Question:
How painful is a Central Line for IV when you wake up from Surgery?
I just had my pre-admission testing today for my surgery on 7/19/02. It is very difficult for them to find a vein to put an IV in my arm. The last surgery that I had - it took over 2 hours with novacaine in my wrists, etc. That was for my lap gallbladder surgery 9 years ago and I was released the same day. The anesthesiologist told me today that it might be easier for them to insert the IV's and morphine drip into a central line in my neck. My concerns are how painful is this when you wake up after surgery because it has to be in 2-3 days? I'm just a little scared - that's all and I thought that maybe someone could give me some insight. I also have pseudor tumor cerebri and am concerned about the possibility of a headache with this IV in my neck. Any comments that you can give me are greatly appreciated. — Denise S. (posted on July 3, 2002)
July 3, 2002
Denise, I had a regular IV in my hand (which I still have the scar 5 months
later) and I had a central line put into my upper chest. I never felt the
central line go in, nor felt it while it was in, nor felt it coming out.
The IV in my hand was a different story-hurt going in, hurt while in and
hurt taking it out. Perhaps you can ask them to put the central line in
another place rather than your neck?
— Cindy R.
July 3, 2002
My central line was a blessing... the only thing I felt was the tape... and
never felt anything when they took it out either... It felt weird when they
were drawing blood, but NO POKES -was SO awsome! I have really hard veins,
and it usually takes at least twice for the nurses to find them, central
line, take a vial and go :) -woowhoo- Headache? nah, I had headaches from
my anesthesia, and when I weined myself off the morphine, but not from the
tube... Good luck to you :)
— Elizabeth D.
July 3, 2002
I had a central line in my neck and I was really worried about it. It
didn't hurt but I did find it to be annoying. I had an allergic reaction
to the tape so it was itchy but other than that I wouldn't have known it
was there. Don't worry and good luck
— Alison N.
July 3, 2002
Hi, Denise, I had a Central Line in also. My central line was in for 3
mos. because I was on IV's that long. My central line was put in my arm.
It was great. At first I was scared about it just as you, but it was just
fine. They were even able to draw blood from it. I had a double Lueman
put in so they could draw blood from it as well instead of trying to find a
vein.
— lynbaby B.
July 3, 2002
Here's my personal recommendation: Explain to your surgeon your IV
problem. Mine allowed me to take a Xanax (sedative)the morning of surgery
to help with the IV crisis. Then they gave me a (imagine extreme profanity
here) IV in my wrist, to enable them to put me out. Once I was out, they
put the central line in. The wrist IV is nasty. The central line was no
problem what so ever. I loved it. This is why: my veins are crap. On a
good day. When I went in 1 week post op with a complication, I was also
dehydrated. They don't do central lines for non-surgical admissions (as
far as I know), all other potential sites were abused from my surgical week
-- they ended up putting the IV in my right arm, in front of the elbow.
They then splinted my arm so I couldn't move it. This causes discomfort.
Then, when the vampires came for more blood, I had to suffer through the
arrogant rookies who think they are God's gift to the blood world, but
should NOT be allowed to "practice" on an IV-challenged patient.
Once I tolerated enough, I told him to call in the pros. He was not
offended at all. I have only been met with relief when I make that request
-- which I do regularly. The pro came in and the (more profanity) started
digging for a vein half way between my wrist and elbow vein. THAT is real
pain. Plan ahead on this one. Get something to ease the concerns pre-op,
make sure they do the "dual tube" thing so they can get blood out
of the same site, and then just enjoy the heck out of having a pain free IV
site. Sure beats the alternative. Good luck!
— Karen F.
July 3, 2002
They drug you before inserting a Central Line. I loved mine. No more sticks
for lab work. They can use your Central Line. Good Luck --
— CohenHeart
July 3, 2002
Hi. I didn't have a central line, but I don have small veins, and also
suffer from Pseudotumor cerebri. I had LAP RNY over 4 weeks ago. i can tell
you that the pain I was in from the surgery was enough that I felt no
migraines at all for atleast a week. Before my surgery I had an episode of
having a 3 month constant migraine attack, basically a full-blown one, it
was horrible. Hope this helps. Goodluck to you!! I wish you a pain-free
recovery!!
— Lezlie Y.
July 3, 2002
Hi. Re the first answer at the bottom of the page: central lines can be
put in the internal jugular (neck), subclavian (upper chest, near the
collarbone) or, as a last resort, into the femoral vein (groin area).
Another poster mentioned having a central line in her arm for an extended
period. This was likely a PICC line -- quite a bit different from a
central line, in that it is threaded up a vein for a very long distance,
sometimes so that the tip is near the heart. These are meant for an
extended course of fluids or antibiotics, often in the home setting. In
answer to the original poster's question, a central line is not terribly
painful. I awoke with one after surgery and found it to be a bother more
than anything else. And they can be very convenient for blood draws and IV
fluids. But be aware that they do carry some risks, and you should discuss
those risks with your surgeon and/or anesthesiologist. (Read my profile
for my personal experience with a central line.) JK, RN
— Joya K.
July 3, 2002
Hi there...I had my surgery back in January of 2000. I awoke with a central
line in my neck. It was painless as it was put in while I was under
anesthesia. The only problem I had with it was that it fell out and had to
be put back in and let me tell you....there is a reason it is put in while
you are out...it HURTS going in!!. But of course my experience wasnt
typical. It doesnt feel to great coming out but its over quick. Hope this
helps you out.
— Debbie M.
July 3, 2002
Central Line is placed in while you under anesthesia...when I woke up,
didn't even know it was there....made it much easier to get in and out of
the bed....I was more worried about the NG tube and that too didn't even
bug me. When they take out the central line, they cut the few stitches
that holds it in place and pulls it out....mine did bleed for a long time,
remember you are on blood thinners...I am almost 8 weeks post op and can
still see the little whole in my neck....DON'T worry piece of cake...
— Sharon H.
July 4, 2002
I might be the exception on the Central Line issue, but I would never have
one again. I had pancreatitis, which could've been treated medically with a
couple weeks of hospitalization. Instead, since I blew lines constantly and
have impossible veins, the put in a central line in my chest. I ended up
with a staph infection which nearly killed me. My abdomen filled with
infected, dead tissue which had to be removed with 12 surgeries (every
other day for a month, including Christmas day). With a few lovely CL scars
to boot. I know that "these things happen" but I have a 20"
scar that goes across my abdomen, a lovely frown which traces the lie below
my ribcage.
Do what you have to do, but after tons of blown IV lines and hot packs, etc
to just draw blood samples, I still think it is better than a 4 month
hospital stay, 3 of them in ICU in a coma.
Just my two cents...
— kultgirl
July 5, 2002
IF they put the central line in while you are sleeping you have it made. It
may be a bit uncomfortable to move your neck around and it may feel scary,
however it should not hurt once it is. The only part that hurts is while
they put it in, I have had this done before for other reasons. Once they
put it in they pull out the needle and the only thing in you is the tubing.
Try not to worry to much about that part.
— Rebekah P.
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