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Posted 11/10/2017 6:04 PM (GMT 0)
Why do they have to X-Ray the infusion line after it is inserted? Is it placed in a site different from the normal I.V lines? Is this the same protocol everywhere, i am based in the UK. Thanks
Posted 11/10/2017 6:37 PM (GMT 0)
I would think they need to see it's in the right place and everything is working as it should.

Our Mod, Pirouette would be able to answer this question. She's been on IV via a PORT.
Posted 11/10/2017 7:15 PM (GMT 0)
If this is a PICC line it is inserted in a vein inside area of bicep just above the elbow. The line is pushed in all the way to the heart. They just need to make sure its not too far in or not far enough to function properly. Then they measure it and record it in your records to make sure the same length comes out when removed.

The most difficult time I had the entire 16 months on IV was the removal. Fibers actually grew around the line locking it in place. The nurse used wet hot packs to loosen the grip.
Posted 11/10/2017 7:18 PM (GMT 0)

tickbite666 said...
If this is a PICC line it is inserted in a vein inside area of bicep just above the elbow. The line is pushed in all the way to the heart. They just need to make sure its not too far in or not far enough to function properly. Then they measure it and record it in your records to make sure the same length comes out when removed.

The most difficult time I had the entire 16 months on IV was the removal. Fibers actually grew around the line locking it in place. The nurse used wet hot packs to loosen the grip.

Tickbite - I'm cringing just reading that. That would be a nightmare for me.
Posted 11/10/2017 7:41 PM (GMT 0)
get this... after my second year into treatment I went back to work full time and my infusion nurse would come to the office for my weekly bandage change and biweekly blood draws. The removal was done in the office. The nurse said that never happened to her before, and got on the phone to other nurses for advice.

My last 3 months I switched from Rocephin to IV Doxy in an infusion ball. I would flush the PICC and hook up at home in am and infuse on my 45 minute commute to work. Then remove ball, flush and heparin lock in the office.

was that TMI ??? ;*)

Post Edited (tickbite666) : 11/10/2017 12:47:34 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 11/10/2017 7:49 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Girlie/Tickbite....that's explained it enough for me to stop scratching my head when I read about I.V X-Rays.
Posted 11/10/2017 7:51 PM (GMT 0)

tickbite666 said...
get this... after my second year into treatment I went back to work full time and my infusion nurse would come to the office for my weekly bandage change and biweekly blood draws. The removal was done in the office. The nurse said that never happened to her before, and got on the phone to other nurses for advice.

My last 3 months I switched from Rocephin to IV Doxy in an infusion ball. I would flush the PICC and hook up at home in am and infuse on my 45 minute commute to work. Then remove ball, flush and heparin lock in the office.

was that TMI ??? ;*)


STOP IT!!! OMG. nono
Posted 11/10/2017 8:40 PM (GMT 0)
Yes -

The IV line (either via PICC through the arm or via port placed in the chest) has a catheter that is threaded through the vein in the neck and sits in the vein leading into the heart. This is why they say IV meds are like "mainlining to the heart".

So it has to be placed carefully - not too high - the smaller veins will be damaged by most meds.

And not too low - mine is sitting a little too low because the port didn't heal well so it shifted up towards my clavicle. Because it's sitting too low, it aggravates my heart when I sit or lie in a certain position.

So the imaging helps them confirm placement. Sometimes they'll do a contrast to ensure everything is going where it's supposed to go and that the port is functioning or that there are no kinks in the catheter.

tickbite666---- For 3 yrs I have been worried about what is going to happen when they rip the catether out - it's attached to the port. Surely they will put me under?

-p
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