posted
I had a picc line put in on wednesday. (It's now sunday) there was so much pressure in my chest on the left side while the nurse was putting it in (at a hospital).
I was so weak afterwards, I went straight home. I can barely walk anywhere, or sit up for long. I was better before I got the picc. I still have the chest pressure and occasional slight pain when bending over.
My doc says wait and see. Probably just my body reacting -- I'm very sensitive and vein is irritated.
anyone go thru something similar? -jen
Posts: 67 | From New York | Registered: Dec 2005
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posted
I felt that way too. Looking back I think it was one HECK of a herx because by week 3 or 4 I was walking around no problem.
Posts: 524 | From Hudson Valley, NY | Registered: Jul 2007
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I'm assuming that they did a chest x-ray after putting it in to check if it is in the correct location. Since you are starting IV antibiotics, it would certainly make sense that you feel weak, etc..
However, there can be many complications with PICC lines! Never just assume, "Well this is probably normal!" I've had 3 and had problems every time with infection; my body rejecting them. Then with the last one, I all of the sudden developed an allery to the tubing. That PICC lasted 3 days and they yanked it out.
Many, including myself experience a lot of chest pain, and going to the ER is a night mare to say the least!!!!!! BUT, if your chest immediatly became painful, still is and you became weak right after the line, before starting the meds.; I would go to the ER and have them do some blood work, check your temp and do a chest x-ray.
Everything is probably fine, but why take the chance??? There can be too many complacations with them.
Posts: 351 | From Georgia | Registered: Feb 2008
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posted
How long did you have the picc before and infection started? What were your symptoms?
And allergy to the PICC itself: what were your symptoms?
I did get an x-ray, but I guess I should get another. Also, yes, I did feel weak before starting the IV antibiotics. Wonder if an infection could start so soon?
Posts: 67 | From New York | Registered: Dec 2005
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Can I ask you a few questions? Did the Dr. or Nurse tell you that your vein is irritated?? Did you feel weak or have any pressure prior to the procedure?? Where you extermly nervous about having the picc line put in?? IN NO WAY DO I WANT TO IMPLY THAT IT COULD BE THE RESULT OF A SLIGHT PANIC ATTACK!!! I HATE WHEN SOMEONE SAYS THAT!!!! But, if needles, blood and procedures like this make you nervous as they do to so many; it could make you feel that way. But never assume that!
If I remember right, the line is put into the the main artery. I don't think that you should have felt any pressure at all, so if you did that would make me wonder. I don't know if anyone else felt a lot of pressure and discomfort in the chest during insertion????? Did you mention it to the tech as they where doing it, or right after? If so, what did they say?
Now please remember that this is only my opinion, and personal experience. I really don't think that an infecction from the line would be that fast. If you turn out to be allergic to the tubing; it would be a very severe allergy for you to feel that way right away. How does the tubing on your arm feel??? Any redness, swelling, is it the same length as it was when it was inserted? How does your chest feel when you hook up your meds.?
Each time that mine where put in, I never felt it much in my chest. I could feel it going through my arm just in the beginnig. However I could feel when they put the normal saline in everytime! I could tell them each time if it was in my neck or chest. They had a hard time believing me, 'til they did x-rays each time and I was always right. They where pretty shocked.
My concern is any time you are inserting something into an artery or vein, there are risks! There is always a risk of a blood clot, there being too much air in the syringe being used, or a slight punture in the wall. I know I'm probably scaring you and I'm sorry. These things are rare, but they do happen! This is why I would at least get another chest x-ray, or even perhaps a CT with contrast to show the blood flow. Your Dr. will think you're being paranoid, but it's not his/her body!
I should mention that I did have some discomfort while running the meds. through. This was for about the first 2 weeks.
The infection with the 1rst one developed after 3 months. Actually it turned out that it was leaking under my skin. This happened right after I had a hard time flushing one of the ports. The nurse came out a kept moving it and very forcefully got the saline to go through. That----I felt! The next day, I started noticing my bandage felt moist, and with-in a day of two I had blisters around the site, (about 5 inches).
They pulled it out, waited a week and inserted another one in the other arm. It never stopped leaking blood at the site, on day 3 puss was coming out of the site and I was just blistered everywhere the line touched my skin.
To react immediatly like you did would make me wonder about a problem with the insertion. It's just my 2 cents worth!
I hope that you're doing okay; please keep me updated. If it where me, I would get another x-ray. If you go to the ER with a new picc line and complaing of chest pain, you won't have to wait. They will take you right in!!
Posts: 351 | From Georgia | Registered: Feb 2008
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posted
thanks so much for your replies. less pain. still feel weak, but it's a tiny bit better each day.
answers to scared08 post: Did the Dr. or Nurse tell you that your vein is irritated?? (Nurse said my vein was a bit hardened. used a medical term...)
Did you feel weak or have any pressure prior to the procedure??
(No. Was exercising and felt stronger than usual. brain sx were not good tho)
Where you extermly nervous about having the picc line put in?? ( i was excited about it. got a little nervous when I felt so much pressure in chest as it went in)
I don't know if anyone else felt a lot of pressure and discomfort in the chest during insertion????? Did you mention it to the tech as they where doing it, or right after? If so, what did they say?
(Yes, mentioned it. She acted like it never happens. My doc said vein and muscles are in spasm.)
If you turn out to be allergic to the tubing; it would be a very severe allergy for you to feel that way right away. How does the tubing on your arm feel??? Any redness, swelling, is it the same length as it was when it was inserted? How does your chest feel when you hook up your meds.?
(Infusing meds is fine -- that's why doc thinks it's not the line causing the prob. No redness. Line is stitched in, so it's the same length as when inserted could be allergy--can't stand the tubing directly on my skin. put sock bet. tube and skin.)
I will keep you updated cause i'm still not back to my baseline. Not sure when to check line for infection. Or if they do that routinely???
Thanks for sharing your story. (scared08) WE know our bodies!!! Especially you--that is amazing that you were right each time..
-jen
Posts: 67 | From New York | Registered: Dec 2005
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