Guest guest Posted November 21, 2002 Report Share Posted November 21, 2002 , I'm so glad I could help! Please tell Jackie that neither a PICC line or a central line are bad. They are two different things though. I don't think they would send her home with a central line, though. I've had both. The first time I had a central line was when I had shoulder surgery in Dec 2000. I was terrified of a central line so I encouraged them to keep trying for an IV. They tried either 12 or 14 times (can't remember which) before finally doing the central line. It was no big deal but it was scary because I really didn't know what it was. They gave me one or two shots of lidocaine in the neck and I really didn't feel anything else. They made a small incision in my neck and I could sort of feel pressure as they threaded it in. It didn't hurt though. It was a million times less painful than even one try at an IV! The PICC line was less scary than the central line. Mine is in my upper left arm. The radiologist put it in. They use ultrasound to locate a deep vein. He gave me three shots of lidocaine. After that, all I felt was pressure and then he pinched me once when doing the stitches. I think mine has two stitches to hold it in place. You can go home with a PICC line. It can stay in place for several months. It can be used to draw blood and to give IVs and meds. Mine has two lines coming from it so they can draw blood without having to stop the IV. It is sort of a pain as it has to be flushed twice a day (takes about 2-3 minutes) and the dressing must be changed 3 times a week by a home health nurse. There is a risk of infection with it, also. I did get cellulitis while on a cruise in October and had to be given IV rocephin twice to the tune of $700+ on my credit card (which the insurance should pay me back for). However, it was caught early and I didn't have any real problems from the cellulitis. I think because I also have lupus and a chronically low white count (caused by lupus) I am probably a little more susceptible to infection. Anyway, don't let them torture that poor kid anymore by trying numerous times to draw blood and start IVs. Tell her that I promise a central line or a PICC line is a million times less painful than even one try at starting an IV! W Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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