Your PICC or central line is an important part of your treatment.
Your care provider puts medicine, fluids, and whatever else you need into this catheter. So keeping it working the way it should is important.
It helps you get better.
Now the first thing to know is ... your life doesn't have to change a lot.
You'll probably be able to do many of your usual activities.
Your care team will help you understand what you can and can't do.
Your care team will also give you training and written instructions on how to care for the catheter. If you're not sure about what to do or how to do it, just ask.
Here are a few things you can start with.
Always wash your hands before touching the catheter or the area around it.
Use soap and water, and dry your hands with a clean cloth.
And make sure others wash too.
Try to keep the catheter dry. When you shower, cover the site with waterproof material, like plastic wrap.
Be sure you also cover the end of the catheter.
When it's time to change the bandage or flush the catheter, get all your supplies ready. Things like sterile gloves, tape, and a bandage.
As you go through your day, you'll want to protect the catheter. Here's how.
Be sure the catheter is held close to your body.
This prevents it from pulling or hanging loose.
You'll want to wear clothing that doesn't rub or pull on the catheter.
Don't wear jewelry that can catch on it, like necklaces.
Try not to move your arm or upper body in a way that could pull your catheter.
This means don't lift heavy things ... including young children or groceries.
Use the arm farthest from the catheter for blood pressure readings.
Don't get your blood pressure taken on the arm next to the catheter.
Things don't usually go wrong with a catheter, but you need to know what to do if there's a problem. Call your care team right away if you have: ... signs of infection, such as increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in the area ... or a fever...
... swelling in your chest, neck, or arm on the side where the catheter is ...
... or a leak in the catheter.
Your catheter is an important part of your treatment plan. When you take care of it, you're taking care of yourself. You're helping yourself get better.
