daggiesmom Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 Unfortunately, the infection in my chest is still hanging in there despite my taking loads of antibiotics. The dr. called last night and said he's thinking of putting in a PIC line for antibiotics to knock it out. I've never had a PIC line. He mentioned I might have to do it in-patient? I so don't want to do this. Any information on PIC lines would be appreciated. I'm hangin' in there, but pretty down about the whole thing. Joanie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ztweb Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 Joanie, My daughter, born 2 months pre-mature, had a PIC line in for about 2 weeks. It was very scary watching them put this tube through her arm and threaded up near the heart. They struggled getting it in at first, but the second time, they got it in, and I can say I was thrilled to have it. She was getting poked and prodded all the time, and with the PIC line, she didn't need that. Once it was in, it was no problem at all. They gave her a morphine like product to sedate her to get it in, and once she awoke, I was honestly glad to have it in. I know this isn't exactly what is happening with you, but rest assured, they did it on a 4.5 pound baby, so you will go through it like a champ!!!! Lilli is coming up on her first birthday...yeah!! Best of luck to you and blessings, Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tnmynatt Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 My dad has had PICC lines a couple of times. It was pretty easy on him. The hardest part was his daily trips to the hospital to get the antibiotics. You might want to ask about getting your antibiotics at home. I was able to give them to Charlie using his port. Several antibiotics come in these little pressurized bottles that don't require an IV bag, etc. Take care. Praying for an easy insertion and administration and GREAT results! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trish2418 Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 I can't offer you any advice about PICC lines, Joanie, but I sure am sorry you're having to go through this. Hope the docs get the infection under control soon. Take good care of yourself. Trish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teresag Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 Lots of folks here have had ports and loved them. A PICC is even easier to insert. The movement in your elbow (where it is inserted) will be restricted to a small degree, but otherwise you will hardly know it's there. If there has been some sort of past trauma to the arm or veins (like chemo) it can be difficult to thread. That is probably why the dr. thought it might have to be done inpatient. And I agree that you should be able to give your own antibiotics, with a little help from family, at home. Overall, a PICC can save a lot of sticks! Best wishes to you. - Teresa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daggiesmom Posted September 29, 2006 Author Share Posted September 29, 2006 Thanks to everyone for the knowledgeable reply about this. Well, now it's wait to see what the samples will tell, whether or not I'll need one. Joanie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 Hey Joanie-- I had to have a PICC line about 6 weeks so I could have IV antibiotics at home. I had a very nasty heart infection. Make sure they stitch it down to your skin. I caught the first one and pulled it out a couple of inches and it had to be re-done. It is no problem -- just be very careful not to get it infected. We had a home nurse that came every week and changed the bandage and checked it. It will be fine -- I promise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheryl Ferguson Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 Joanie, I had one after my pericardial window for quick administraion of medcines (if I needed them quickly or they couldn't get a vein). They stuck mine in my neck (Caratoid artery.) It was put in while I was under anestesia. I have a feeling that yours will be the same if needed , after surgegy. Pain only occurried if I bumped the tube. It was a long thick Pic taped very well to prevent infection in such a dangerous area like yor heart. Don't fret Joanie... Hope the procedure is painless, and goes well. Keep us up to date when you can! Cheryl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamasbabygirl Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 Prayers that it is painless if you actually have to get one. You are such a trooper. Keep your chin up. We love you!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 Joanie- My PICC line was in my upper arm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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