beths
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 18864
posted
After starting to backslide, my stomach is trashed.
I developed severe GERd and vomiting, which is getting worse after 2 weeks off abx-
I am getting a PICC today, as I can't take my meds orally-my LLMD thinks it's bart.
Any tips for the PICC care etc?
Posts: 1276 | From maryland | Registered: Jan 2009
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gmb
Unregistered
posted
Hey Beths,
Get a waterproof picc line protector for shower/bath from DryCorp.com. I think they are $39.00 but well worth it compared to anything else similar on the market.
Go to the web and see how thay want you to measure your forearm and bicep.
If you think you are in between size alsway go for the smaller size and you can cut off strips on each end to adjust for perfect fit. If it ends up too small they will exchange.
If size is too loose it won't work.
Good Luck, the procedure is a breeze. I drove myself in and then home.
lax mom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 38743
posted
IV antibiotics were the turning point for my husband.
Glutathione helped him minimize any herxes.
Get some extra picc line covers. The white elastic ones get dirty quickly. They can be washed, but the Infusion co is supposed to supply them. (we didn't know that until his last week of IV)
posted
Make sure you flush like you are supposed to after blood draws and doing your medications.
Most nurses have told me to flush with saline twice after pulling blood.
If you get a nurse that doesn't seem to know what she is doing when they come out to change the bandage, give her the boot and call the nursing company.
I love nurses, but some have no idea about IV care of piccs or ports. You have to be your own advocate. If something feels uncomfortable, tell them.
-------------------- Faithful
Just sharing my experience, I am not a doctor. Posts: 2682 | From Colorado | Registered: Oct 2009
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posted
Hi - I am going to be getting a PICC soon, too. I have found some YouTube videos of Lyme patients using their PICC lines. It's nice to get an idea of what I'll be doing every day. I'm hoping a fresh post on this board will bring in more suggestions for you, so that I can see them, too!
Posts: 14 | From Rhode Island | Registered: Dec 2012
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ktkdommer
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 29020
posted
A good nurse is key. My son's was willing to try new bandages and washes with his rashes. She knew some tricks to try also. I believe there was a list of tips started last year.
My teenage son did fine for the entire 10 months.
If I could do it again, I would have kept him on IV longer and I would have gotten a port.
He is doing bicillin injections right now which is so much more time consuming than IV.
-------------------- 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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Judie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 38323
posted
Depending on the antibiotic, it can really effect your gallbladder. I know two people who had to get their gallbladder removed during treatment (one was on IV the other had a picc line).
There's a drug you can take to protect your gallblader. You need to start taking it before doing the antibiotics (I think it was rocephin that caused the problem).
I'm sorry, I can't remember the name of the gallbladder protection drug.
Posts: 2839 | From California | Registered: Jul 2012
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lax mom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 38743
posted
Actigall. My husband still has his gallbladder, so he was put on Actigall to prevent problems. He had gallbladder sludge prior to having the PICC line and did fine.
This thread above has a ton of info about how to care for your new PICC.
Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
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gmb
Unregistered
posted
also google "infusion for lymies". its a 30 page booklet thats fun reading. Good info in an easy light format.
You may want to request a "betadine" bandage change kit. It seems to have the least risk of skin reaction with Lyme patients. Switch to this as soon as you start getting an itchy rash under the bandage.
I'll be on IV Rocephin for 1 yr next week. Gradual improvements thru the year with times at a plateau, then other orals changed or added. Just starting to really turn the corner.
posted
As others have said be sure you get a good nurse. I had a nice women but she didn't know what she was doing.
She managed to push my picc line further in, left gauze under tegaderm, and messed up the attachment part. I felt something was wrong but the gauze made it impossible to see.
Went to my LLNP's office and they were able to fix it and fired the nurse.
Posts: 120 | From MA | Registered: May 2010
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posted
If you want a super cheap, effective option (it was effective for me anyway), to protect it while showering, I just used Glad Press N Seal with paper tape. Worked great for me, stayed dry. Good luck. TS
Posts: 566 | From West Coast | Registered: May 2008
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beths
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 18864
posted
Did everyone infuse daily?
Posts: 1276 | From maryland | Registered: Jan 2009
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