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PICC Placement Experiences
- Thread starter cdale613
- Start date
Scarlett81
New member
I've been getting pics for years so I remember the days of no pain medication for it whatsoever-it used to be a nightmare. (I'm talking years ago when I was 9-14 ish) I remember it used to be an all day affair to get it in, 4-6 hours. I'm not an easy insertion w them bc my veins split about 3/4 way up my bicep so the line gets stuck.
About 5 years ago I started going to interventional radiology or ultrasound immediately rather than trying for a few hours to see if we can get it in and then giving up and going to ir.
When I arrived at St. Vincent's hosp for the first time, (3 yrs ago)I had the BEST picc experience ever! 15-20 mins each time!
I go in, and its like an operating room as you said. They let me stay in my clothes if I want but they drape me and 'tie' my arm down and use that sheet thing. They use ultrasound to see how the veins looks first, then give me a shot of lidocaine which frankly is the worst part of it all. They keep that xray thing on the whole time so they see the vein, and I can watch it going in if I want. They put it in and like I said its 20 mins at the most and pretty easy.
THe first time I had one inserted there I literally wanted to kiss the doctor afterwards, I was shocked. I never had one happen so fast and so painless before going there. But as opposed to an IV team, these guys at IR only do this all day long so no one has as much experience as them.
About 5 years ago I started going to interventional radiology or ultrasound immediately rather than trying for a few hours to see if we can get it in and then giving up and going to ir.
When I arrived at St. Vincent's hosp for the first time, (3 yrs ago)I had the BEST picc experience ever! 15-20 mins each time!
I go in, and its like an operating room as you said. They let me stay in my clothes if I want but they drape me and 'tie' my arm down and use that sheet thing. They use ultrasound to see how the veins looks first, then give me a shot of lidocaine which frankly is the worst part of it all. They keep that xray thing on the whole time so they see the vein, and I can watch it going in if I want. They put it in and like I said its 20 mins at the most and pretty easy.
THe first time I had one inserted there I literally wanted to kiss the doctor afterwards, I was shocked. I never had one happen so fast and so painless before going there. But as opposed to an IV team, these guys at IR only do this all day long so no one has as much experience as them.
Scarlett81
New member
I've been getting pics for years so I remember the days of no pain medication for it whatsoever-it used to be a nightmare. (I'm talking years ago when I was 9-14 ish) I remember it used to be an all day affair to get it in, 4-6 hours. I'm not an easy insertion w them bc my veins split about 3/4 way up my bicep so the line gets stuck.
About 5 years ago I started going to interventional radiology or ultrasound immediately rather than trying for a few hours to see if we can get it in and then giving up and going to ir.
When I arrived at St. Vincent's hosp for the first time, (3 yrs ago)I had the BEST picc experience ever! 15-20 mins each time!
I go in, and its like an operating room as you said. They let me stay in my clothes if I want but they drape me and 'tie' my arm down and use that sheet thing. They use ultrasound to see how the veins looks first, then give me a shot of lidocaine which frankly is the worst part of it all. They keep that xray thing on the whole time so they see the vein, and I can watch it going in if I want. They put it in and like I said its 20 mins at the most and pretty easy.
THe first time I had one inserted there I literally wanted to kiss the doctor afterwards, I was shocked. I never had one happen so fast and so painless before going there. But as opposed to an IV team, these guys at IR only do this all day long so no one has as much experience as them.
About 5 years ago I started going to interventional radiology or ultrasound immediately rather than trying for a few hours to see if we can get it in and then giving up and going to ir.
When I arrived at St. Vincent's hosp for the first time, (3 yrs ago)I had the BEST picc experience ever! 15-20 mins each time!
I go in, and its like an operating room as you said. They let me stay in my clothes if I want but they drape me and 'tie' my arm down and use that sheet thing. They use ultrasound to see how the veins looks first, then give me a shot of lidocaine which frankly is the worst part of it all. They keep that xray thing on the whole time so they see the vein, and I can watch it going in if I want. They put it in and like I said its 20 mins at the most and pretty easy.
