Question about home health care

S

Sevenstars

New member
IMO peripherals are far worse in that regard. You are fully awake (obviously) and only sometimes get a little numbing on your skin. If you got that, you'd have to go through it 4+ times.

A PICC isn't a needle at all, it's a thin plastic tube. When they actually put it into your arm, you can be anywhere between fully awake, to very sedated - depending on what you discuss with your doctor. The first few PICCs I had put in, I was not even awake for it. Even a few subsequent ones, I was given some relaxing medication beforehand. Also, they numb your arm, so even when you wake up it only feels vaguely achy. They give you pain meds too.

I know a PICC "seems" worse, but IMO I hate having peripheral IVs even more, because I feel like I can't even *move* that arm or do anything with it, because it hurts, and I'm afraid of messing it up. A PICC on the other hand, is generally quite sturdy, and after a few days, you barely notice it's there. It doesn't hurt, you can't "feel" it, and you can lift/bend the arm just like normal. (I have gone bowling with a PICC in) I probably won't change your mind, but I just wanted to tell you what both would be like for 14 days, since I've definitely had each that long. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">

That's nice your husband is an EMT, no matter what you get, he will be able to take good care of it and you won't even have to look at it. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
S

Sevenstars

New member
IMO peripherals are far worse in that regard. You are fully awake (obviously) and only sometimes get a little numbing on your skin. If you got that, you'd have to go through it 4+ times.

A PICC isn't a needle at all, it's a thin plastic tube. When they actually put it into your arm, you can be anywhere between fully awake, to very sedated - depending on what you discuss with your doctor. The first few PICCs I had put in, I was not even awake for it. Even a few subsequent ones, I was given some relaxing medication beforehand. Also, they numb your arm, so even when you wake up it only feels vaguely achy. They give you pain meds too.

I know a PICC "seems" worse, but IMO I hate having peripheral IVs even more, because I feel like I can't even *move* that arm or do anything with it, because it hurts, and I'm afraid of messing it up. A PICC on the other hand, is generally quite sturdy, and after a few days, you barely notice it's there. It doesn't hurt, you can't "feel" it, and you can lift/bend the arm just like normal. (I have gone bowling with a PICC in) I probably won't change your mind, but I just wanted to tell you what both would be like for 14 days, since I've definitely had each that long. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">

That's nice your husband is an EMT, no matter what you get, he will be able to take good care of it and you won't even have to look at it. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
S

Sevenstars

New member
IMO peripherals are far worse in that regard. You are fully awake (obviously) and only sometimes get a little numbing on your skin. If you got that, you'd have to go through it 4+ times.

A PICC isn't a needle at all, it's a thin plastic tube. When they actually put it into your arm, you can be anywhere between fully awake, to very sedated - depending on what you discuss with your doctor. The first few PICCs I had put in, I was not even awake for it. Even a few subsequent ones, I was given some relaxing medication beforehand. Also, they numb your arm, so even when you wake up it only feels vaguely achy. They give you pain meds too.

I know a PICC "seems" worse, but IMO I hate having peripheral IVs even more, because I feel like I can't even *move* that arm or do anything with it, because it hurts, and I'm afraid of messing it up. A PICC on the other hand, is generally quite sturdy, and after a few days, you barely notice it's there. It doesn't hurt, you can't "feel" it, and you can lift/bend the arm just like normal. (I have gone bowling with a PICC in) I probably won't change your mind, but I just wanted to tell you what both would be like for 14 days, since I've definitely had each that long. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">

That's nice your husband is an EMT, no matter what you get, he will be able to take good care of it and you won't even have to look at it. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
S

Sevenstars

New member
IMO peripherals are far worse in that regard. You are fully awake (obviously) and only sometimes get a little numbing on your skin. If you got that, you'd have to go through it 4+ times.

A PICC isn't a needle at all, it's a thin plastic tube. When they actually put it into your arm, you can be anywhere between fully awake, to very sedated - depending on what you discuss with your doctor. The first few PICCs I had put in, I was not even awake for it. Even a few subsequent ones, I was given some relaxing medication beforehand. Also, they numb your arm, so even when you wake up it only feels vaguely achy. They give you pain meds too.

I know a PICC "seems" worse, but IMO I hate having peripheral IVs even more, because I feel like I can't even *move* that arm or do anything with it, because it hurts, and I'm afraid of messing it up. A PICC on the other hand, is generally quite sturdy, and after a few days, you barely notice it's there. It doesn't hurt, you can't "feel" it, and you can lift/bend the arm just like normal. (I have gone bowling with a PICC in) I probably won't change your mind, but I just wanted to tell you what both would be like for 14 days, since I've definitely had each that long. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">

That's nice your husband is an EMT, no matter what you get, he will be able to take good care of it and you won't even have to look at it. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
S

