I finally was able to get a PICC line because it had been taking 15 sticks over 5 days of IVIG to get all the meds in. Also, my lines could not stay in overnight once we got them in due to prednisone: my veins would crash or infiltrate. When they got the line in, they would push the saline and the vein would blow. And my veins were all scared from all the sticks in the hospital so they started running out of places to stick me. It was hell and the nurses begged the doc to do it.

I think the fact that it came from the nurses is why my neuro went for it. That being said, it was the best thing idea ever. It has been in for 7 months now and it is totally worth having to wrap it to shower. If you are going to continue to get IVIG and have a whole lot of trouble with your veins, it is an excellent idea.

debra