posted
I was wondering what those with PICCs prefer to cover it with - both in terms of waterproofing for showers, and aesthetically/practicality the rest of the time?
I'm finding I have to use something, or else the line extension just dangles, and I seem to be sensitive to most tape adhesive.
So far a cut up pair of leggings seems to be working out the best for me, but it keeps rolling up and pressing on the entry point.
Thanks in advance for your responses!
-------------------- Wendy Posts: 253 | From Near Albany, NY | Registered: Jan 2009
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posted
I cut up knee length socks. I pick out the softest ones from the store. I even went to a sock store and bought a couple of pairs, one pair was thigh length. I use them on both arms sometimes, just so it isn't quite as obvious that there is something going on.
Posts: 427 | From Pacific Northwest | Registered: Oct 2010
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-------------------- Wendy Posts: 253 | From Near Albany, NY | Registered: Jan 2009
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sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
For showers and swimming, get a drypro waterproof PICC cover. It seals out the water and works great. It will last you several months with daily use (Mine lasted about a year). Well worth the investment. If you have trouble picking the right size, call customer service, they were super nice and helped me out.
For daily PICC coverage, I used "Tubifast". It is a super soft, thin, breathable tubular stretch dressing. It comes on a roll that you can cut to size for you arm. It looks nicer, cleaner, and neater than a cut off sock.
Cut off tube socks made my arm too hot in the summer, trouser socks tended to roll down my arm, ... Trust me, I tried everything!
Here is a link to look at the "Tubifast". I usually purchased it from this website. I found the blue line size fit well.
When I was at home I often liked to use "CURAD Hold TiteTubular Stretch Bandage". It is a stretchy mesh dressing like what they put on at the hospital after your PICC was placed. I like the Curad brand because it does not have Latex. Many of the other brands do and they don't mention it on their labels. I just figured it out after I got a rash. Size Large is necessary. Costs only a couple dollars and you can find this at most local pharmacies and Walmarts.
Also, you can wear either of these covers under your more fitted clothing in the fall and winter and they won't bunch up like socks will. Another reason why I liked them so much and hated the socks!
Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
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