
Lyme Disease Support Group
Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the Northern Hemisphere. It is now one of the fastest growing infectious diseases in the U.S. Lyme disease is caused by infection with the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, and is primarily transmitted to humans as well as dogs, horses and other domesticated animals by the bite of infected ticks.

standstrong
I am mentally preparing for a probable PICC line prescription on Tuesday. Actually, I want one now, which in and of itself is progress. But, I have some worries and maybe you can answer some questions for me to help me feel ready.
Anyone here have an OUT OF STATE LLMD who is not connected to your ins co who prescribed a PICC? My worry is who will set up the IV here in my own state? Who will I go to with the orders? I have already asked my PCP's nurse and she told me they don't do that there.
I am thinking I need some new shirts so that the IV can be safely worn... how big is this thing going to be? Wider than a pencil? Most of my shirts are tightish on the arms so I know they won't work. I am so clumsy.. I am worried I will get things caught on my line as I dress and undress.
Any other suggestions that I can prepare for? Jenn suggested a warm pack at the site for few days to help prevent clotting problems and DVT.
Anyone here have an OUT OF STATE LLMD who is not connected to your ins co who prescribed a PICC? My worry is who will set up the IV here in my own state? Who will I go to with the orders? I have already asked my PCP's nurse and she told me they don't do that there.
I am thinking I need some new shirts so that the IV can be safely worn... how big is this thing going to be? Wider than a pencil? Most of my shirts are tightish on the arms so I know they won't work. I am so clumsy.. I am worried I will get things caught on my line as I dress and undress.
Any other suggestions that I can prepare for? Jenn suggested a warm pack at the site for few days to help prevent clotting problems and DVT.
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And the shirts....well the picc's not something you can really compare the width to, it depends on how long the extension is. The actual picc line is a little tiny tube that's always covered in plastic. The thing that gets me is that our nurse puts on a longgggg extension like 12 inches long, so we can do the IV's ourselves with both hands. That bugs me, because I have to actually rap it around my arm, and i put a sleeve over it. (The kinda sleeve that you get when you get a tatoo, or our nurse brings a tighter fishnet thing that doesn't stretch) I wear short sleeve shirts and sweatshirt jacket thing on top of it, I'm lucky it's cold at my school!
It will be sore for a little, my first one was worse than my second. I agree with Jenn, heat helps. The first few days I would suggest a short sleeve shirt, but Heather always wears tight long sleeve shirts and she's fine, you just see a bulge on her arm!
When your nurse comes you can ask more questions and everything, I know every nursing company is different, So you may have a short extension or something, which makes it a little easier.
I hope this helps a little!
-Aryn
Anyways, from what I've heard, you may need some sore of rig to enable you to shower with the PICC. https://www.brownmed.com/Products/StoreProductDetail29.cfm?StoreProductId=99
can be ordered over the Internet.
Best of luck with this new treatment. I am sure it will get you results. Keep us posted.
Sorry I can't be more help. Maybe google it for your state. A north carolina nurse posted about it here a while back, but I believe you're up north. Anyway, he's a helpful nurse...Here's that post
http://dailystrength.org/c/Lyme_Disease/forum/4949682-picc-lines
I didn't know they made accessories to protect the PICC line... good to have THAT info for sure.
Getting it placed feels a bit odd, but not very painful (no worse than getting an IV or getting your blood drawn). Make sure the morning of the procedure not to drink coffee or have caffeine as that causes the veins to clamp down (so I found out the hard way).
Any questions, give us a yell!
It is TINY TINY TINY width. I was shocked when they took my first one out. I expected it to be about 5 times larger in circumference than it is. I'd compare it to a French wire post earring. I was expecting something more like a thin cable, like to an ipod.
I wore just short sleeve shirts with a long sleeve shirt over it, my usual style :) or lack thereof, I guess. I wish I had known there was a product out there to cover the contraption for showering, cause that was the hardest part for me -- keeping it dry.
This whole thing is a nuisance, but after a short while you will come to view it as just another thing we have to do to get well. I kind of missed the darn thing when it was all over and I could just hop into the shower anytime I wanted and without a big bulky thing hanging on my arm!
Drink lots of fluids, and listen to your body. Take it easy, too. Be prepared for the herxing, and try not to be discouraged by that, but encouraged by knowing that the tx is working. Blessings to you.
Know you're not alone, and we're rooting for you.
Laura
My hubby has Lyme and right now he is on abx, and will be on a series of them for co-infections. His LLMD said he thinks he will finish up all treatment with this type of device, and some type of antibiotic. Now I find out I've got Lyme, too- haven't seen the doctor yet, only have the test results- so I am preparing both of us for what to expect. The PICC line sounded scary, but you folks don't make it sound that terrible. Thanks again!