High-Risk Pregnancy

PICC Line

Anything know anything about it? Anyone have it while pregnant?
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Re: PICC Line

  • It's a central line. 

    I'm a nurse and many patients get them.  If you are going to need long term IV access they use this because veins give out after a couple days.  

    It is also used for TPN (total parental nutrition). 

    They are really helpful and they can do anything they need from that line.  Take blood, give meds, feedings, etc.

    Being pregnant should have no impact on it, or vice versa.  

    https://picclinenursing.com/picc_why.html

    This gives just a basic run down, but they really are a good thing.  Considered the gold standard.

     

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  • Thank you! I have really severe HG and I've been to the hospital multiple times for IVs because I can't keep down anything. A picc line has been brought up but I'm really scared of it. They want to use it for TPN. Have you had a patient use it for HG?
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  • No, but I work 99% on a med-surg floor so not that many pregnant women up there.

    It would be helpful though.  They would show you how to manage it at home, which is a simple procedure once you learn it.  

    They either give you cans of feeding solution to pour into a kangaroo bag... or something similar.  That's just one name brand.  Or, depending on your nutritional needs they can give you a pre-mixed bottle that you attach to the tubing.   Those are usually for worse cases, but it's still good nutrition. 

    If the HG is bad enough, they will want to do this though because you and your baby will not be getting the needs of your bodies met.  

    It sounds MUCH scarier than it is.  It looks like an IV with a couple of extra openings/ports.  One is just for drawing blood, one is for putting things in... 

    It is put in your upper arm and your sleeves would cover it I'm sure.  The only difference is, you don't have to worry about your veins going bad from putting fluids or meds in and having a new one put in every few days.  This can stay in for however long you need it.  

    Do a little research on it and PM me if there is anything I can help you find out.  I've never had patients complain about it, and the only real precaution is no blood pressures done in that arm.  Also, basic cleanliness. 

     

  • Thank you so much for all that information! It's helped give me a bit of relief. I've tried to research it as much as I can but I loved that link you posted! It really helped me.

    As for the blood pressure part, they can always use the other arm, so that wouldn't pose a big risk, right? I know that the cleaning part is huge in order to avoid an infection.

    Let's hope within the next week, I can keep down some food so maybe I can avoid needing anything.

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  • Absolutely to the BP in the other arm.  You just can't wrap a BP cuff on that arm for the obvious reasons. 

    I've done BPs on legs before also.  

    Hopefully you won't need one, but if you do, just go with it and you'll be fine. 

    Glad I could help.  

  • Femme--I had one put in during my severe pre-e/HELLP experience with my oldest son.  I was such a hard blood draw/IV start that after 25 times of trying IVs and draws on my arms, hands, legs, and the worst--the TOP of my forearm (ouch, ouch, ouch!), they finally put in the PICC line.  I had no idea what they were doing (I was on magnesium sulfate at the time), but they brought in an ultrasound tech to show the vein and then fed the catheter up my arm.  It was SUCH a no-brainer.  It had 3 different lines coming off of it, never hurt one bit, and after that, my labs were a piece of cake.  It was on my left upper arm and it was completely out of my way.  I did have to keep it covered when I showered, but that was about it.  I think I remember them "flushing" it a couple of times? 

    All I know is I was getting stuck with needles 24-7 until I got the PICC line--and after that, life was awesome.  It was a cinch.  Don't be scared!

    Samuel Gregory-born 2/28/08 at 35w,5d due to severe pre-e and HELLP. 6lbs, 12 oz, 19 inches. Elijah Robert-born 11/23/09 at 38w,5d. 11 pounds, 10 ounces, 21.5 inches. Lilypie Angel and Memorial tickers <a href="http://s740.photobucket.com/albums/xx46/carlyn_mcclelland/Facebook/Cover Photos/?action=view
  • I had severe HG as well.  I came thisclose to needing a PICC line but was able to avoid it. I was on a zofran pump for 8 weeks. Have you tried the pump yet?  It saved me.
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  • I'm starting the Zofran pump on Monday. If that doesn't work, it's the PICC line.

