Trying to mind over matter fear about picc placement and iv therapy

Oy. I'm driving myself crazy! Day after tomorrow I get the picc line put in and I can't seem to shake this nervousness. I thought I felt better about it the last few days. But realizing what day it was today brought all the fear back to the surface.

I am NOT usually like this! I've never been scared before any of my surgeries or other procedures. This is grossing me out. I'm obsessing over what it's going to feel like to have something shoved that far into my body. Ah!! I keep trying to force myself to stop thinking about it. But it's like when someone tells you not to look and what do you do? You look. Lol. This sucks.

I'm worried since my immune system is so low that I'm going to get sepsis. I know even if you do everything right sometimes crap happens. Is there a chance I'm wrong about that though???? Is there anyway to be 100% sure you don't get clots or infection??

I'm also worried about taking clindamycin. I hear it's really hard on your gut. I flood my body with probiotics twice a day and try and stay away from sugar and white foods. Sometimes even that isn't enough though. I already had candida show up in a stool sample a few months ago.

So wow! I'm really letting myself get worked up lol!!!! This seems like such a big deal. I've been avoiding it since April when my doctor first recommended it. I've been doing iv therapy for the past month with a hep lock. That doesn't freak me out at all. But the picc?! Holy cow!! I know tons of Lyme patients even ask for picc lines. Why am I being such a baby????!!!!!!!!! Ah!! I want to slap myself for being so silly! Lol!

I've proved it- you CAN indeed annoy yourself lol!!

I remember reading in previous posts concerns about picc lines because they run through the heart.

I had a long time friend who has been an RN for over 25 years show my family how to do my intramuscular injections yesterday. I asked her about picc lines. She used to insert them. They do not run through thru the heart. She said it's really the easiest and best way to receive non oral meds. I asked if my two dogs (big labs, one very active) would be a concern and she said no, not at all. So your son wanting mom shouldn't be any concern either.

The picc line should keep the meds from your gut.

It's normal to be nervous about something you've never experienced before. That's human nature and you've had such a tough time of it. You are overdue for positives. We are all pulling for you and sending positive thoughts.

I understand that you feel nervous, it's something unknown and a new step in your treatment. But I had both a PICC and a port, and placing a picc is really much faster, less painful, and less scary than I thought it would be.
I remember with the PICC that I was surprised about how fast it all went. I was admitted (paperwork and all at the reception) at 8am, and was already stepping out of the hospital at 10am.

I have a habit of going alone to the hospital for tests or things like that, take enough time so I don't have to hurry. It gives me time to become 'zen', it's some kind of meditation.

If you are really feeling too nervous after tomorrow, just tell the nurses, they will give you something that will make you feel calmer.


Jrpsf,
The line indeed doesn't run through the heart, that would be scary

---

Moderator, Lyme Forum

Borrelia/Bartonella/Yersinia/Chlamydia Pn.

Started getting sick about 20yrs ago, diagnosed 3yrs ago.

Started treatment August 2012: 15 months of abx, followed by a modified Cowden Protocol since December 2013, now using the Chronic Tonic. On LDN for pain.

~The wound is the place where the Light enters you~

In the last month that I've been doing iv abx I can't say that it hasn't helped. It really has. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror today and I have to admit I look healthier. The circles around my eyes aren't as dark and my skin has more color. I also haven't been puking as much. I get bursts of energy again too.

I know this is the right thing to do. I worry about everything and anything. I always have. I fear that the picc line will bring me a lot of anxiety thinking something is wrong lol! I figure as long as I stay aware of my tendency to over think things I'll do OK. I had a few issues with the hep locks and handled it pretty well.

I'm also herxing right now. I think that's contributing to my anxiety over this. I get a little obsessive compulsive lol. My guy has been really sweet about it and is making me feel a lot better. He keeps telling me how much better I seem to be after the last month. That really helps.

Thank you all for your kindness and encouragement. It REALLY helps ALOT!