PICC Line Finally Inserted

I finally got the PICC line inserted today and I'm so embarrassed for being such a baby about the entire thing.  The nurse was fantastic and I did not feel any pain at all.  Actually, all I felt was one quick stick that was much less painful than most blood tests I've had in the past.  Now I just have to keep my fingers crossed that I don't have an adverse reaction to Rocephin when I get my first dose tomorrow.

I want to thank everyone who was so patient and very supportive about my fear of getting the line inserted. 

I'm hoping that maybe this post will help someone else who is experiencing anxiety about getting a PICC Line.  It's absolutely nothing to be worried about and really isn't a big deal.  As long as I don't have to look at it and it remains covered up with a bandage I should be fine.  lol

Also, I met such a nice woman when I was on my way out of the doctor's office (Dr. R in NY) who told me her daughter had a PICC line for six months and then had a port inserted.  Thankfully, her daughter responded very well.  I was so spaced out and exhausted that I don't think I asked her name but am now wondering if she belongs to this group.  Whether or not she does, I wish her and her daughters all the best and if so I would like to thank her again for sharing the information with me.  Hearing stories like this encourages me and gives me great hope.

Valerie

Thanks Dorit!

Did you get the PICC line with the port in your forearm? I'm so happy it went well for you. I had a PICC line at age 16 (I'm 32) and was on Rocephin for 4 months.

Thanks Rich. It really was not bad at all. The symptoms we deal with on a daily basis cannot even begin to compare.

Thanks Naturebabe. Yes it's on my forearm. For some reason I thought it was going to be higher up. Then again I'm not thinking too clearly these days. lol


MarriedtoLymeinNJ - Please don't worry about it. The thought of the PICC Line is what was causing me the most anxiety. I cannot even describe the kind of anxiety I was experiencing and knew I was out of control but just couldn't rationalize it. So many people told me not to worry but I couldn't help being absolutely petrified. Pain I can deal with but the thought of the PICC line in me was something I thought I couldn't. It really is not bad at all. Just keep your eyes closed when it is being done and ask the nurse not to explain what she is doing. Afterwards, it's covered with a bandage that a nurse will change once a week so you never need to see or look at where it's inserted. I get my first dose today and will let you know how it goes. All I can tell you is that I definitely understand the "ick" factor and it's not bothering me at all which is very surprising. Please trust me, if I can do it and be comfortable with it anyone can. You'll be fine.

Post Edited (scorpio1960) : 11/21/2009 4:22:28 PM (GMT-7)