THe first time I had one inserted there I literally wanted to kiss the doctor afterwards, I was shocked. I never had one happen so fast and so painless before going there. But as opposed to an IV team, these guys at IR only do this all day long so no one has as much experience as them.
Scarlett81
New member
I've been getting pics for years so I remember the days of no pain medication for it whatsoever-it used to be a nightmare. (I'm talking years ago when I was 9-14 ish) I remember it used to be an all day affair to get it in, 4-6 hours. I'm not an easy insertion w them bc my veins split about 3/4 way up my bicep so the line gets stuck.
About 5 years ago I started going to interventional radiology or ultrasound immediately rather than trying for a few hours to see if we can get it in and then giving up and going to ir.
When I arrived at St. Vincent's hosp for the first time, (3 yrs ago)I had the BEST picc experience ever! 15-20 mins each time!
I go in, and its like an operating room as you said. They let me stay in my clothes if I want but they drape me and 'tie' my arm down and use that sheet thing. They use ultrasound to see how the veins looks first, then give me a shot of lidocaine which frankly is the worst part of it all. They keep that xray thing on the whole time so they see the vein, and I can watch it going in if I want. They put it in and like I said its 20 mins at the most and pretty easy.
THe first time I had one inserted there I literally wanted to kiss the doctor afterwards, I was shocked. I never had one happen so fast and so painless before going there. But as opposed to an IV team, these guys at IR only do this all day long so no one has as much experience as them.
About 5 years ago I started going to interventional radiology or ultrasound immediately rather than trying for a few hours to see if we can get it in and then giving up and going to ir.
When I arrived at St. Vincent's hosp for the first time, (3 yrs ago)I had the BEST picc experience ever! 15-20 mins each time!
I go in, and its like an operating room as you said. They let me stay in my clothes if I want but they drape me and 'tie' my arm down and use that sheet thing. They use ultrasound to see how the veins looks first, then give me a shot of lidocaine which frankly is the worst part of it all. They keep that xray thing on the whole time so they see the vein, and I can watch it going in if I want. They put it in and like I said its 20 mins at the most and pretty easy.
THe first time I had one inserted there I literally wanted to kiss the doctor afterwards, I was shocked. I never had one happen so fast and so painless before going there. But as opposed to an IV team, these guys at IR only do this all day long so no one has as much experience as them.
M
MCGrad2006
Guest
The one time I had to go to radiology was prob my worst PICC expereince. They shot me up with soooooo much novacaine, and altho thats all I felt, they were just overall very rough with me and didnt so much as try to make me feel comfy AT ALL. My arm was sooo bruised up and the PICC was like right on the bone of my elbow, so it made for really awkward treatments and sleep regimens for two weeks. Yes they used an ultrasound, but it wasnt any better.
The IV nurses at my hosp are sooooo wonderful and like someone else said, they know the CF patients. They know what they are doing and more recently they have also started using ultrasounds for placement. They do the ultrasound, then get everything ready, then start the process. The whole thing takes about 40 minutes, but I personally feel more comfortable with them. The nurses actually tried to talk me down and get my mind on other things, whereas the radiology ppl just poked and pushed and shoved till they were done!
Thanks for sharing your experiences everyone, its nice to hear how other places do business!
The IV nurses at my hosp are sooooo wonderful and like someone else said, they know the CF patients. They know what they are doing and more recently they have also started using ultrasounds for placement. They do the ultrasound, then get everything ready, then start the process. The whole thing takes about 40 minutes, but I personally feel more comfortable with them. The nurses actually tried to talk me down and get my mind on other things, whereas the radiology ppl just poked and pushed and shoved till they were done!
Thanks for sharing your experiences everyone, its nice to hear how other places do business!
M
MCGrad2006
Guest
The one time I had to go to radiology was prob my worst PICC expereince. They shot me up with soooooo much novacaine, and altho thats all I felt, they were just overall very rough with me and didnt so much as try to make me feel comfy AT ALL. My arm was sooo bruised up and the PICC was like right on the bone of my elbow, so it made for really awkward treatments and sleep regimens for two weeks. Yes they used an ultrasound, but it wasnt any better.
