Friday I get a PICC line inserted for my next round of chemo. D and I have been sitting here brainstorming on what I can use as a cover my PICC line up in public. With my last PICC line, I noticed some people staring at my left arm on warm days with a t-shirt on.
My PICC will be between my elbow and shoulder and I’m looking to cover up just the silicone tubing and colored IV part.
Any ideas out there?
10 comments:
Do you have a photo of how it looks without a long sleeve t-shirt on? Would it look too awful to cover it with those colored dressing wraps that horse trainers use? They come in all colors and are very easy to remove yet it holds onto itself without anything else needed. I've seen pink, blue, green, purple and some "flesh" colored ones. They are fairly inexpensive here in the feed store. Let me know if you want me to pick something up. I've got to head there today anyway.
Hi Carol,
After reading your comment ... I've done some Google-ing and calling around and found a vet store that should have the wrap.
I'm going to wait till after I get my PICC in before I go there. Thanks for that suggestion ... it's great.
I have never heard of what you are talking about.. is it like a port .. a port is under the skin.. hmm
Ok I get it.. I looked it up kinda like a permant IV...
When I had my vacuum wound pump attached to me with long long tubes, I wrapped the tubes in the ribbon they use for Christmas presents. It was fun and I used a wide variety of colors! : )
There is someone who posted on my cancer blog a while back who sells PICC covers. I have never used them, but if I can find the info, I'll post again. (Posting now just so you know that stuff is indeed out there...)
Did they supply a little mesh arm wrap? That's what I had with mine, and it worked well during hot weather so I did not have to wear a long sleeve. The mesh was white but they cut it so that it covered the entire tubing and hugged the tubing against the arm.
Hi Daria: I have been out of the 'loop' for a few days. You would think as a nurse I should have an answer; the amount of PICC lines I have discharged patients with..... The mesh covering that someone spoke of is what we usually give patients to use and maybe if you Google it, you may find them in different colors. However, my personal preference [:)] is wearing a very light long sleeve Tee when you are going out - you will find lots of colors in that but the mesh covering maybe more affordable. Keep good and lots of ((((HUGS)))) with your upcoming treatment!
Daria ~ This might be too late for you now, but perhaps it will help for future use.
If you knit, or have friends who knit, you can make picc-line covers.
http://findingjennproject.blogspot.com/2009/02/original-picc-cover.html
I'm facing the same thing right now (but mine is in for a different reason) and I'm tired of the looks people get. Right now I'm using the mesh cover home health care gave me. I know they'll still look even with a knitted cover, but maybe it will make me feel better about it.
Best of luck with your chemo!
Just came across your blog...visit this site: http://www.etsy.com/shop/lymelines. I just had a PICC line implanted today, to treat a bone infection that I've developed. I deal directly with the public at work, so am looking for something other than the gauze dressing as well. :)
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