Mighty Well
  • Shop
  • Learn
  • Journal
  • Join Us
  • Who We Are

Mighty Well

  • Shop
  • Learn
  • Journal
  • Join Us
  • Who We Are
Adaptive WearTreatment and Care

Insider Tips for PICC Patients from PICC Nurses

by Maria del Mar Gomez November 1, 2016August 3, 2018
written by Maria del Mar Gomez
IMG_4976.jpg
PICC nurses have a ton of valuable information for their patients. After speaking with dozens of Vascular Access nurses in the National AVA Conference (September 2016 – Disney, Florida), we summarized the top 5 insider tips for patients doing intravenous treatments! “AVA is the Association for Vascular Access, founded to support and promote the specialty of vascular access”. 

1) AS A PATIENT, YOU HAVE TO BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE! YOUR NURSE CAN NOT HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS – ALWAYS SPEAK UP!

  • You can always express yourself by saying: “I’d be more comfortable if ….”.

  • When your nurse/doctor is accessing your line, make sure you ask your nurse to:

1. Use gloves
2. Scrubs the hub for 15 seconds with an alcohol wipe
3. Lets it dry for 10 seconds! 

 

2) AS A PATIENT, YOU SHOULD KNOW YOUR BODY – KEEP A “JOURNAL/PATIENT FILE” WITH NOTES OF :

    1. Presence of any other medical devices.
    2. Status of target veins – have other doctors/nurses told you that there are some particular veins in your bodies can NOT be accessed?
    3. Access history: Have you had a line before? How has it been working thus far? *This information will be useful for your nurse if you have an issue with your line, to have insights about when and why the issue started.
    4. If a nurse tells you that you don’t have access for a line, ask them to PROVE it!

 

3) BE HONEST ABOUT YOUR PREFERENCES/CAPABILITIES:

  1. What kind of treatment works best for your daily life?
  2. What can you (can you not) cope with? * There are a high variety of options for catheters you could use for treatment, as well as positioning for insertion,  including, but not limited to, PICCs and Ports.

 

4) BE AS THOROUGH AS YOU CAN WHEN YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A CLINICIAN.

HE OR SHE SHOULD:

  1. Have technical expertise.
  2. Be open to talking to you and hearing what you have to say.
  3. Be available for follow up questions, and have a contact where you can reach out 24/7 (Issues don’t always come up during business hours! “If they are going you blow you off on a Friday night, they are not the right team”).

 

5) WHEN TRAVELING WITH A LINE, MAKE SURE TO:

  1. Contact your airline before booking your trip to learn what accommodations they have for people living with medical devices. *Different airlines/airports have different accommodations.
  2. Make sure you carry enough medication for at least 2 days.
  3. If you are using ice bags, make sure it is completely frozen (no water leakage); if it’s not, it may test positive for dangerous solutions. If you are unsure it is frozen, get rid of yours, and get a new ice bag from one of the restaurants if the airport.
  4. Search for TSA Cares. They provide passenger support for patients in certain airports. Call a TSA contact center at  1-866-289-9673 or TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov.

 

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT LINES:

WE REALLY CAN PUT THE EXIT SITE ANYWHERE!

A nurse from AVA shared a story that the PICC team at her hospital put the exit site of a line in the upper part of the patient’s back (back part of the shoulder!). She mentioned that they did this with people that do not do any of their own care and treatment, such as with kids that tend to play with their line, or adults with impairment.

In other occasions, they have put the exit site in the leg (Far from the reproductive system’s area – “10 inches below”) to ensure sanitary conditions.

Source: AVA conference 2016

Got more questions about PICC Line?  Join us in our Friends in the Fight Group to connect with our community. 


 

AVABe Your Own AdvocateTraveling with a Catheter
1
FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Maria del Mar Gomez

previous post
PICC’s and Other Central Lines: Weighing Your Options
next post
Spoonie Stories: It never rains forever and the sun always comes out

You may also like

6 Tips for Soaking up the Sun with...

August 10, 2017

Kids With PICC’s: Teddy’s Story

January 19, 2022

Top 3 Digital Medication Organizers

May 13, 2022

Vaccine Complications With Chronic Illness

March 10, 2021

Finding Solace in the Outdoors: Interview with Chloe...

