Greenbaum wants me on a PICC line stat--what other options might I have?

Oh, I'll just pop in to echo the following:


Taaaaaaaake theeeeeee PIIIIIIIIIIIICC liiiiiiiiiine.

Nicole ... get thee a picc line and iv nutrition now!   Those levels are dangerous.  I'm surprised you do not have side effects from it already.

I would definitely go in for the PICC.   I had one for a month, back in September because of a stricture. They had me on TPN that entire time. There are drawbacks to it, like having to go out in public and carry the little backpack around, and deal with the line, and having to wrap your arm everytime you get in the shower, but it's worth it. If I hadn't gotten that, things would be really bad for me right now. Also, I had home health come in one day a week to redress it, and do a blood draw. They are SO convenient! No needles poking you all the time for blood, no IVs, it's there and ready at all times :)

Nicole...let us know what's happening. We're all concerned about you.

Hi Sandy, 

It appears that you keep replying to the bottom comment rather than to the OP, which unfortunately means Nicole may not see your comments.

To reply to the original post, hit the "post reply" button all the way to the bottom left. 

Jenna

When I was studying mortuary science,, we  learned about picc lines,,,keep delaying,,,your options will always be open to you follow your surgeon,,,or else...

Doesn't really sound like the picc line is a choice, it seems like the only answer

I totally agree with Jon.. you don't have a choice.

I hope we get an update soon.

You don't have options. A PICC line is a totally simple procedure and a gift from God. Get the damned thing NOW. You can't fix this by eating. You are sick and if you don't quit being a baby about a simple procedure you could die.

Dr. Greenbaum is a "bit" of a mother hen, but I 've known him for years now and he does NOT go to this extreme unless it's for real. He frets at patients, he worries about things that could be treated just fine if he'd listen to Vitalady, but THIS is a medical almost-emergency.

The PICC line is the SIMPLEST intervention you can get, a damned sight easier to live with than a J-tube (feeding tube). The only choice I'd want to discuss--but I think it's not an option for outpatient therapy--would be a central line vs. a PICC line. Central line is in your neck, PICC line is in your arm.

 I wish I could help more but it sounds like you need the PICC line. I hope you are at the hospital getting it and feeling better. Please update us when you can!