My PICC Line Is Out: Video

December 15, 2023, at home

PICC Line Removal: NOT graphic (Dec. 15, 2023)

I uploaded a video of my home nurse finally removing the PICC line near my left shoulder. It isn't graphic.

In fact, my camera automatically blurred the video at the moment she pulled it out. I assure you this was an accident, but it does make me look like a competent video editor.

Actually, my PICC line is shorter than usual because it was near my shoulder and not in my upper arm, as usual. That was because of scar tissue within my veins due to many past PICC lines in both of my arms. It had to be inserted there. I have had PICC lines at least ten times for various infections, typically osteomyelitis (bone) and cellulitis (flesh) in my feet and legs due to diabetic ulcers. These wounds have healed after many years of continuous healing and returning, over and over.

Unfortunately, I had to get firm with my infectious-disease doctor in my effort to acquire permission for my home nurse to remove the line. I haven't received intravenous antibiotics in two or three weeks, and I needed the line to come out. This doctor was keen on continuing my testing, but I had to put an end to the madness.

I received thirteen weeks of daily intravenous infusions of various antibiotics, initially for a blood infection and possible osteomyelitis in one of two fractures in my right ankle, then for osteomyelitis in my spine, and then for a small wound in my back that is part of an almost-14-inch-long incision from the second of two spinal surgeries a few months ago.

My home nurse will still come to change the bandage on the small wound in my back, now every three days. It was every day, then every other day. I am also hooked up with electrodes to an electronic bone-stimulator device to make my spinal bone heal and expand faster.

I am also working with a physical therapist who comes here two days per week to guide me through leg exercises so that I will soon be able to stand without support. My goal is to be able to walk without support.

https://youtu.be/4ASAf8Ny_r4?si=hee5GM986iVT6m_l