But...it may be needed.

So, was it difficult to do?

Can you swim with a picc line?

How does one wash up?

What about staph infections, etc?

How long can they stay in?

Sorry for the length..any information is
greatly appreciated. Thanks for your kind
time.

Actually they have good and bad sides.

First, it was actually pretty easily inserted. I had all 5 of mine placed in my
LLMD's office by very compitent nurses.

Basic pre-insertion instructions include drinking a lot of water and using a heating pad to prepare your veins.

I was given a mild sedative, and the procedure took only about 15 minutes.

Dressing changes must be done about twice a week.

No, unfortunately you can't swim with a PICC.
The derssings must be kept dry.

There are a few options out there for covering the picc site for washing up.
I've heard of everything from plastic newspaper and bread bags with the bottoms cut off-held on with waterproof tape...to equine OB sleeves and specialized sleeves usually used for cast protection.

Another thing I've found helpful in the past with washing up is a hand-held shower. This way you can be more accurate with the shower spray.

The only problems I ever had with the PICCS came from the dressings. After so many I became hyper-sensitive to the adhesives and strangely enough to rubbing alchohol.

The strange rubbing alchohol problem caused the only real problem for me. We weren't sure what was causing what looked like a simple fungal infection. (they're relatively easy to treat if that's what it really is.
I wound up with an infection from the alchohol problem, NEVER the PICC.

The PICC lines can get damaged, but they are usually easily repaired without removal of the line. Of the 5 lines I've had only one needed a repair and it was minor.

I've had PICCS in for longer than 3 months on multiple occasions with no problems, (other than the sensitivity issues from the dressings which were actually dealt with by changing the type of dressing used and stopping using the alchohol...DUH!)

So...the fact that it's no picnic is mainly because you do have to be careful with it.
I, however do feel the benefits outweigh the annoying side of it. Oh By the way-the procedure never left any scar more noticable
than any left by a blemish in JR high.

Now, THIS is a long post. (Sorry) I just wanted to try and answer all your questions as best I could.

I'm sure there will be a lot more info from others. Hopefully we can help you make an informed decision.

Everyone is different...In my case, my picc line was in place for 22 weeks. We just pulled it out last month due to a serious allergic reaction to the Rocephin. The radiologist who put it in told me it could stay in for a year or perhaps longer if no problems developed.

I did not find the procedure to be painful or difficult. The doctor gave me a local and inserted the line using imaging for guidance. He then stitched it in place and sent me on my way for my first rocephin infusion administered on the oncology unit of the hospital.

For me, again everyone is different, I did experience discomfort for a few days following the procedure. The picc line placement seemed to set off ribcage pain in my case. Ribcage pain is one of my Lyme sympyoms. Also, I was aware of the line placement with certain movements the first couple of weeks. The nurse told me that this feeling would go away once the line took a set, so to speak. I would suggest taking it easy for a few days following the procedure. Thus, I wouldn't make any special plans that would prevent you from taking it slower.

I was told by the home visiting nurse to keep the picc line dry....thus no swimming for me. I did not purchase any special aparatus to encase the picc line arm in when showing. I simply used a plastic bag and taped it to my arm and made sure all the seams to the bag were taped closed.

If your skin does not react well to the tegaderm dressing used to cover the picc line, there is a dressing called Sorbaview 2000. I found this dressing to be easier on the skin and also seemed to keep the sterile site healthier looking and less irritated. Also, this dressing did not require it being taped down to keep it on.

Should you opt for a picc line, the visiting nurse will instruct you on how to care for it. I was careful not to overuse the arm with the picc line and made sure that I followed good sterile techigue when infusing and flushing the line.

Right now that is all I can think of. If I can be of further help, please don't hesitate to ask.

I didn't know you were on IVs. Guess I haven't done a very good job of keeping in touch with you.
So, was it difficult to do?
My PICC line placement in 2002 was a bit of an ordeal. First the nurses tried placing a mid-line at home but that didn't work because my veins branch off too much and they could only get it a few inches in. So I went to the hospital to have a full PICC line placed with contrast dye which I ended up being allergic to. So, I had a full blown allergic reaction which wasn't fun and I had to stay at the hospital for a few hours longer than I would have otherwise. Other than that, it was fine.

My port-a-cath surgery was actually easier for me to handle and I have to say (as weird as it sounds) I LOVE my port.

Can you swim with a picc line?
Technically, no. But I bought a Xerosox that I used for showering and did manage to swim for short periods of time with it. Port-a-caths can get wet when de-accessed (no needle) so I can swim now if I de-access myself for the day (or when I'm off IV stuff).

How does one wash up?
I used my xerosox and I was able to take showers pretty easily.

What about staph infections, etc?
I never had a problem. I do have a friend who ended up with sepsis from her PICC line. It's just one of those risks you run with any IV line but I don't think it's common at all.

How long can they stay in?
Mine lasted 6 months and was still fine when I had it taken out. I think it can last a year or more if taken care of very carefully.

Here are some previous discussions about IV lines:

Port-a-cath

Port-a-cath vs. PICC vs mid-line

Secredts or advice for living with PICC line

Hope this helps you!

--Annie

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Had two in over a year, always done in the hospital with imaging and x-rays for placement.

It never bothered me but not swimming was no fun. Showering was a challenge, equine gloves worked for me.

BUT I developed a serious staph infection and was hospitalized for three days and on IV Vancomysin - which oddly helped my CNS lyme.

The second one had to be removed due to a blood clot..but since it was just after a massive overdose..It may have been that and not picc related..Dr has been afraid to use on since.

Glad press and seal, the new wrap works like a charm..For extra security you can tape top and bottom , but swimming is not recommended even with the sock.

Opt for the radiology insertion in the hospital..It was a cinch..And Dr recommended it..

Also try to keep it dry..Sweating isn't good for the dressing..