Nurse Deb & Marie: Let us know what dx say

[Guest guest]

Nurse Deb & Marie. Be sure to post what the doctors say about the two

different ways to deliver the IV antibiotics, the chest port v.s. the PICC

especially if the LLMD is our dx in the metroplex? KC in TX

From: <dmthompson4@...>

Marie Henson <henson2@f...> wrote:

> > Dear Friends,

> > I emailed my LLMD to ask if I should consider a chest port.

> > I know people discussed Picc lines vs. chest ports, but I can't

> remember what people said. Does insurance tend to pay for it?

> Marie, I can't imagine why they wouldn't. Often, chemo patients get

> the port " installed " ........as a nurse, I preferred accessing a port

> vs. PICC......primarily because it was SO MUCH EASIER on the patient!

> I supposed there might be a few " Nazi Nurses " who enjoy inflicting

> pain on their patients, but I wasn't one of them.

>

> You still get a " needle stick " with the port......try to imagine the

> stopper of a heparin vial....you know, it has that rubber center where

> you insert the needle? A port is very similar to that, only it is

> under the skin. So they can use it to put things in, and also to take

> things out! All those phlebotomy sticks can cause damage to the veins

> which can lead to all kinds of other problems we dont even want to

> think about.

>

> The other great thing about them is besides lasting a lot longer than

> a PICC.......they are less prone to infection. You access it using

> sterile technique (clean the area in a circular motion from the center

> outward in larger concentric circles) and people just don't get nearly

> the infections as the do with PICCs.

>

> Plus..you don't have to deal with it rendering one of your arms

> useless, or having to keep it dry while bathing, etc.

> > Thanks for letting me " spill. " My mom isn't coming until tomorrow

> night. You know, we're never too old for our Mom

> > At least I educated two doctors tonight ab. the real story of Lyme.

That, in and of itself, is such a gift to us all...the entire Lyme

> community! THANK YOU! Were the docs curious? Do you think they

> believed you? I would love to hear more about their " lesson " <grin>

>

> Please post as soon as you feel up to it. You've really had rough

> week, kiddo.

> Take care,

> NurseDeb

>

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