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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2005 >> Port vs picc lines 
        
(Message started by: unsolved1 on Jun 22^nd, 2005, 7:52pm)

Title: Port vs picc lines
Post by unsolved1 on Jun 22^nd, 2005, 7:52pm

Looking for some insight on ports. I've been in the hospital soo much, some are recommending that I have a port put in.

Unsolved

Title: Re: Port vs picc lines
Post by Kris_in_SJ on Jun 22^nd, 2005, 9:10pm

I don't know quite what to say, my friend.

Lizzie/Carrie probably has more current knowledge than I do, since I left nursing many moons ago. Maybe you should PM her on the question.

My thought is if they're going to be flushing you with meds on a fairly regular basis, a port might be the way to go.

Nobody wants to be a pincushion - nor should they have to be. My heart hurts for you. Please PM if I can be of any support.

Hugs,

Kris

Title: Re: Port vs picc lines
Post by Lizzie2 on Jun 23^rd, 2005, 11:44pm

Out of curiosity first...have you ever had a PICC line? If so, how was it? Any problems?

I've had 3 PICCs, and I'm constantly in need of IVs in arms that have no veins. I've been (half) joking about wanting a port for some time now. However, everyone tells me not to do it because the rate of infection can be very high and they do fail eventually -- hopefully not causing some sort of blood infection first.

That being said, my cousins with cystic fibrosis have both had ports. They have had to be replaced, but I don't believe they've had any major complications, although it can get clogged or other potential problems. The more you access it, the greater the risk.

I'd probably still prefer to have one put in, given how many PICCs I've had and the amount of times I have to get stuck, but...it is not without risk.

So....the first question is have you had any PICCs yet? If not, I'd probably go that route first. Of course, that's ultimately something you have to discuss with your doc! PICCs have risks too...I got 2 blood clots in my arm from my 2nd one.

Got lots more info for whenever you respond!

Hugz,
Carrie/Lizzie2 :)

Title: Re: Port vs picc lines
Post by unsolved1 on Jun 23^rd, 2005, 11:59pm

I've had 7 picc lines in a little over a year (Actually 2 were midlines). I'm scarred on both arms due to the lines. I've also got a major blood clot in my left shoulder/chest area that i'm taking Plavix for now. The "IV Team" is suggesting the port to me and my docs. Haven't got a final word yet weather they want me to or not.

I only know one person whos had one ... my mother. She said it was easy and painless. No complications for her.

Unsolved

Title: Re: Port vs picc lines
Post by Karla on Jun 24^th, 2005, 8:23am

When my son was 6 months old he had a pic line inserted. It was a godsend not to see him being stuck all over his body for various things. It was easy enough to remove once we no longer needed it and he never had any complications from it. i would recomend it.