The IV nurses at my hosp are sooooo wonderful and like someone else said, they know the CF patients. They know what they are doing and more recently they have also started using ultrasounds for placement. They do the ultrasound, then get everything ready, then start the process. The whole thing takes about 40 minutes, but I personally feel more comfortable with them. The nurses actually tried to talk me down and get my mind on other things, whereas the radiology ppl just poked and pushed and shoved till they were done!
Thanks for sharing your experiences everyone, its nice to hear how other places do business!
The IV nurses at my hosp are sooooo wonderful and like someone else said, they know the CF patients. They know what they are doing and more recently they have also started using ultrasounds for placement. They do the ultrasound, then get everything ready, then start the process. The whole thing takes about 40 minutes, but I personally feel more comfortable with them. The nurses actually tried to talk me down and get my mind on other things, whereas the radiology ppl just poked and pushed and shoved till they were done!
Thanks for sharing your experiences everyone, its nice to hear how other places do business!
M
MCGrad2006
Guest
The one time I had to go to radiology was prob my worst PICC expereince. They shot me up with soooooo much novacaine, and altho thats all I felt, they were just overall very rough with me and didnt so much as try to make me feel comfy AT ALL. My arm was sooo bruised up and the PICC was like right on the bone of my elbow, so it made for really awkward treatments and sleep regimens for two weeks. Yes they used an ultrasound, but it wasnt any better.
The IV nurses at my hosp are sooooo wonderful and like someone else said, they know the CF patients. They know what they are doing and more recently they have also started using ultrasounds for placement. They do the ultrasound, then get everything ready, then start the process. The whole thing takes about 40 minutes, but I personally feel more comfortable with them. The nurses actually tried to talk me down and get my mind on other things, whereas the radiology ppl just poked and pushed and shoved till they were done!
Thanks for sharing your experiences everyone, its nice to hear how other places do business!
The IV nurses at my hosp are sooooo wonderful and like someone else said, they know the CF patients. They know what they are doing and more recently they have also started using ultrasounds for placement. They do the ultrasound, then get everything ready, then start the process. The whole thing takes about 40 minutes, but I personally feel more comfortable with them. The nurses actually tried to talk me down and get my mind on other things, whereas the radiology ppl just poked and pushed and shoved till they were done!
Thanks for sharing your experiences everyone, its nice to hear how other places do business!
I think its important where (what hospital) you have it placed. I've had 5 attempts and 4 successful ones--all in the last year and a half. First two were a little painful and took 20-30 min in the IR, but not too bad. I traveled to my cf clinic to have them done. Third attempt was awful. I drove two hours from the clinic to my home after it took them nearly an hour or more to put in the picc. I got home and the line didnot work. So the last two times I have had it done at the hospital 10 minutes from house and also in the IR. Both times were awesome and took 10-15 minutes. Staff has been extremely friendly and that makes it good as well.
I couldn't believe some of you guys' experiences though. I hadn't had picc's until last year and it wasn't so bad. I'm fortunate not too have had them during the archaic years.
I couldn't believe some of you guys' experiences though. I hadn't had picc's until last year and it wasn't so bad. I'm fortunate not too have had them during the archaic years.
I think its important where (what hospital) you have it placed. I've had 5 attempts and 4 successful ones--all in the last year and a half. First two were a little painful and took 20-30 min in the IR, but not too bad. I traveled to my cf clinic to have them done. Third attempt was awful. I drove two hours from the clinic to my home after it took them nearly an hour or more to put in the picc. I got home and the line didnot work. So the last two times I have had it done at the hospital 10 minutes from house and also in the IR. Both times were awesome and took 10-15 minutes. Staff has been extremely friendly and that makes it good as well.
I couldn't believe some of you guys' experiences though. I hadn't had picc's until last year and it wasn't so bad. I'm fortunate not too have had them during the archaic years.
I couldn't believe some of you guys' experiences though. I hadn't had picc's until last year and it wasn't so bad. I'm fortunate not too have had them during the archaic years.
