I have just had a call from the hospital to arrange for me to have a picc line fitted tomorrow . I was really shocked as this is the first time I have heard anything about it. I said that they must have the wrong person, as I was told that I was have 3 lots of chemo then a scan to see if it has shrunk enough to remove. When I was diagnosed as stage 3c I was told it was 16.5cm big but three lots of chemo should be enough to shrink it enough.
The hospital called me back, and confirmed that I will be having one fitted tomorrow and that I’m to go in this afternoon to talk to my consultant.
I’m really scared now about it all, I’m guessing that it hasn’t worked yet. Has anyone had one of these picc lines fitted. Does it hurt, I’m such a wuss and incredibly emotional at the moment. I’m sitting here sobbing as I type this. Silly I know, thanks for reading this xx
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Tay100
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Hi Tay. I put off having one fitted twice when suggested. I won't lie.....It's uncomfortable to have fitted, not horrendously painful but not totally painless, , but boy is it a god send..... no more prodding for veins when you go for chemo. If I have to have chemo again (I've had 2 recurrences) then it's definitely something I would have done before I started chemo. Oh and you are not a wuss, nor are you being silly. We have all been there. Sending you a big hug..... I know exactly how you are feeling! Take care. Kathy xx
You are not a wuss, silly or anything else! I managed to do without, but only just! I was being pressurised to get something fitted as the veins were very temperamental and by god did it hurt finding one, I used to get worried each time I knew it was coming.
It could just be they want it fitted before the op just in case you need anything after.
The only thing I would say is one you can’t go swimming with either picc or port, I love swimming and if you do, check you are having the right one.
Thank you both so much, I have spoken to my consultant and agreed to have one fitted tomorrow morning. My veins apparently are really small and getting a cannula in is really tricky and it hurts a lot. I feel a lot better now and your kind responses have really helped xx
Hope all goes well for you. I had to have a line fitted the year before last after my first chemo as getting a cannula in became impossible. And last year when I had a recurrance, I had one fitted straight away. The procedure itself wasn't painful as I had local anesthetic, but was sore for a couple of days afterwards. My nurse recommended holding a covered hot water bottle against my arm to soothe it and keep the blood flowing. Having the line is a bit of a nuisance, but far less than suffering each chemo with multiple unsuccessful attempts at cannulation. I had my line when my daughter got married, and I changed my jacket for a larger size so the sleeves were loose and no one noticed anything. I bought a special waterproof sleeve so I could bathe and shower easily - it's worth the expense. Best of luck.
I had one fitted after my first session of chemo for second recurrence and the nurses tried 4 times to insert cannula. Eventually they managed but said I needed a line very small veins and it had been too painful for me. The line is not painful to have fitted and thank goodness no more jabbing and pain whilst on chemo. A little bulky on the arm but worth it.
Hello Tay. I'm having a picc line fitted for the second time this Friday. I have tiny, wiggly veins so this will be much better for the Chemo and my hospital can also use it for the CT Scan dye. I dreaded it being fitted last time but it was fine. Not painful, and even though it didn't go in properly first time and the nurse had to be pull it out and have a second attempt, it didn't hurt. I just had to lie on my back while it was inserted, turn my head sideways whilst it was pushed 'round the corner' so it could turn at my shoulder, then turn my head back again. I then had to go for a quick X-ray to check it was in the right place. (It was)
You can buy a waterproof protector called a LimbO to go over your arm for showering. I was struggling, wrapping my arm in cling film as advised by the hospital. Then I had reason to go to another hospital in another area to have my picc line flushed and the nurses there couldn't believe I didn't have one and they GAVE me one. I couldn't believe my luck. I don't know how much they cost, now, but you could phone them on their Help Line on . 01243 573417. The Company is called Thesis Technology products or contact them on their website limboproducts.co.uk. Maybe a big Boots Store have them, I'm not sure.
I hope this helps, Tay, and hope all goes well tomorrow. Have to admit, I'm nervous even though I know what to expect so can imagine how you feel!
Hi. I had a picc fitted, and I must admit that I found the pain killing injection into my arm prior to fitting it quite painful. The actual manoeuvring of the line was fine. Regards the Limbo, they are quite expensive, so I bought a plastic cover from Boots, which is sold to prevent plaster casts from getting wet in the shower. It worked well. Once you have the picc fitted you will find the whole blood thing so much easier. Oh, as you will be wearing short sleeves now the weather is warmer, you will want some sort of cover. You can get these on the internet, though I just cut a length of tubular bandage to pull over it.
Hi Tay, a PICC line or even a porta/portacath (my personal favorite as no external parts i.e. can shower without problems) should make the chemo sessions much easier.. no more prodding for reluctant veins. That said, I agree with Katmal.. you've got to get through a small surgical procedure.
You could ask for additional sedation if you are very anxious (as I was).. like a very short full sedation or a drowsy pill/IV ('conscious sedation')...
Like Maus, I had a port installed under my left boob. It was put in during my debulking surgery so I didn't feel a thing! It was used specifically for the IP chemo I had. It was removed 2 months after last chemo. I have a smily face scar. 😊 any small bit of pain installing the PICC is so worth it. Your veins will say thank you!
Thank you all so much for all of your advice. I have had the picc line fitted now. It took a couple of try’s before it was in the vein and then it all went very smoothly. The worst part was the local they put in, that was really sore. I have my next round of chemotherapy tomorrow so it should make it a lot easier now. I really appreciate you all replying and it really helped calm my nerves. Thank you! xxx
All the info on this site has certainly helped me to decide to have a line fitted too. I suffer with allergies and just knew my body would reject it but pain in arms is so bad now I just can't face any more chemo my veins feel burnt and seem to have collapsed so hopefully this will be the answerxx
Hi Lizzie, I was as you know really worried about have a line fitted, now it’s in I am honestly wondering why I was so worried about it. My veins to collapse, so the line will be perfect for me and hopefully you to and put an end to the pain you are in. Best wishes Xxx
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