April 9, 2020

Every Body is a Beach Body: Chronic Illness...

August 6, 2019

Launch of a New Product Line: Secondary Catheter...

March 19, 2021

Feeding Tube Complications — and how to avoid...

December 29, 2021

How Body Image Affects Our Self-Esteem and Mental...

August 13, 2019

4 Ways to Prepare for a PICC Placement

June 23, 2021

About Us

Hi, We're Mighty Well.

The mission of Mighty Well is to help patients and their caregivers turn sickness into strength. We are leading the global charge that changes the perception of patients from victims to fighters. We do this by improving the experience of being a patient. We create the products we wish we’d had: functional and stylish apparel and accessories that you can wear with confidence - and content that can help you get through the good times and the bad. It’s wellness you can wear.

Keep in touch

Facebook Twitter Instagram

Instagram

No images found!
Try some other hashtag or username

Recent Posts

  • Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month

    June 22, 2022
  • Body Image and Mental Health in the Time of Covid

    June 16, 2022
  • Accessing Medical Supplies

    June 10, 2022
  • 4 Tips for Creating a Disability Inclusive Workplace

    June 3, 2022
  • Halsey Celebrates New Diagnoses

    May 26, 2022

Categories

  • Adaptive Wear
  • Chronic Illness
  • Featured
  • Friends in the Fight
  • General Wellness
  • Healthy Work Environments
  • Lyme Disease
  • Medical Devices
  • Mightier Together
  • Mighty Models
  • PICC Line
  • Popular Posts
  • Relationships and Support
  • The Undefeated
  • Treatment and Care
  • Uncategorized

Tags Cloud

Adulting Be Your Own Advocate blm Cancer Chronic Illness coronavirus coronoavirus covid-19 Daily Brain Fog Fix Diabetes Dysautonomia EDS feeding tube Feeding Tubes feeding tube supplies Gastroparesis holidays how does a feeding tube work immuno hoodie invisible illnesses Living Mighty Well Living With a PICC Living with a Port lyme disease MCAS Medications MedPlanner mental health Mental Illness mighty mask Mighty Pack mighty well mask Misdiagnosed neurodiversity New Years Organization Tips PICC PICC line cover PICCPerfect POTS Self-love self care case Support Systems TPN Tube Feeding

Our Story

Mighty Well - Founder - Emily Levy - Our Story

 

It all started with a cut off sock, a cute hockey player, and an 8 AM finance class. Oh, and a PICC Line. That moment inspired us to launch our first product, the PICCPerfect PICC Line Cover.

 

We know it stinks to feel defined by a diagnosis or feel like just a name on a doctor’s chart. Sounds like you? Read how our founder turned sickness into strength.

Recent Posts

  • Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month

    June 22, 2022
  • Body Image and Mental Health in the Time of Covid

    June 16, 2022
  • Accessing Medical Supplies

    June 10, 2022

Join the Fight

Mighty Well's Facebook Page

Find us on Instagram

mightywell_

One positive that came out of the pandemic was tha One positive that came out of the pandemic was that many of us were able to have flexible working arrangements. As more states lift restrictions, heading back to work after months of working from home can be a huge adjustment for so many of us. Allowing time in our schedules for commuting, brushing up on our social skills, and making sure to have access to our medical supplies are just a few things we need to prepare for.

📸 Mighty Well ambassador @ameliablackwater headed back to the classroom last week and is working on finding a happy balance of working, socializing, and finding time for herself. 

If you've returned to work, what was the hardest part about making the transition back? 
.
.

#MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #Autism #WFH #RemoteWork #Telecommute #MightyWellMask #Pandemic
Before you move forward always be sure to check th Before you move forward always be sure to check the price tag 💵
.
.
#MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #Anxiety #Depression #PTSD
Life is full of uncertainties. But there will alwa Life is full of uncertainties. But there will always be a sunrise after every sunset 🌅

"The only certainty in life is uncertainty. I challenge you to embrace it. Even if it's just for a bit" ~@kali_rarerootedwarrior ☺️

Featuring: The Mighty Pack & Undefeated Hat
.
.
 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #Gastroparesis #EDS #MastCellDisease
We really love this message from @lizandmollie. In We really love this message from @lizandmollie. In fact, we couldn't have said it better ourselves 🤗 Chronic illness is filled with ups and downs and everyday will look a little different. Know that you're doing your best even on the days that you are flaring, in pain or fatigued. Remember that we are here to support you on the good days, the bad days and all the ones in between 💚 
. 
.
#MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #ChronicFatigue #MultipleSclerosis #Lupus #SickleCellAnemia #Endometriosis #POTS
Going into a medical procedure is always a little Going into a medical procedure is always a little scary. The best way to minimize fear and anxiety is to go in as prepared as you can! If you are feeling nervous for an upcoming PICC line placement procedure, head to our latest blog (link in bio) for some confidence boosting tips so you can feel ready to go! 

📷 Friend in the Fight @zebrajemma loves her PICCPerfect PICC Line Cover. It keeps her PICC line in place without adhesives and is so comfortable 🤗
.
.
 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #IVIG
You can hardly wait to tell everyone what happened You can hardly wait to tell everyone what happened and  suddenly start talking and realize you don't know where the story is going...has this happened to anyone else lately 🙋‍♂️We've been there! Brain fog, perhaps the most universal aspect of illness, is exhausting. Cognitive disorders can be frustrating but take solace in knowing that you are not alone. We've all experienced that foggy feeling 🌫 and although it's not permanent, it can arrive quickly and definitely overstay its welcome. 

Looking for a little help getting the fog to lift? Our Brain Fog Fix Planner is more than just a reminder system. It includes space to track daily symptoms, hydration, thoughts and moments of gratitude amidst the daily challenges and is brought to you with input from our Friends in the Fight® Click the link in our bio to find out more. 
.
.
 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #BrainFog #ChronicFatigue #CognitiveDisorder
We've got your back! Our Mighty Pack is the first We've got your back! Our Mighty Pack is the first medical backpack designed by patients, for patients. Our backpack is perfect for wheelchair users, as it has multiple strap locations to allow for flexibility. Nobody needs to know that you are carrying or wearing your essential medical devices and supplies. As patients ourselves, this is a product that we wish we’d had! 💪💚 Best of all this can be purchased with most FSAs (Flexible Spending Accounts) and HSAs (Health Savings Accounts) Click on the photo to take a look inside the Mighty Pack. 

📹 We are all smiles over this video of Mighty Well ambassador @rebellious_story & her dog Sherlock 😍
.
.
 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #Community #Health #Wellness #ButYouDontLookSick #InvisibleIllness #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #ChronicIllnessWarrior #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #LivingwithChronicIllness #Crohns #InfusionPump #MedicalBackpack #DiabeticLife #Gastroparesis #EnteralNutrition #Wheelchair #Tubefeeding #MedicalSupplies #TubeFed
The school year is quickly coming to a close and w The school year is quickly coming to a close and we wanted to send a Mighty shout out to all the students who worked so hard this year despite the challenges of COVID 🙌 We know that it was a challenging year with limited in-person learning, social distancing, and the requirement of face masks. We are so proud of all of you and you should be too! 💚

📸 Featuring The Mighty Well Mask
.
.
 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #Pandemic #HomeSchool #Graduation #SocialDistancing
I’m proud to be trans and I’m proud to be disa I’m proud to be trans and I’m proud to be disabled — because you can’t put a boundary on being yourself ~@thedisabledhippie
 
Happy Pride Month to all of our Friends in the Fight in the LBGTQIA+ community 🏳️‍🌈
.
.
#MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #Pride #LBGTQ #Transgender #LoveisLove #NonBinary #BiSexual #GayPride #Instalove
Follow on Instagram
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins
There has been a problem with your Instagram Feed.
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin

Mighty Well © 2018 All Rights Reserved


Back To Top