Question:
What exactly is a Demeral Central Line?

and is it better than the Morphine pump? Please respond. My surgery is fast approaching and I'm about to have an anxiety(sp) attack. Hugs,    — L G. (posted on October 13, 2000)

October 13, 2000
Hi Lil, A Central Line is a sturdier access than a typical IV. I've had Central Lines in my neck and in the subclavian. They put you to sleep before they do it, so, NO pain like digging for a vein for an IV!! My veins were so bad from being so ill that I didn't have any other choice. I'm looking forward to an old fashion IV for my Hernia Repair and TT on October 23rd. I'll be thinking of you when you have your surgery, but I know I won't be up to coming to visit you!! I would rather Demeral than Morphine, because it just relieves my pain without messing up my thinking!! You'll still have your pump hooked up to it, so you'll have control of your pain. Good Luck and God Bless You -
   — CohenHeart

October 14, 2000
A central line is just a large bore IV that goes into a bigger vein. Just as was previously said itmine was put in after I was put to sleep. Both demerol and morphine are narcotics with morphine being stronger. Both work, both have pros and cons. A lot of time it is MD preference or allergy related. Just discuss it with your MD.
   — Sandy W.

October 15, 2000
I had a full hysterectomy and hernia repair in '97, and I cannot take morphine due to the nausea it causes. When I woke up, I was on a demerol pump -- not a bad thing! :o) OK, so I lost about 3 days in a demerol stupor, but it was such a god-send. Either works with equal success, really. If you have no known allergies to either one, it wouldn't matter which you ended up on. Click the little button now... nighty-nite... LOL!
   — Michelle F.

October 15, 2000
I also had a central line for my iv & a Demerol pump (they called it pca or patient controlled analgesia). I was told the central line is better as it isn't as easily disturbed as iv's in the hands, which tend to get moved about a lot & could be dislodged. The only problem I had with the central line was a rash from the tape. It went away about a week after the iv removal. I don't know why my surgeon used Demerol; I'm not allergic to morphine, but the Demerol controlled my pain very adequately. Good luck to you!!!
   — Kathy W.

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