    I feel a bit better about the whole thing. I guess, I don't need to be scared.

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  • imageFemmeFataleNat01:

    I'm starting the Zofran pump on Monday. If that doesn't work, it's the PICC line.

    I feel a bit better about the whole thing. I guess, I don't need to be scared.

    I hope the pump works for you.  Like I said - I didn't have to do the PICC line, but I am sure it will be fine if you do. Good luck. I think you will feel a million times better on the pump.

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  • I have hyperemesis and currently have a PICC line. I have had it for a little over 3 months now. I got mine in during first tri because of my awful vomiting and dehydration issues. Prior to getting the PICC I was in and out of the hospital every few days getting a peripheral IV for fluids so the doctor decided I needed a PICC in order to get fluids daily. For the past three months I have gotten IV fluids every day- mostly twice a day along with nausea medication and other things like potassium when needed.

    The PICC has been a huge pain on one hand but a huge blessing on the other. There is no way I could have made it without the daily fluids since for a long period of time I couldnt even drink 8 oz on my own. It is so much nicer to have a PICC and get fluids at home rather than go into the hospital and get stuck each time and it is a great way to administer medications. Of course it is annoying to have to wrap your arm when showering and things like that. I am happy to say I am on the road to get my PICC out and am trying my first week without fluids this week. If it goes okay and labs are good then I may get it out next week or shortly thereafter.

    Good luck to you! Here is my blog if you would like to read more.

    https://thegrinsteads.blogspot.com/

     

     

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  • I would definitely suggest asking your doctor about a PICC line. They make the infusions so much easier. A lot of doctors won't do them because of the risk of infection and blood clots but in my opinion they are the way to go. For me, the severe dehydration led to even worse nausea so it was a never ending cycle. I have been a lot better since I have been getting constant fluids. Good luck to you- I hope you start feeling better soon!
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  • imageFhSTAR81:
    I have severe HG, I am always in and out of the hospital being admitted or going to our infusion center.  My doctor thinks it will be the rest of the pregnancy until I deliver.  I wonder why they have suggested any of this for me yet.  I can't even work, I barely get out of the house anymore if I do I have to have buckets in my car. :(

    Read helpher.org

    Ask your doctor about the zofran pump or PICC line!

    GL! Feel free to PM me if you want to talk about it. I know how you feel.

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  • imageFemmeFataleNat01:

    imageFhSTAR81:
    I have severe HG, I am always in and out of the hospital being admitted or going to our infusion center.  My doctor thinks it will be the rest of the pregnancy until I deliver.  I wonder why they have suggested any of this for me yet.  I can't even work, I barely get out of the house anymore if I do I have to have buckets in my car. :(

    Read helpher.org

    Ask your doctor about the zofran pump or PICC line!

    GL! Feel free to PM me if you want to talk about it. I know how you feel.

    Agreed on all counts.  helpher.org is an amazing resource for HG.

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  • imageFemmeFataleNat01:
    Thank you! I have really severe HG and I've been to the hospital multiple times for IVs because I can't keep down anything. A picc line has been brought up but I'm really scared of it. They want to use it for TPN. Have you had a patient use it for HG?

    Reading this made me shiver. I had severe HEG, too. It's the #1 reason I had my tubes tied after having my daughters. I had mine placed at 12w after I had lost almost 40lbs. It's scary but it can save your life. Without it, my OB was strongly advising me to consider termination. It doesn't hurt to have it placed- they do have to make a tiny incision on your arm, but you have no nerve endings in your vein so you don't feel it go in at all. I had TPN on a 12hr schedule and lactated ringers 24hrs. If your doc wants to do it, DO IT.

    no day but today~ RENT  *HEG survivors*
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