PICC LINE/MRSA/CELLULITIS

Options
Katiejane
Katiejane Member Posts: 789
edited September 2020 in Lymphedema

Has anyone had a PICC LINE placed in for IV administration of antibiotics? It will be placed inmy non-LE arm but I am concerned as the LE fluid does travel around my upper back to my non LE side. I woke up a few days ago with a raging case of cellulitis in my arm which has been diagnosed as MRSA. This is my 6th case of cellulitis but it has never been MRSA. Any input, opinions, or personal experiences that you would be willing to share are more than appreciated!

Thank you! Katiejane

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • flashlight
    flashlight Member Posts: 698
    edited June 2020

    Hi Katiejane, I'm sorry this is happening to you. My daughter had MRSA on her face. From now on you have to list it on your medical record. I was just diagnosed with lymphedema that travels around my upper back/neck. I understand your concern. The antibiotics you are getting are stronger and hard on your veins so the picc line is the way to go. One of the side effects of the antibiotic is diarrhea. Ask your doctor about a prescription strength probiotic and eat yogurt a couple times a day. Good luck to you.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Katiejane
    Katiejane Member Posts: 789
    edited June 2020

    Thanks for responding flashlight! I know you are correct regarding the PICC-there really is no other choice! I am just very concerned because the line will be placed where it will be so close to where my lymph fluid migrates to. I don’t want to cause my left arm to become like my right.

    I am already on a probiotic so hopefully that will keep things balanced in my GI tract. So now I will have another thing to add to my medical history!! UGH!!

    Thanks again!! Katiejane

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited July 2020

    KaieJane - are you having any other treatments currently? Really, a port is a better choice if it's you need regular infusions.

    Edited to say - a port line would save you from using your arm (s)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sbelizabeth
    sbelizabeth Member Posts: 2,889
    edited July 2020

    I had cellulitis many times, always beginning in the skin of my chest. Sometimes it would migrate to my LE arm but usually it would just crawl in bigger and bigger concentric areas of my chest. I believe a port flush seeded my body with bacteria, and we would beat the infection back only to have it recur after my many reconstruction revisions. My port was removed during my DIEP surgery--thank goodness--because it was most likely colonized with bacteria. I was hospitalized three times for IV antibiotics, and the last time, they sent me home with a PICC line and a bunch of doses of antibiotics to be administered at home through my PICC.

    It was no problem whatsoever. And this time, perhaps because we treated with IV antibiotics longer, the cellulitis didn't come back.

    I have very minor LE in my left arm, the PICC was in my right arm, and I noticed nothing in terms of LE. The PICC stayed in about three weeks.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Katiejane
    Katiejane Member Posts: 789
    edited July 2020

    Minus Two, No, I am not having any other treatment. I considered a port and also a Groshong line but my infusions will be done on the 25th and those are both invasive. I hope I am making the right decision. I had a port for chemo back in ‘07 and that wasn’t great either.
    Thanks for your input!! katiejane

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Katiejane
    Katiejane Member Posts: 789
    edited July 2020

    snelizabeth, Thanks for getting back to me. I’ve had a port when I was doing chemo- very irritating to say the least. I will need 3 more weeks of antibiotics and I think a PICC is much less invasive and I’m hoping that a PICC is the right choice for me. The radiologist is going to place it in my AC so the entrance of the line will be well below the upper arm/ chest wall. Keeping my fingers crossed!!! Thanks again!! katiejan

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited July 2020

    Good luck KatieJane.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Katiejane
    Katiejane Member Posts: 789
    edited September 2020

    so, I have had increased swelling after my MRSA infection this past June/July. Very painful! I have already had a Lymph Node transfer from Dr Massey in Charleston, SC. It did nothing to help my LE! I have tried several times to contact her as I was told “once you are a Dr Massey patient you will always be a Dr Massey patient”I No, not so! She won’t communicate with me!! I don’t understand. am seeing a LE therapist but that’s not been very successful. Is there anyone that can recommend a Lymph surgeon? Thank you!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories