posted
Could someone go over the basics of PICC lines? I'm sure this has been done before but if anyone is willing to give a little primer I would appreciate it. I would specifically like to know:
- How long does the insertion take? - What do I need to look for re: risks? - Will I have to return to the hospital to have it removed when I'm done or can a home care nurse remove it? (or if there is a problem) - What is the deal with bathing, etc. and the PICC? - How often will I have to have a nurse check it (assuming I am doing the infusions myself)?
Thanks for any info.!
Posts: 929 | From Massachusetts | Registered: Oct 2007
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sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
My PICC line was placed in the outpatient unit in my local hospital. It was done by a team of specially trained nurses. One nurse inserted the line while the other nurse documented the procedure.
The procedure is done under a sterile field, as all surgical procedures should be. The actual insertion only took a few minutes start to finish. With the use of ultrasound technology the nurse is able to visualize the blood vessels in your arm and select the most appropriate one for your line. She will then slowly and gently guides the line in.
After the procedure is done you will have an x-ray to confirm proper placement. A doctor must read this before you can receive your first dose of medication or go home.
Risks include blood clots, strokes, local infections at the insertion site, sepsis, inflammation of the vein, inflammation and irritation and infection of the heart. The line can also break while inside of you. The catheter can be become blocked. And if air gets in the line you can also develop an air embolisim. I'm sure that there are more, these are just the ones that I can think of right now.
Learning to take care of you PICC is very important. A home health care nurse can change your dressing weekly or teach a family member to do it for you. Make sure that whoever does it follows sterile technique. Always measure your arm. Watch for s/s of infection.
Keep the site clean and dry. You can buy a PICC cover from places like Dry-Pro or use saran wrap and tape to make your own cover for use in the shower. Or you can bird bath with a wash cloth if you are more comfortable that way.
How often you have a nurse check it is up to you and your doctor. If the nurse changes your dressings she will visit your house weekly. She will assess the site, the line, your arm, and your general well being at that time. Your doctor will also check the site at your routine f/u visits.
When you are done with therapy your home health nurse or doctor can remove the line.
Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
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posted
PICC was installed outpatient at hospital by doc - 2 shots to numb arm (felt like a bee sting) then felt nothing while he fed the line up my arm & into chest.
Took x-rays - was in & out in 20 minutes.
Then met with infussion nurse who went over dos & do nots & what your regular daily routine should be. Ex...No repetitive motions on that arm for the first week. My doc has me take daily temperature.
they will give you list of what to look for - any raise in temp of 96 or above, new armpit pain, new chest pain, or new arm pain are sign of infection. Never had any of this.
Arm was a little sore for about 4 days - used a small pillow to prop it up while sitting & sleeping.
I have had PICC for 4 months - never a problem - was able to do all care of it, IV infusion & med mixing on my own everyday - nurse does weekly dressing changes - no big deal - just taking badages off & cleaning the arm & line & puts them back on.
If you run into any issues a nurse or doc is on call 24/7 you can just ring up & ask them what to do.
I use saran wrap & Press & seal over that to shower - also a hand held shower head & that works great to keep that part of my arm dry.
YOU CAN do it by yourself, best of luck.
Posts: 5 | From USA - Midwest | Registered: Jul 2009
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