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Reglan woes... Please help me!

PostPosted: Nov 09, 2004 3:58 pm
by meg
I have HUGE knots in my legs from old sub-q sites from my Reglan pump. I have no signs of infection, but I have big, swollen, bruised knots in each thigh and one of my legs is so painful I have to make an effort not to limp when I walk. I have tried warm compressess and a heating pad. This has helped elliviate symptoms in one leg, although the knot has not dissappeared completely. My right leg is still very painful.

I started out with a great home health care agency, but when my insurance figured out they could pay a mediocre (at best) outfit half the money, they switched me and I am now managed completely by phone! I don't want to complain to my doctor if this is common because the pump is truly helping and I don't think I can handle another backslide physically or emotionally.

Please help if you have any similar experiences. Thanks!

PostPosted: Nov 09, 2004 4:48 pm
by erin
Meg,

Aren't they the most annoying things. As if you needed something else, other than sticking yourself in the leg. I found that if I put the heating pad on right after I changed the site, I never developed as much of a lump as if I let it go until later. So I would have the heating pad already warm, change the site, and then slap it on my leg for about 30 minutes right after I changed the site. That doesn't help your current lumps though, sorry.

I am glad that you think the pump is helping though. I also don't think it is uncommon to have a Reglan pump managed by phone, mine with Matria was as well, my nurse there was great about me calling with questions etc. She was always very helpful. I had someone coming to the house only when I had an IV at home.

I have also read on this board about taping the flaps of the needle site down first, and then using the larger waterproof tape pieces. I did notice when I moved around more, I dislodged the catheter a bit, and that made the lumps much worse. I never tried it, didn't read about it until I was off the pump.

HTH, glad you are feeling at least a bit better,

Erin
Alex 8/16/03 (borderline HG)
bean 3/18/05 (HG much worse)

PostPosted: Nov 11, 2004 8:04 pm
by meg
Erin,

Thank you for the heating pad tips and also the ideas about taping. Both have helped some. I appreciate your "expertise." :)

PostPosted: Nov 14, 2004 7:41 pm
by HGx3
Hey, I know i am a lil late jumpin in here, but I just wanted to say that the knots were a nightmare for me, and i DID have a site get infected!!!!!!!!!! The heating pad suggestion is great, and I also would soak in a HOT tub, with just enough water that it covered the tops of my legs, and that helped sooth tham. Mine would itch really bad.

I had to change my site every 2 days instead of every 3 b/c the longer it stayed in, the worse the knot.........just hang in there. I am glad it is helping despite the irritation!!!!

PostPosted: Nov 14, 2004 9:00 pm
by Jeanne
I had the same trouble with the Reglan pump. First we tried swt=itching the site every two days, then every day and then we had to just get rid of the pump and put it my IV - which meant stopping the TPN b/c it was not compatible with the Reglan, then starting it back up after the Reglan dripped in. All in all it was much better - just meant I was hooked up 24/7.

PostPosted: Nov 16, 2004 3:14 pm
by meg
Thanks for the additional advice. I too have tried warm baths and they do help, but I have also resorted to changing the site every two days. I just can't stand the pain and I also have itching, sometimes days after the site is changed. Fortunately, I have not developed an infection! I appreciate all of you sharing your experiences. It's so nice not to go through these crazy days alone!

Thanks,