Topic: Should I have my veins checked before getting a port or another PICC line? How?
Rumigirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15091
posted
I had to have my PICC line removed weeks ago, because it sprung a leak. I now want a port instead, because I had soooo much on-going pain for 5 months with the PICC, and so many problems with it. It seems that my veins were irritated or spasming around the line.
My doctor doesn't want to rx a port. Maybe I can convince him, but not sure.
Would it be helpful to have my veins checked by a vascular doctor before we decide which route to go? It seems that my veins aren't in very good shape. I originally did peripheral lines, but had 5 out of 6 veins collapse---really painful!! Does anyone know anything about getting the veins checked, like how would you have them checked, is it helpful, do you need a vascular surgeon?
I've also had bad varicose veins and spider veins since I was really young. Thank you!
Posts: 3792 | From around | Registered: Mar 2008
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Rumigirl
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Member # 15091
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up for replies.
Posts: 3792 | From around | Registered: Mar 2008
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An ultrasound is usually the choice for checking veins. You wouldn't need a vascular surgeon, just someone trained in ultrasound diagnostic testing.
Never had a port, and am having second picc line put in soon. I do remember irritation in veins from first picc line. It was then that my doctor sent me for an ultrasound of the picc line and veins.
Karl A
-------------------- HERX is a Four Letter Word! Posts: 716 | From If you're going through hell, keep going......Winston Churchill | Registered: Apr 2007
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Cheryl
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I sure know what it's like to have terrible veins! I take it you and the doctor want to continue with IV because you are benefiting from it? If so, you might ask about a Hickman catheter.
If you do go with a PICC, definitely have it inserted using flouroscopy/ultrasound. (This could also serve as your evaluation of whether they can insert the PICC.) Speaking from personal experience, I wouldn't have either of these done at just any hospital. I'd choose a large hospital's interventional radiology department.
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