This is a good question, Katie! PICC lines can seem extremely overwhelming when someone is faced with having one (if only for a short time). I hope there are some in our community that can chime in. 

This is a good question, Katie! PICC lines can seem extremely overwhelming when someone is faced with having one (if only for a short time). I hope there are some in our community that can chime in. 

This is a good question, Katie! PICC lines can seem extremely overwhelming when someone is faced with having one (if only for a short time). I hope there are some in our community that can chime in. 

This is a good question, Katie! PICC lines can seem extremely overwhelming when someone is faced with having one (if only for a short time). I hope there are some in our community that can chime in. 

This is a good question, Katie! PICC lines can seem extremely overwhelming when someone is faced with having one (if only for a short time). I hope there are some in our community that can chime in. 

This is a good question, Katie! PICC lines can seem extremely overwhelming when someone is faced with having one (if only for a short time). I hope there are some in our community that can chime in. 

Yes, PICC lines can be overwhelming at first but do serve their purpose once you get used to it. The article below explains exactly what it does. https://www.verywellhealth.com/picc-line-information-3157304

Just that PICC lines should be flushed out after every use. Sterilizing with alcohol might not be enough. When I was at a rehab center a nurse used that shortcut, alcohol instead of flushing the line, and it became clogged. Treatment was delayed two days while waiting for a special med that flushes out PICC lines to be delivered. So no shortcuts is my main advice. Also, I was told that blood draws and blood pressure measurements should always be done on the other side, not the PICC line side.

Marsrocket,

Great tip. Thank you! We should never be rushed when dealing with a Picc line for multiple reasons. Good infection control measures must be in place, the line has to be flushed properly.

Great Question Katie!

I have had a picc line three times, for a total of a year. Here are a few thoughts:

1. The nurses taught me SASH - every time you infuse antibiotics, the order should be Saline, Antibiotic, Saline, Heparin (SASH). This keeps the line flushed and the heparin works to keep blood from clotting. If you do not do an infusion one day, you should still do saline and heparin.

2. The exposed picc line tube hangs loose from my elbow and is looking to get caught on things, which can be painful and medically catastrophic. In my experience getting weekly bandage changes, the nurses usually gave me an expanded fabric netting tube to contain the exposed picc line tubing. This works TERRIBLY! At best it works for a few days then stretches out of shape and is worthless. Most often, the nurses had two sizes available: too large and too small. I am an average size guy, so I cannot understand why they never had the right size tubing. Even when it works, the end of the picc line tube sticks out of the netting. Others have told me they used an old sock, or hand sewed a stretchy tube. I found one online, available through Amazon. I think it works great and is worth the $33. It is called the Mighty Well picc line cover.

3. Pay attention during weekly bandage changes. Some nurses are better than others. If they miss a step, you could end up with an infection. If they install it poorly, you could be in for an uncomfortable week. Don't miss a weekly bandage change. If you get the bandage wet, get it changed.

4. Make sure you have extra saline, heparin and alcohol swabs with you in case you are caught away from home without your normal supplies.

5. Don't lift anything with your picc line arm. You could dislodge the picc line and bandage.

John,

Thank you so much for sharing such valuable tips! The acronym SASH is pretty easy to remember.

Yes, I agree that you must watch the technique of the nurse. Some are better trained than others in serious infection control practices. I briefly worked in an OR where I learned infection control practices and have witnessed nurses not paying 100% attention to detail while changing simple bandages. Every profession has stronger individuals and weaker individuals in certain skills.
I am sure that there are you- tube videos on this subject for patients to watch. It is important for patients to keep an eye 👁️ on anyone who does touch a Picc line.