Considering I am currently back at MGH for a central line infection (which is being treated as sepsis due to my plummeting blood pressures and skyrocketing temperatures and heart rate; this could, however, be due to my really screwy autonomic nervous system), I thought I’d address the issues we’re currently encountering with my current former central line (a PICC in my left arm) and the debate over what kind of line is most appropriate for the long term use we’re envisioning.
How did we get here from there?
My GI tract (from stomach to colon) is essentially paralyzed. After numerous tests and a 25-day hospital stay when it officially shut down, a GJ-tube was placed. Five days later, I was readmitted partially because the GJ-tube was not providing enough of the necessary nutrients. The solution was to place a central line (a peripherally inserted central catheter or “PICC”) so that I could receive calories and vital nutrients intravenously. At this point, the PICC and TPN were planned to be short-term aids until we could build up the feeds to my jejunum (the middle part of my small intestine). A couple months later, my GI doctor said it looks like TPN is the most viable long-term option for me.
Still Miles to Go 