Something else to be aware of

[monrein]

Thought I'd post about this little complication following my PICC line.  I've developed some pain on the inside area of my elbow, down about three inches from the insertion point of where the PICC was.  It started a couple weeks ago but then went away and then came back and was getting worse.  Yesterday, I went to the ER where they did an ultrasound of my arm and discovered a DVT (deep vein thrombosis) or blood clot in a deep vein in my upper arm.  So now I'm getting subcutaneous injections of clot busting thinners and starting on Monday will go to the thrombosis clinic to see what they suggest.  I imagine I'll have to do a course of coumadin...yuck but better than a pulmonary embolism.  The pain isn't intense but it's there and this could in fact explain the numbness and tingling I've been having in my right hand.  Because my elbow isn't very swollen they were surprised that it was not a more superficial vein with a clot but the ultrasound showed a deep one.

Would somebody please advise the authorities that I have things to do.  My creatinine is still terrific.

[willowtreewren]

I am glad they found this, Monrein!

But awfully sorry you must go through the blood thinner route.

Thinking of you.

Aleta

[peleroja]

The last time they put in a PICC line for my friend they left a small piece of plastic in her arm.  Luckily it hasn't bothered her.

[rose1999]

 

[dwcrawford]

Double Darn.  I'm sorry.  Are there problems with coumadin?  I've been taking it almost a year and just wonder if there is something I should be aware of.... I mean the bruising yea.

[monrein]

Double Darn.  I'm sorry.  Are there problems with coumadin?  I've been taking it almost a year and just wonder if there is something I should be aware of.... I mean the bruising yea.

No problems really other than the bruising (prednisone causes that for me already)  and being sure to check the levels, and I'm already on so many other meds that additions of any kind irk me.  The real bottom line is I'm glad we caught it, that it can in fact be treated, and that it doesn't directly involve my transplant. 

[Laurie]

I had the exact same thing after a PICC line. They too were surpirsed because there was no swelling just alot of pain. They put me in the hospital immediatley and started IV heprin. I was in for 5 days until the heprin was at a theraputic level. I also took coumadin for about 6 months.
Glad they were able to find it. Take care. 

[Bajanne]

Just giving you a cyberhug, my girl!  My caring thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Sunny]

I'm glad they found it and are taking care of you. You've been through enough already, so let's hope this will be resolved quickly.
Good luck.

[Jean]

So very grateful that you had it checked and it was found. That must have been scary.
God Bless You

[ODAT]

Here at IHD we all learn so much from each other. Just wish we didn't have "so much" to share. As I typed that, I thought it might be misunderstood (need coffee or a nap . What I mean is there needs to be less compilications related to kidney disease. Hopefully some day.

Hope you are feeling better.

[monrein]

I was seen in the Thrombosis Clinic this morning and they decided NOT to put me on Coumadin.  I'm going to continue giving myself a subcutaneous injection of low-molecular heparin for about three months and hopefully that will be that.  I'm not supposed to dig (that's as hard for me not to do as it is for a Jack Russell terrier not to do) or lift anything heavy until there's no pain at all in my arm.  There's very little swelling but there is pain even though I'm not taking anything for it.  Other than the pain I feel great.

[jbeany]

Okay, now I've got the mental image of you bouncing thru your garden just like my friend's dog does when you say the word "treat!"

Hope it clears up for you soon!

[donnia]

Sorry you are going through this.... blood thinners just plain suck!

[Rerun]

I'm glad this is under control.  No digging!  BAD!