I get the picc line tomorrow, and I start IV Rocephin for 8 weeks. Can anyone tell me what to expect? What is the quality of life with the line in? I got the picc line cover already so I can shower. I am still working so I am concerned about not being able to lift with the arm.
I was just getting ready to start a new post wishing you luck tomorrow! You will do fine. It is painless.
As far as work goes I had my line put in last Wednesday and today was my first day back to work. I have just been very fatigued and just sick!!
You will just have to see how your body does. The only thing i can say is do not pick up any heavy items with that arm, It will make your arm swell and your line could work itself out!
Please post when you get home and let us know how it went!!!!
Hi Rodney. Getting a PICC line is usually an easy straightforward process. You will feel a stick when the line is inserted, but it should not be painful. After the line is put in, an xray is done to make sure it is in the proper place.
Usually a nurse will show you how to do the infusions until you are comfortable doing them yourself. Then the dressing is typically changed and bloodwork is taken once a week. Some people have a home health care nurse do this and some have it done at the doctor's office.
It may seem overwhelming but it really is easy once you get the hang of it. The line should not be affected with normal activities. Ask your doctor or nurse what the limitations should be. If you ever have any question about how your line looks or feels, call your doctor or nurse immediately. An infection in the line can be deadly.
I had my PICC line inserted in my LLMD's office on May 10th, 2007, with no anesthesia or pain killers or muscle relaxers or anything. That was just awful. Bless my nurses heart that she did it quickly!
Now that it's in (been in 7 months now), I hardly notice it's there. Dripping the medicine in (infusing) is a breeze. Showering is a pain in the rear and I don't use my hot tub as much as I should 'cuz it's such a pain to put the sleeve on (I use a different one than the mid-arm protector).
Try not to worry and the best thing to do is relax. My arm was shaking so badly, I don't know how my nurse got it in on the first try.
thanks everyone. It went fine although I was very quesy afterwards. I felt better after i ate something. Now that I did my first infusion I'm tired, more dizzy and my arm is sore. Other than that I feel like a hundred bucks! The nurse did pull the picc out slightly for me as I could feel it in my chest. It's better now. Ok now let's kill those little buggers, I'm ready to get better now!
OMG I feel bad on the rocephin. I am so weak, dizzy and my heart races when I am standing. I guess I'm herxing or just have to adjust to the meds. My head feels like a hundred pounds,,,hope this get better soon. I have to go back to work saturday. ugghh
I am sorry you are feeling bad. It will pass with time. I htink it is a little bit of both, getting used to the medication and maybe herxing. I had that as well the first couple of days but it has subsuded some what.
Try taking a detox bath maybe that will hep relax you.
Are you taking any other oral medications? I cannot remeber what you said you were on.
Treatment can be rough but naything is better than dealing wiht Lyem for the rest of your life.
Please rest as much as you can and take car of yourself!
