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Show 79 Central Line My arm is swelling and painful and when Lisa sees it, she immediately removes the IV. "Dam," she is saying, holding gentle pressure where the needle was to stop any bleeding. It is the third time today that the IV has infiltrated into the tissues of my arm. My veins are no longer patent. They rip easily and leak painfully. They have even tried a "pic" line but it was no better. Nothing lasts the weeks I am required to remain in this hospital, off my oral blood-thinning medication, on the IV blood-thinning medication, awaiting potential surgery. Dr. Jessop has come in to see the ami and is looking at Lisa. "Let's do a central line," he is saying. Lisa nods and exits. Dr. Jessop follows her. I have had central lines before so when the resident and intern come into the room minutes later carrying the sterile boxes with the necessary equipment, I have an idea what to expect. Nevertheless, I am grateful that they are instructing me as we go along. "It goes into your chest directly into a main vein," one says. "We'll give you some local anesthesia," the other adds. The resident is a quiet young man, respectful of me. The intern is a young woman whose eyes meet mine with some cheer, who, I note, walks with some difficulty. They |