PICC

[Pamcakes]

I agree that homecare is better with a PICC than hospital/ambulatory care. My homecare nurses use sterile technique much better than the hospital nurses (even the dedicated IV nurses cut corners). Plus, my homecare nurse has been really proactive with protecting and healing my skin. After being hospitalized for a week, I ended up with sores under my dressing. Homecare has been finding all sorts of options to figure out what works best. It's the same nurse every week, and he's committed to making this PICC last. Also, your home has a lot less microorganisms lurking around than a hospital or clinic. The thought of all the antibiotic resistant organisms they have personally makes me cringe. Plus, homecare is a lot easier when you're already dealing with HG. But no matter what you decide, at least you're going to stay more hydrated! Good job being brave when I know you were apprehensive!

[sweetpea]

Well you guys must have had much better experiences with home health than I have. My home health nurse was nice enough but not that great. She had no clue how to handle the allergies I had to the chlorohexadine or whatever that cleaner is and the biopatch. She ended up just using alcohol swabs even though she should have been using betadine or some other disinfectant too. I would get blood that would seep from around the opening and pool under tape, but when I called in they would just tell me it's fine and that the nurse would change it whenever she came out next. I was really not looking forward to dealing with them this time around. However, it looks like the decision has been made for us b/c there isn't a home health agency that will take me. The first one they called does zofran pumps but does not take care of piccs, and the home agency that had me last time isn't accepting new patients w/ my insurance. So it looks like I have to go ambulatory care 7x a week, which is not the greatest in terms of having to get out everyday, but in some ways it will be nice to get out of the house by myself. We have a babysitter Mon-Fri 4-7pm which is when I'll be going. The weekends will be a pain b/c I might have to miss church. Also, it's only 10 min. from my house, so not far at all. We'll see how it goes.

[mollyNellaMama]

Sweet pea! Ladies! I've been reading your posts and I'm so happy you've got your picc. My last one was a torture placement as well, I'm sorry. Home health is a blessing, you have what you need and in the comfort of your own home. Congrats on the twins as well. And I think your in great company of ladies who wanted these hg babies out so we could be human again. Praying for your health and your two miracles! Congratulations mama!