posted
I'm trying to decide between either PICC line or getting a butterfly needle every day. I'm leaning toward needle because I'm really worried about the vein problems with PICC and it seems like they are common.
For needles in general - What happens to you vein after the needle? Why doesn't it leak? Does it close immediately? Will taking a blood thinner like serrapeptase prevent the vein from healing and cause it to leak?
For vein health - How many days do you think I can hit the vein before it becomes damaged? I would have 2 IV's so one needle per arm per day. I might do this for 30 days.
posted
Puncturing the vein daily will cause scars I would think My veins are crappy to begin w so doing something being daily I would be worried.
Posts: 315 | From USA | Registered: May 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
My doctor said I appear to have good veins. I wouldn't be doing the needles a nurse / practitioner would. Thanks,
Posts: 69 | From NYC | Registered: Apr 2015
| IP: Logged |
sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
It would be better to leave the peripheral line in at least 3 days.
I've read that research is showing that it might be better to leave the lines in longer if there are no signs of infection, inflammation, or infiltration.
So hospitals are now leaving adult peripheral lines in for up to 5- 7days. Something to consider and discuss with your medical provider.
Also, if you don't like the idea of a PICC, you might like a Midline? It is not considered a central line as the tip ends near the middle of your arm pit.
Besides trauma to the vein, you risk infection by attempting at least 2 new IVs every day. And what if you don't get those 2 started easily with the first try? You may end up with numerous pokes daily.
You can get one Midline and use a Bifuse connection (if the meds are compatible) and run both IVs at the same time each day. Then you are done. And you can do this at home!!!
I agree with you that a PICC is a serious consideration with many potential risks (blood clots, sepsis, heart arrhythmia...). If considering long term IV, as in a year of treatment, then a PICC may be something to consider as Midline do not last as long in general. PICCs can last over a year if cared for well.
Lots to think about! Good luck!
Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
| IP: Logged |
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
Printer-friendly view of this topic