PICC lines

[BanksiaRose]

Hi there. Can any of you ladies tell me if you use a pretty cover to conceal you PICC line? Is it ok to cover the dressing or should it be visible at all times. And where can you buy them? I’m getting one fitted next week. I know I have to keep it dry and will probably opt for a LimbO for use in the shower. Has anyone experience with these?Thanks

[mrstadpole]

Sorry but I'm unable to help there but I guess there will be lots of ladies who will know.All the best

Ann x

[Hidden]

Hello I had my first PICC line fitted 2 weeks ago. The hospital gave me a stretchy tubular bandage to cover, they said it would help prevent getting it caught. They also gave me a sleeve for use in the shower but it was useless and didn't fit properly, I purchased a LimbO and it is brilliant fits snugly and never lets water in, they come in different sizes so measure your upper arm. Anna Bandana on line sell covers for £3 but I haven't bothered as usualy wear sleeves.

annabandana.co.uk/large-pic...

My hospital nor local GP change the dressing or flush the PICC which needs doing weekly, I was told that I have to do it myself at home, not easy, so it is worth asking how yours will be looked after, and whether you have options. Good Luck. x

[BanksiaRose in reply to Hidden]

I was hoping the chemo nurse would see to it (weekly paclitaxel). How on earth do you manage one-handed!

[Hidden in reply to BanksiaRose]

Its impossible on your own, my husband helps but it is very stressful as he is very heavy handed. If your having weekly chemo then like you say the chemo nurse should do it for you. Mine said no to flushing and changing dressing 3 weekly, said it was new hospital policy to avoid unnecessary visits.

[Lizz49]

Hello there I used to wear a stretchy bandage over mine but I do remember seeing one online site selling nice lacy covers (think on eBay) but I never got round to buying one.

I had a limbo to cover it in the bath and it was brilliant and I got it on prescription. The picc line was the best thing I did during chemo and luckily the district nurse came weekly to flush mine (that was pre covid) but it was so good not having needles every time at chemo and my veins were protected.

Wishing you lots of luck!

Liz Xx 💕

[27-359]

Hi. I used a tubal bandage to pull over the picc line, but you can get ones on line that are decorative and made for the purpose.

I also got a plastic cover from Boots intended to cover plaster casts when showering. It was a lot cheaper than the LimbO.

Jenny

[truewordweaver]

Hi BanksiaRose. I had PICC lines, but my skin kept reacting to the tape they used to keep them in place, so I'm now waiting for a portacath implant. I did buy a Limbo sleeve but never used it, as I take baths rather than showers. If you want mine, it's yours - would be happy to pass it on to someone who can actually get some use out of it. Just boot me your address details at [removed by moderator - private message for details] - I'm presuming you're in the UK, too?

[BanksiaRose in reply to truewordweaver]

Thanks so much for your kind offer. I’ll wait and see what happens next week.😊

[Numi]

I've had 4 PICC lines so far and I've always used covers - the tubular bandage the hospitals give you fray very easily. The chemo unit at my hospital started having knitted ones available that volunteers had made. I bought a cover from Living Better With, which had a little 'window' so you could see the line, but it was uselesss - worked out it was designed for the left arm, and 3 of my lines had been in my right, so it was upside down when on the right arm. It soon stretched and slipped down - that was an expensive mistake, so I resorted to home made which you can make from any stretchy fabric. First couple of lines my waterproof cover for the shower was one my husband got for me, which covered my whole arm, including my hand, and that was a nuisance. For the second two, I bought a cover which was a plastic tube with neoprene cuffs top and bottom and that worked perfectly. Unfortunately, as it was 3 years ago, I can't remember where I got it from. Hope all goes well with your treatment.

[SuziTench1]

Hiya yea I cover mine with lacy material you can get them on ebay about £3 each and there comfy . Look for picc line covers . X

[Jack1066]

Hi, try Picc-me ltd they have a wide range of colours and sizes. If you are good a sewing, buy children's leggings in sales etc and you can cut each leg into 2 and hem each end on a zig zag stitch. You can make them any length you need to cover the dressing. ( a very cheap way to get a variety of covers in colours and patterns you want)

My Oncology team gave me a form to give to my GP for a prescription for a Limbo which comes in different sizes. Its difficult to put on on your own as the rubber can get folded under, and trying to do it one handed is sometimes impossible.

I keep my line covered all day but take it off at night.

Just a tip when you have your line inserted, if you right handed try to get it put in your left arm and when they dress it get it placed on the outside of your arm not inside.

My Oncology team flush my Picc every 10 days.

Hope this helps. Good luck

Wendy

x