PICC line

So... I've been having a really rough time with this pregnancy. I'm so ready for it to be over and it's just begun! I can't wait to hold my two sweet little babies, but boy are they wrecking some havoc on my body. Anyhow, I thought my zofran pump was finally starting to work a few days ago because I had a good 36 hour period where I only threw up twice and was able to hold a decent amount of food and fluids down. Anyhow, I convinced my doctor that I should be able to have a couple days without my IV and see if I could keep enough fluids down on my own. My IV's have been a major pain for the nurses to get in (usually taking them 3 times) and they haven't been staying in for more than 24 hours before they get messed up and start leaking fluids into my arm. Today I called them because I knew I needed fluids. It was day 3 of keeping NOTHING down and my skin has become incredibly dry/flaky and I'm so very thirsty. Nurse came out and tried 4 times. Finally she called my doctor who sent me to the ER to have the IV put in and told me I HAD to have a PICC line put in. Well, the IV has already come out - it lasted about 8 hours this time. I'm tired of having problems with IV's and being poked all of the time, but I'm really nervous about this PICC line thing. The look so very painful. Does anyone have experience with them or thoughts?

 

I have had three PICC lines for Antibiotics (not pregnant). Two in the crook of my elbow and the third anchored in my upper arm.

One broke and the other was replaced (that is two) and the third was a different time. I also have had a central line (much more intense than a PICC).

It was a really easy procedure, then they xray (they may not you since your pregnant) to make sure it is in place. It was fairly easy to care for, the priority was keeping it sterile. If they anchor it, they will do a few stitches.

I had it for 2 months (two different lines), and 3 months. A home health nurse can and changed the dressing, it was easy for her to do- I changed my central line, but could not do the PICC because I could not do it with one hand!

The elbow placement gave me the most trouble and caused my upper arm to swell/be sore, I took a script anti inflammatory, but again- that may be a no-no if you are pregnant. The medication I was taking was aggrivating so that was also part of it.I did have it 'leak' under my skin when it broke. It was a mess, but not scary.

I used a wrapped plastic bag and tape to seal it to shower. Not the best solution, but it worked.

Good Luck- it does seem scary at first, but once you get used to it- you adjust.

 

My DH had one for two months after his heart surgery, because they were surprised to find an active infection in his heart when his white blood count was normal. It didn't cause anything but inconvenience, especially with an infant at home. We were taught how to change his antibiotics since he got them continuously (23 hours a day, one hour off for showering). We even took a small vacation just to relax during that time.

 

My second child had a PICC line installed while in the NICU - I was freaked out about it when it went in, but it was no big deal and was much less traumatic than constantly moving IVs, which is the whole point of the exercise. But I also was not taking care of it ... Knowing what I know now about the PICC and reading your story, I think I'd go with the PICC. Since I'm a doctor and all (I am not).

 

I had one, and like a pp said, its an easy prodedure. The freezing hurts more then the actual insertion of PICC. One of my twins had one, as well. To be honest if they are having that much trouble with your IV, I would def do a picc line. Good luck

 

I have to agree. I had one a week AFTER my twins were born because of an infection and it really was a fairly easy procedure. I talked with the nurse the whole time and didn't feel a thing. It was much better than having to have my IV's replaced all the time.

 

Thank you guys for all of your reassurances. I'm still a little nervous about the procedure, but I deffinately feel like in the long run it will be a lot better than having an IV. I'm scheduled to have this thing done Tuesday morning. Praying it goes seamlessly!