LymeNet Flash: PICC line

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»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » PICC line

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Author

Topic: PICC line

surfrider19
Member
Member # 14576

posted

I just got a PICC put in and was just looking for some helpful advice in maintaining it. Thanks

Posts: 23 | From myrtle beach sc | Registered: Feb 2008 | IP: Logged |

jentytib
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 14375

posted

saran press and seal for the shower.

Tape it with medical tape at the top and bottom to be extra safe it stays dry.

You don't want it to get wet!

--------------------
http://alwaystrustyourgut.blogspot.com

Posts: 182 | From United States | Registered: Jan 2008 | IP: Logged |

Rianna
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11038

posted

Buy one of these 'Dry Pro PICC line cover' when showering or swimming helps to keep bacteria and other contaminates away from the vein the PICC is inserted in. With a Dry Pro PICC line cover, you can keep the area around the vein completely dry whether you are in the shower or the ocean.

http://www.footamerica.com/wapilicobydr.html

Rianna

Posts: 1172 | From UK | Registered: Jan 2007 | IP: Logged |

daise
Unregistered

posted

Hi surfrider19,

A PICC! Wonderful. Ya, you want to keep it clean. [hi]

If you are a female, and it's Rocephen you are infusing, are you getting Actigall (ursodiol) every day to help prevent gallstones?

Here's a recent post on a PICC for Rocephen:

http://flash.lymenet.org/scripts/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=065521

There have been lots of posts! Just do a search at the top of any page with PICC in the top box, and choose the Medical Forum.

Are you getting Rocephen? That's what most of the PICC posts are about. Regardless of the medicine, the PICC info ought to be helpful. Is the PICC in your arm?

I'm happy for you.

Daise [Smile]

IP: Logged |

surfrider19
Member
Member # 14576

posted

Yea it is in my left arm on the inside of my bicep...and yea i am on the rocephin right now

Posts: 23 | From myrtle beach sc | Registered: Feb 2008 | IP: Logged |

daise
Unregistered

posted

Hi surf,

Everyone herxes differently. But it seems a lot herx every 4 weeks. My first Rocephen herx lasted weeks and overlapped my next 4 week herx. Herxes gradually decrease in duration and intensity.

I had a PICC in my left bicep, as well.

With a PICC you can't lift more than 5 pounds or 1 gallon.

Rocephen must be kept refrigerated!

Times will get worse, in herx, but then times will get better than you've been!

I'm glad you're getting help.

daise [Smile]

IP: Logged |

daise
Unregistered

posted

Hi surf,

I just read a post of yours from a month and a half ago. You said you had a headache that felt like it was bleeding. [Frown]

I don't call 'em headaches. No. That's not a strong enough word for the debilitating pain so many of us have. HEAD PAIN is more like it. PAIN IN THE HEAD.

I had severe pain in my head constantly (for almost 4 years,) however it's much better now. Mine is in back, towards my right ear. It's all tied to my neck and shoulder pain.

It was a nightmare of pain.

When children get Lyme, 90% have head pain. [Frown]

Pain in the head can also be a migraine, in front. Lyme encephalopathy can certainly cause that, too. So can babesia and I've heard others talk of bartonella head pain, as well.

For a long time it felt like a "brick" in my head. Then: "Germs sizzling on my brain," described it. You'll get past it. But it takes time.

Many have head pain. It's hard to use our brains to think, to get chores done.

Trying to keep stress levels in check has a direct bearing on preventing it from getting worse, at times.

Insomnia? Talk with your doc. A direct bearing on the intensity of head pain.

I know you're hurting. I hear you! Got tinnitus, too? (Ringing between the ears.) Try:

http://flash.lymenet.org/scripts/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=065801

Hang-in there, OK?

daise [Smile]

IP: Logged |

surfrider19
Member
Member # 14576

posted

thanks for the info

Posts: 23 | From myrtle beach sc | Registered: Feb 2008 | IP: Logged |

WildCondor
Unregistered

posted

Keep it clean and dry! Google "PICC line covers" and get a waterproof one!
If you ever notice any redness or swelling, discharge of pus or fluid...etc get it pulled for safety.
If you ever flush your line and feel suddenly ill, go to the ER and have it pulled.
PICC lines carry the risk of line infection and sepsis, a sudden blood infection that is life threatening. If you ever experience any of the above, sudden high fever etc. don't assume it is a herx! Call 911 if you have to and get to the ER.
Have them draw blood cultures out of the PICC line to determine what germ is in there and what sensitivity it has to appropriate antibiotics.
I got this 2x from my central line and it is very serious!
Infected lines are more common than you think, so keep that line dry and clean and take careful care of it. Don't ever let a nurse draw blood from the PICC line for routine blood work, that's a bad idea! Good luck!!

[ 05. May 2008, 08:11 PM: Message edited by: WildCondor ]

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