I think its important where (what hospital) you have it placed. I've had 5 attempts and 4 successful ones--all in the last year and a half. First two were a little painful and took 20-30 min in the IR, but not too bad. I traveled to my cf clinic to have them done. Third attempt was awful. I drove two hours from the clinic to my home after it took them nearly an hour or more to put in the picc. I got home and the line didnot work. So the last two times I have had it done at the hospital 10 minutes from house and also in the IR. Both times were awesome and took 10-15 minutes. Staff has been extremely friendly and that makes it good as well.
I couldn't believe some of you guys' experiences though. I hadn't had picc's until last year and it wasn't so bad. I'm fortunate not too have had them during the archaic years.
I couldn't believe some of you guys' experiences though. I hadn't had picc's until last year and it wasn't so bad. I'm fortunate not too have had them during the archaic years.
My last PICC was in '99 so my experience is irrelevent. Good to hear about all the new technology being used.
Does anyone have any recent experience with Presbyterian Hospital in Philadelphia? If and when I need a PICC this is where it will be placed.
Oh and does everyone get them in the mid upper arm now? I had mine in my elbow and had to hold my arm straight to ensure infusion.
Does anyone have any recent experience with Presbyterian Hospital in Philadelphia? If and when I need a PICC this is where it will be placed.
Oh and does everyone get them in the mid upper arm now? I had mine in my elbow and had to hold my arm straight to ensure infusion.
My last PICC was in '99 so my experience is irrelevent. Good to hear about all the new technology being used.
Does anyone have any recent experience with Presbyterian Hospital in Philadelphia? If and when I need a PICC this is where it will be placed.
Oh and does everyone get them in the mid upper arm now? I had mine in my elbow and had to hold my arm straight to ensure infusion.
Does anyone have any recent experience with Presbyterian Hospital in Philadelphia? If and when I need a PICC this is where it will be placed.
Oh and does everyone get them in the mid upper arm now? I had mine in my elbow and had to hold my arm straight to ensure infusion.
My last PICC was in '99 so my experience is irrelevent. Good to hear about all the new technology being used.
Does anyone have any recent experience with Presbyterian Hospital in Philadelphia? If and when I need a PICC this is where it will be placed.
Oh and does everyone get them in the mid upper arm now? I had mine in my elbow and had to hold my arm straight to ensure infusion.
Does anyone have any recent experience with Presbyterian Hospital in Philadelphia? If and when I need a PICC this is where it will be placed.
Oh and does everyone get them in the mid upper arm now? I had mine in my elbow and had to hold my arm straight to ensure infusion.
Scarlett81
New member
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>jfarel</b></i>
I'm fortunate not too have had them during the archaic years.</end quote></div>
Yes-now that I have them put in this way I can't even imagine how I went through it years ago-sheer agony. Archaic.....stoneage!!!!
I'm fortunate not too have had them during the archaic years.</end quote></div>
Yes-now that I have them put in this way I can't even imagine how I went through it years ago-sheer agony. Archaic.....stoneage!!!!
Scarlett81
New member
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>jfarel</b></i>
I'm fortunate not too have had them during the archaic years.</end quote></div>
Yes-now that I have them put in this way I can't even imagine how I went through it years ago-sheer agony. Archaic.....stoneage!!!!
I'm fortunate not too have had them during the archaic years.</end quote></div>
Yes-now that I have them put in this way I can't even imagine how I went through it years ago-sheer agony. Archaic.....stoneage!!!!
Scarlett81
New member
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>jfarel</b></i>
I'm fortunate not too have had them during the archaic years.</end quote></div>
Yes-now that I have them put in this way I can't even imagine how I went through it years ago-sheer agony. Archaic.....stoneage!!!!
I'm fortunate not too have had them during the archaic years.</end quote></div>
Yes-now that I have them put in this way I can't even imagine how I went through it years ago-sheer agony. Archaic.....stoneage!!!!
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>kybert</b></i>
when i had piccs [over 7 years ago] they were sheer hell. no local anaesthetic, no x rays, people who never insterted them before would insert them, no sterile rooms.</end quote></div>
Its a wonder you didnt lose an arm or worse!!! AYE!
when i had piccs [over 7 years ago] they were sheer hell. no local anaesthetic, no x rays, people who never insterted them before would insert them, no sterile rooms.</end quote></div>
Its a wonder you didnt lose an arm or worse!!! AYE!