Sevenstars

New member
IMO peripherals are far worse in that regard. You are fully awake (obviously) and only sometimes get a little numbing on your skin. If you got that, you'd have to go through it 4+ times.
<br />
<br />A PICC isn't a needle at all, it's a thin plastic tube. When they actually put it into your arm, you can be anywhere between fully awake, to very sedated - depending on what you discuss with your doctor. The first few PICCs I had put in, I was not even awake for it. Even a few subsequent ones, I was given some relaxing medication beforehand. Also, they numb your arm, so even when you wake up it only feels vaguely achy. They give you pain meds too.
<br />
<br />I know a PICC "seems" worse, but IMO I hate having peripheral IVs even more, because I feel like I can't even *move* that arm or do anything with it, because it hurts, and I'm afraid of messing it up. A PICC on the other hand, is generally quite sturdy, and after a few days, you barely notice it's there. It doesn't hurt, you can't "feel" it, and you can lift/bend the arm just like normal. (I have gone bowling with a PICC in) I probably won't change your mind, but I just wanted to tell you what both would be like for 14 days, since I've definitely had each that long. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">
<br />
<br />That's nice your husband is an EMT, no matter what you get, he will be able to take good care of it and you won't even have to look at it. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
<br />
 
A

Allisa35

Member
Thanks guys for the info. I am aware that a PICC is not actually a needle. I guess I should have elaborated a little. Needles are my big fear, but I also have this thing about a foreign object sticking in my vein. It just grosses me out beyond belief. I would be that way with a peripheral as well, I just think I could handle it better than a PICC since it is a lot smaller. I just can't stand the thought of it being inside my arm. I am afraid I would want to pull it out. It's hard for me to describe. I've also read a lot of comments on here about the troubles people have had with their PICC's, so of course, I have that in the back of mind too. This site is informative, but sometimes a little bit too informative (lol)!! The doc said he could give me something to calm me down (I think he said Adavan but I'm not sure) before getting the (peripheral) IV.

Like I said, people probably just think I'm being a baby, but I'm not. I've been like this since I was a kid. I've had this talk with my sister before (she has CF too and actually has a port and has had many PICC's). I have been very fortunate in that I haven't had to have anything major done. I've never had a CT, MRI, broncoscopy, enodoscopy, colonoscopy, chest tube, embolization, etc. The biggest things that I have had done is an X-ray, blood draws, and an enema. I just don't know how many of you cope with the things that you have to go through. I know my health will eventually decline, and I don't know how I am going to deal with the aspects of care that are going to have to be adminstered.

Thanks for letting me rant a little. Thanks again for the info.
 
A

Allisa35

Member
Thanks guys for the info. I am aware that a PICC is not actually a needle. I guess I should have elaborated a little. Needles are my big fear, but I also have this thing about a foreign object sticking in my vein. It just grosses me out beyond belief. I would be that way with a peripheral as well, I just think I could handle it better than a PICC since it is a lot smaller. I just can't stand the thought of it being inside my arm. I am afraid I would want to pull it out. It's hard for me to describe. I've also read a lot of comments on here about the troubles people have had with their PICC's, so of course, I have that in the back of mind too. This site is informative, but sometimes a little bit too informative (lol)!! The doc said he could give me something to calm me down (I think he said Adavan but I'm not sure) before getting the (peripheral) IV.

Like I said, people probably just think I'm being a baby, but I'm not. I've been like this since I was a kid. I've had this talk with my sister before (she has CF too and actually has a port and has had many PICC's). I have been very fortunate in that I haven't had to have anything major done. I've never had a CT, MRI, broncoscopy, enodoscopy, colonoscopy, chest tube, embolization, etc. The biggest things that I have had done is an X-ray, blood draws, and an enema. I just don't know how many of you cope with the things that you have to go through. I know my health will eventually decline, and I don't know how I am going to deal with the aspects of care that are going to have to be adminstered.

Thanks for letting me rant a little. Thanks again for the info.
 
A

Allisa35

Member
Thanks guys for the info. I am aware that a PICC is not actually a needle. I guess I should have elaborated a little. Needles are my big fear, but I also have this thing about a foreign object sticking in my vein. It just grosses me out beyond belief. I would be that way with a peripheral as well, I just think I could handle it better than a PICC since it is a lot smaller. I just can't stand the thought of it being inside my arm. I am afraid I would want to pull it out. It's hard for me to describe. I've also read a lot of comments on here about the troubles people have had with their PICC's, so of course, I have that in the back of mind too. This site is informative, but sometimes a little bit too informative (lol)!! The doc said he could give me something to calm me down (I think he said Adavan but I'm not sure) before getting the (peripheral) IV.

Like I said, people probably just think I'm being a baby, but I'm not. I've been like this since I was a kid. I've had this talk with my sister before (she has CF too and actually has a port and has had many PICC's). I have been very fortunate in that I haven't had to have anything major done. I've never had a CT, MRI, broncoscopy, enodoscopy, colonoscopy, chest tube, embolization, etc. The biggest things that I have had done is an X-ray, blood draws, and an enema. I just don't know how many of you cope with the things that you have to go through. I know my health will eventually decline, and I don't know how I am going to deal with the aspects of care that are going to have to be adminstered.

Thanks for letting me rant a little. Thanks again for the info.
 
