Got my picc line today. Was pretty... eventful :(

First off the pharmacy messed up my Valium prescription and I didn't notice in time to get it fixed. So I was pretty sober when I wanted to be drugged out of my mind because I was so terrified. That's the second time in the last few weeks that they've messed up my rx. They are going to end up hurting or killing someone. I have to call tomorrow and complain about that. Such crap.

They started threading it in and BAM! they hit a nerve right after telling me there is hardly ever any nerve issues. They tried 8 times to get around it and it wasn't happening. My veins started vasoconstricting. So they had to wait a half hour. All my drugs, the little that it was even wore off completely by the time they could try again.

My good vein was no longer useable. I had to stay in the exact same position the whole time so I started cramping really bad and my nerve that got hit continued to fire off. They found another useable vein and the lady told me right off it isn't ideal but she could try if I was up for it. I really didn't want to have to go back so I gave her the go ahead.

That vein worked!! She had to cut me 3 times instead just once because something that they need to shove in there didn't want to go. So I have a pretty big cut.

I'm walking out and my guy noticed the back of my arm was HUGE! so they took me back again and had to fix that. It was just pooling saline because of the super tight wrap thing. My arm was completely purple and freezing cold. I obviously have circulation issues. It's still a bit purple. Nothing to be concerned about though.

It wasn't in a perfect place after the x ray so they had to adjust it a little more. No biggie.

They said because they hit my nerve and it hurt my neck to my pinky that I shouldn't use my arm for 3 days other than little stuff like drinking water...etc. no lifting. They said it will be more sore than it otherwise would've been. I can handle that. My elbow and hand still feel a little weird off and on. They said that's OK and just alternate ice and heat to help it heal faster.

It didn't go perfectly but I stuck it through and let them keep poking me. I didn't want to have to go back later lol! I really just wanted it over with. They were nice enough to let my guy take pictures of the whole thing so I can see what they did. Pretty gruesome lol!!

I don't know if I've ever been happier to be home! I have to go back tomorrow to get the dresting changed. Not looking forward to it but who would?! It's very tender so I'm sure that's going to hurt of course. They say it's usually not sore unless they do hit a nerve. But hey! I'm all done!

When they did the second one it was like magic. You really don't feel anything at all. Not anything to afraid about at all! Although I did have a crappy experience if I ever need another one I won't be scared at all! I hope I didn't make this sound too scary for anyone that might be looking into getting one.

My stomach is going to be soooooo happy!!! Let's slaughter some bugs now!!

Atta girl, IHL - you did it!! Good for you...You're a strong young lady....I'm proud of you!

You are a brave girl, I think I would have told them they are done. Hope you have great success on IV anx and can start feeling better soon.

about to head out for my dressing change. They warned me this might be more painful than getting the picc put in be a use they had to cut me 3 times so I have a pretty big wound. I keep telling myself I'm tough and I'll power through! Hibicleanse (or however you spell it) ain't got nothing on this girl!!!!

What a trooper!! Hope all goes well today.

Patty

I'm so glad it's over and you're ok!!!
It wasn't very smooth, but you did it, and you're not afraid of it any longer!

Good luck with the IV treatment IHL!

Thanks mister mike! Now no one gets to touch it for 6 days!!

The lady said the nerve pain could actually last quite a while. She said everyone is different and sometimes it takes forever. Hopefully that's not the case for me! Screw nerve pain!

IHL I am so sorry it was such a monstrously scary event. So happy to hear you are ok though and made it thru, you are a tough m'fer, just reading your story gave me shivers of discomfort.

Here's to the iv abx working and bringing you back to health!!! big hugs to you! Really hope the pain will ease up quickly.