, so that they can place it, and also so that it shows up on x-ray). Then they have to put on the external tail part of the port (that you'll hook up your IV drip to). Again, a little bit of pressure when they pushed on it, but no pain at all.
That's more or less the whole procedure. The hospital put a temporary dressing on it (which I had to have a home nurse change the next day). They also gave me some surgical netting to keep it all wrapped up, so that the lines didn't dangle and get in my way.
After I got the line placed, I had to go to the infusion company and get my first dose of my medication there, to make sure I didn't have a reaction or anything. They also put on extension tubing for my line - if you're planning on doing the infusions yourself, make sure to get extensions! It was too short for me to reach myself without it. They sent me home with medication and supplies for the week, after that it was mailed to me weekly from the infusion company.
Once the lidocaine wears off, it definitely does get sore. The best thing that I found for it was a heating pad (I actually have a quilted bag with corn in it that my mom made me, that you put in the microwave and use). But it's not unbearable, and I actually started a new job as a vet tech the day after I got my first one placed. I was, however, EXHAUSTED after the whole endeavor, and I slept something like 14 hours.
The IV treatment helped a lot, and was totally worth the inconvenience for me. I had a home nurse come out once a week to change my dressing, and to do lab work. I also found a very handy little... it's like a plastic bag with a drawstring on each end, to use in the shower (showering is kind of a hassle). I also found that cutting the toe end off of socks, I could use those as covers to keep my lines in place, instead of the surgical netting.
That's all I can think of, but if you have any questions let me know. I was sort of freaked out about the whole thing the first time I had one put in, and Googled anything I could find about it.
Posts: 306 | From Brownsville, PA | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
I had my PICC line placed on December 1st last year, and it went really well.
I did take a Lorazepam before the procedure, although I really don't think I would have needed it.
They numb the area first, so you feel no pain. As they are placing the PICC line, you will probably feel some pressure, but it's not painful, just a weird feeling.
Your arm will probably be sore for a few days afterward. After my procedure, I felt up to doing things, but I chose to take it easy for the rest of the day and relaxed.
Good luck! Rocephin has done wonders for me already.
-------------------- Lyme918 Posts: 188 | From Massachusetts | Registered: Dec 2010
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