PICC--Silly question--I can't decide which arm!

[Stargazer_Lilies]

I saw neurologist this past Tuesday for neck MRI result.  At glance of western blots result for CSF/spinal fluid, he point at the result and goes "Uh,NO-NO". He doesn't wanted to see even one lyme specific bands in any pateint's spinal fluid, and i have two. So he is ordering IV antibiotics with PICC line.

I am waiting for set up for appointment to put in PICC line, hopeful it'll be soon.  

Anything I should be aware about PICC?  

I am deaf,  I use my arms a lot to signing, and I am left handed (writing), but I tend to use my right to pick up heavy stuff.  

Will PICC feel uncomfortable? When sleeping?

[mojogal]

You wouldn't do it yoursel, either the doctor's office or a home health nurse would do it for you.

[mojogal]

It does include minor surger but since I spend a lot of time in our pool, I would get one if I went that route.

[Ricobord]

Once you learn how to do it, it is apparently easy. Most patients I have talked with who have a PICC line do it themselves.  They put a tube extension on the line in your arm that makes it easier. They even have portable sized bottles, so you can put it in a handbag and carry it with you so you don't have to sit connected to a fixed place the whole time.  Your doc should offer training on how to do it, or the nurse who comes should be able to teach you how to do it.

Of course you don't have to do it yourself unless you want to and are comfortable doing it.

[Stargazer_Lilies]

Must I hook up IVs myself?

I am getting the impression either I have to go to neurologic practice's infusion center(45 minutes away) or nurse will come to my house.

Heck, I hope it is nurse comes to my house daily. Less errands and tasks for me to do.  :)

[Ricobord]

I have a friend with a PICC line and she said it itched like crazy for a week and then it didn't bother her after that.  She had it put in her left arm (she is right handed) as that made it easier to hook up her IVs.  You won't be able to lift heavy things with a PICC line in. There is an actual weight limit, although I don't recall what it is...maybe 20 lbs?

[Stargazer_Lilies]

Med port? I read it is expensive and requires surgery?

[mojogal]

I had 3 picc lines they must be kept clean and never get wet or they get infected. If I ever decide to get IV abx, I would get a med port. It was advised to me by a friend who is a nurse with Lyme.