Does anyone have experience with a picc line or port?

I have not had one, but having been on the forum a while, I can tell you what I've learned from others.

For some people, the IV antibiotics was very necessary, either because they could not tolerate the oral abx or their treatment stalled out. It can jump start your treatment, put it on fast forward or finish what other medications couldn't.

This method delivers a very potent level of medication right where it is needed; it is particularly good in the cases of heart involvement. Some supportive therapies can also be administered through the port/picc line.

Some the negative things you hear about this treatment is because there was no follow up treatment afterwards. That tends to be the case with Infectious Disease Doctors.

For others, the IV antibiotics are way too aggressive. Even supportive therapies cannot help them cope. And, finally, there is the potential of infection from the port/picc line. Obviously, measures are taken to prevent that, but it does happen.

So, in short, it is like all good tools; the most useful and powerful have their dangers.

I'm sure other members with experience will be along shortly to share their thoughts. In the meantime, you can use the search function to search for older threads about this.

I found this on line:

Are there restrictions to my daily living?
• Avoid carrying bags or purses over your “PICC” shoulder.
• When you shower or bathe wrap the PICC arm with plastic wrap and tape closed. This stops water leaking under the dressing.
• Avoid strenuous activity or activities that have constant arm movement, such as: moving heavy objects over 10 pounds or 4.5 kilograms; jumping jacks; weight lifting; or vacuuming. Performing these activities may cause the PICC to block or the tip of the PICC to no longer be in the correct position.
• Moderate exercise such as walking, does not harm your PICC.
• Avoid swimming or getting into a hot tub. It is difficult to stop water from getting under the PICC dressing and causing an infection.
• Take care to give your medications on time.
• Follow instructions carefully, they are designed to prevent problems.

At this site:

vch.eduhealth.ca/%5CPDFs%5CFA/FA.200.P418.pdf

As always, your doctor's recommendations may be different and you should follow those first.

the only thing that you really can't do with it is swim, sauna, jacuzzi. When I take a shower I have to wrap it to make sure it doesn't get wet...thats the biggest pain. Other than that its not really a big deal. I have 2 small kids and I pick them up all the time and they each way over 30 pounds. I also exercise frequently with it.

yes, I administer the medication, but I have a permanent PICC line in my arm. It was inserted by a radiologist - very easy procedure and not painful. I was sore for the day, but the next day I was fine.