Hoosiers51
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15759
posted
I was considering buying one of those portable "tent" looking FIR saunas off of ebay, for detox.
But I might be getting a PICC within the next few months. So would I be able to use the infrared sauna with the PICC line?
My doctor mentioned to me they have all kinds of "cool" (his words, paraphrased) piccs nowadays. He said something about using it for 3 weeks, then taking a 3 week break, off and on, but the PICC stays in me during the off times....but only sort of....
is this type of picc ringing a bell with anyone? So with that type, can I at least do the sauna on my "off" weeks?
If anyone can shed some light on this issue that would be great. My main question is if the sauna can be used with PICCs in general, or with those special kinds he described.
Thanks!
Posts: 4590 | From Midwest | Registered: Jun 2008
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kgg
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5867
posted
I think this might be a question for your physician.
My first thought would be, No. You need to keep your PICC area dry. Saunas cause sweating. So even one of those PICC protectors wouldn't work because you would be sweating underneath it.
Since your doc has a specific type of PICC he uses, he would be the one to know whether a sauna would be safe or not.
Best, Karen
Posts: 1846 | From Maine | Registered: Jun 2004
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I have to agree with Karen. This is a question for your Doc.
However, if you choose to do IFR then I will suggest that you check to make sure that the dressing is breathable. And try and schedule your sauna just prior to a dressing change. Which is typically once a week.
Kindly,
Julia
-------------------- Please consult your LLMD before making any changes to your treatment regimen. Posts: 641 | From NJ, USA | Registered: Oct 2001
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posted
again one more..need to talk to doc about this one. not sure what kind of picc his talking about..hickman maybe??
at any rate even on "off" weeks picc site will require a clean, dry dressing to be intact everyday and changed under sterile tech. weekly.
preventing infection at the site where picc enters your skin is paramount...infection of picc can lead directly to heart--as the end site for the internal cath leads into large vessel.. that goes in heart..vena cava...
so..providing a dark, moist place for bacteria heaven would be bad idea-- so if sweating in sauna would occur then i would imagine doc would ask you to avoid any activity that would induce sweating, do not get dressing wet, etc.
-------------------- i am not a Dr. any info is only for education, suggestion or to think/research. please do not mis-intuprest as diagnostic or prescriptive, only trying to help. **
dx in 08:lyme, rmsf, bart, babs, and m.pneumonia. Posts: 422 | From TX | Registered: Oct 2008
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tdtid
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10276
posted
I will sound like a broken record, but yes, you need to check with the doctor.
I have a far infrared sauna and have a port and my LLMD has said I should NOT do it while the needle is accessed.
If I'm pulsing a med, the needle can be removed and I can use it, but not while the needle is in with the dressing.
You will sweat and you don't want to risk any type of infection, but as others said, check with your doctor on your particular picc line and case.
Cathy
-------------------- "To Dream The Impossible Dream" Man of La Mancha Posts: 2638 | From New Hampshire | Registered: Oct 2006
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posted
2 different llmds have said sauna is ok with a picc line. i have done it for over a year with no problems. i am very cautious and change the dressing afterward.
Posts: 262 | From nj | Registered: Dec 2007
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