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any advice on getting a PICC line?
i just got diagnosed with lyme disease and i started out taking doxycycline an i had a bad reaction my prurigo nodulairs flared up so bad on my back and neck i had a hard time breathing and talking it hurts my neck and swelled up so bad so i stopped taking it immediately and my infectious disease doctor just started me on rocephin i have to get an IV every day for 6 weeks. her office is an hour away from where i live so im getting a PICC line out in today im very nervous i dont know what to expect and im very nervous about an infection getting in there if anyone has or had one and has any advice id love to hear from you!
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Several people in my family have had PICC lines for various treatments. They all experienced much easier administration of medications and said they were relieved to have less problems with veins. As long as they followed directions there were no issues and nobody got an infection. This is a fairly common practice when there are issues with ongoing medication. More information here
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/picc-line/about/pac-20468748
I had a picc line for three months and it was a convenient and easy way of getting my meds. I would not imagine having been poked three times a week or more for a long period of time. Don’t be afraid
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2 ReactionsHi
I had acute Lyme a few years back that required a picc line . 7 days a week for a month. After my doctor got done fighting with my insurance the line was installed. For me no issues. Of course being an active person made navigating daily routines tricky. I had to fight to stay home. My job required physical challenges for keeping the line safe.
The results were miraculous. I didn't need to hold on to stair rails any longer and I no longer felt that I had early onset dementia. Please don't worry about infection etc. look at the big picture. You're about to get your life back!
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1 Reaction@bprather I can totally relate. While I was hospitalized at Mayo Phoenix earlier this month I had a PICC line insterted for administration of antivirals due to CMV colitis. Upon discharge, we had a home infusion nurse come to the house to instruct my husband on how to administer the meds twice/day. At first he was quite nervous that he wouldn't remember the steps and would "mess up" but he became so proficient in a short amount of time he joked he'd found his second profession! The home infusion nurse came out once/week to change the dressing.
As for me, I have not found the line uncomfortable at all. The infusion company provided a net-type sleeve to place over the "dangling" lines so I can comfortably wear long sleeves and sleep without concern of tangling or anything else (not that it had been an issue without it). The only slight hassle is having to wrap the sight securely before showering. We've used saran wrap and rubber-type tape but you can also purchase a PICC line sleeve from Amazon for a reasonable price (approx $20) which may be worth it if you're going to have the line in for several weeks. I'm due to have mine removed this afternoon, after 3 weeks. Fortunately, my treatment has been successful - wishing the same to you!
Can you let me know in a couple of weeks how you're managing?
They do come with a slight risk. However, not to get one will leave you with all your availabl vains blown out and you will look and feel like a pin cushion. I highly recommend it. They are beneficial in the long run and will save your vains from much abuse. Paying for you bPrathers.
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1 ReactionI had a pic line in for about two months when I was pregnant and had hyperemesis. ( constant nausea with vomiting). I got TPN infusions for 12 hours daily. I too was very anxious about risk of infection, air emboli etc. I did fine and it saved me and my one and only child! Things have probably gotten safer with them, since that was in the 90s. Good luck.