A

Allisa35

Member
Thanks guys for the info. I am aware that a PICC is not actually a needle. I guess I should have elaborated a little. Needles are my big fear, but I also have this thing about a foreign object sticking in my vein. It just grosses me out beyond belief. I would be that way with a peripheral as well, I just think I could handle it better than a PICC since it is a lot smaller. I just can't stand the thought of it being inside my arm. I am afraid I would want to pull it out. It's hard for me to describe. I've also read a lot of comments on here about the troubles people have had with their PICC's, so of course, I have that in the back of mind too. This site is informative, but sometimes a little bit too informative (lol)!! The doc said he could give me something to calm me down (I think he said Adavan but I'm not sure) before getting the (peripheral) IV.

Like I said, people probably just think I'm being a baby, but I'm not. I've been like this since I was a kid. I've had this talk with my sister before (she has CF too and actually has a port and has had many PICC's). I have been very fortunate in that I haven't had to have anything major done. I've never had a CT, MRI, broncoscopy, enodoscopy, colonoscopy, chest tube, embolization, etc. The biggest things that I have had done is an X-ray, blood draws, and an enema. I just don't know how many of you cope with the things that you have to go through. I know my health will eventually decline, and I don't know how I am going to deal with the aspects of care that are going to have to be adminstered.

Thanks for letting me rant a little. Thanks again for the info.
 
A

Allisa35

Member
Thanks guys for the info. I am aware that a PICC is not actually a needle. I guess I should have elaborated a little. Needles are my big fear, but I also have this thing about a foreign object sticking in my vein. It just grosses me out beyond belief. I would be that way with a peripheral as well, I just think I could handle it better than a PICC since it is a lot smaller. I just can't stand the thought of it being inside my arm. I am afraid I would want to pull it out. It's hard for me to describe. I've also read a lot of comments on here about the troubles people have had with their PICC's, so of course, I have that in the back of mind too. This site is informative, but sometimes a little bit too informative (lol)!! The doc said he could give me something to calm me down (I think he said Adavan but I'm not sure) before getting the (peripheral) IV.
<br />
<br />Like I said, people probably just think I'm being a baby, but I'm not. I've been like this since I was a kid. I've had this talk with my sister before (she has CF too and actually has a port and has had many PICC's). I have been very fortunate in that I haven't had to have anything major done. I've never had a CT, MRI, broncoscopy, enodoscopy, colonoscopy, chest tube, embolization, etc. The biggest things that I have had done is an X-ray, blood draws, and an enema. I just don't know how many of you cope with the things that you have to go through. I know my health will eventually decline, and I don't know how I am going to deal with the aspects of care that are going to have to be adminstered.
<br />
<br />Thanks for letting me rant a little. Thanks again for the info.
 
L

luke

Guest
you can use peri. lines to do antibiotics but they aren't as easy. Most meds we are on chew up veins pretty quick so be prepared to get stuck every 3 or 4 days. Most IV companies won't give you a pump with a peri. line either so your meds are going to take a lot longer to infuse. I had a port put in last year and am currently on my 3rd week of antibiotics and frankly can't imagine not having my port. I understand your concern about the PICC line...I never wanted one either. so to answer your question, yes you can do them it just isn't as easy.

take care,

luke
 
L

luke

Guest
you can use peri. lines to do antibiotics but they aren't as easy. Most meds we are on chew up veins pretty quick so be prepared to get stuck every 3 or 4 days. Most IV companies won't give you a pump with a peri. line either so your meds are going to take a lot longer to infuse. I had a port put in last year and am currently on my 3rd week of antibiotics and frankly can't imagine not having my port. I understand your concern about the PICC line...I never wanted one either. so to answer your question, yes you can do them it just isn't as easy.

take care,

luke
 
L

luke

Guest
you can use peri. lines to do antibiotics but they aren't as easy. Most meds we are on chew up veins pretty quick so be prepared to get stuck every 3 or 4 days. Most IV companies won't give you a pump with a peri. line either so your meds are going to take a lot longer to infuse. I had a port put in last year and am currently on my 3rd week of antibiotics and frankly can't imagine not having my port. I understand your concern about the PICC line...I never wanted one either. so to answer your question, yes you can do them it just isn't as easy.

take care,

luke
 
L

luke

Guest
you can use peri. lines to do antibiotics but they aren't as easy. Most meds we are on chew up veins pretty quick so be prepared to get stuck every 3 or 4 days. Most IV companies won't give you a pump with a peri. line either so your meds are going to take a lot longer to infuse. I had a port put in last year and am currently on my 3rd week of antibiotics and frankly can't imagine not having my port. I understand your concern about the PICC line...I never wanted one either. so to answer your question, yes you can do them it just isn't as easy.

take care,

luke
 
L

luke

Guest
you can use peri. lines to do antibiotics but they aren't as easy. Most meds we are on chew up veins pretty quick so be prepared to get stuck every 3 or 4 days. Most IV companies won't give you a pump with a peri. line either so your meds are going to take a lot longer to infuse. I had a port put in last year and am currently on my 3rd week of antibiotics and frankly can't imagine not having my port. I understand your concern about the PICC line...I never wanted one either. so to answer your question, yes you can do them it just isn't as easy.
<br />
<br />take care,
<br />
<br />luke
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top