hi, sorry to bother everyone again. this is what my nurse sent me re compulsory picc lines: 'This is an internal guidelines [edited by moderators]. All the nurses are highly skilled with cannulation, however, this protocol is to ensure safety. I’m afraid I can’t override the policy.
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[edited by moderators] it took three people to get a cannula in me for my renal test. and the original bruise for the cannula they didn't manage to get in was spectacular, attached.
the thing is i have one chemo session every three weeks. it seems overkill to insert a PICC for this. and they confirm that i won't be able to play tennis. i'm sure they're thinking i won't feel well enough to play but i have to have some hope.
has anyone else been told at start of treatment they have to have a PICC? just talked to a lovely lady at macmillan and she said she didn't know they could make this mandatory.
candy
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Hi Im not aware they can make a PICC mandatory but after saying Id never agree to one I gave in on my second recurrence then wondered why Id kept saying no previously. Best thing, no more needles, no more hunting for that one vein in hiding. Yes, you have to have it flushed regularly but it really was easy. You have to get the hang of covering the PICC when showering but you can get a cover. I hope you decide what right for you xx Kathy xx
I don't think it's mandatory. Unfortunately some of the nurses are much better or more careful when putting canulas in. I had a pic line in the end had to be flushed weekly was a constant reminder I was ill flapping about on my arm. Had to buy loose clothes showers swimming an issue. I had it taken out at first opportunity I was quite insistent about it which is not like me. When I started next treatment I had a portacath inserted in my chest and still have it. Less risk of infection as it's under the skin nothing to see does not have to be flushed as often a bit of anaesthetic cream45 mins before line being pinned in makes it pain free. Showering swimming no issues once it's healed. All bloods taken thru it. Scan date put in thru it. If your veins crash in an emergency they can put adrenaline in thru it in a and e. Talk to Macmillan andCns nurses about it read about it and try to get the port it's so much better and safer. Good luck
I totally understand where you are coming from. My story was very much similar. I did feel very much bullied into having the picc line as after one chemo session where 5 nurses tried they made it out it was all better and in my interests. I still say now, that it is just more convenient for them.
Although I was terrified of the procedure, that in all honesty was ok and painless.
I hated it as it was a constant reminder that I was poorly but other than that it didn’t hurt or get infected or anything.
I guess as I hate the hospital anything to make the chemo quicker was a plus.
After my 3rd recurrence I was receiving Gemcitibine which can irritate the veins causing painful phlebitis. I decided to opt for a PICC line and ended up wishing I had it done at the start of my treatment 2 years ago. They can also be used for blood tests and CTscan contrast.
I recommend a "Limbo" cover for showering in, the hospital one was useless and let in water.
The dressing and flush of the line needs to be done weekly, it is worth asking if you will get it done for you at your hospital or if like me you have to do it yourself at home, impossible without a spare pair of hands to help you.
I have good veins so far but can see they are becoming 'bad' now after 25 chemo infusions. I expect I will have this decision - I flippin hope it's a decision! - at some point. However I hate the psychological message that a PICC line gives to me, as if a person has transformed into a vessel for chemo.
On a logical level I would fare much better with one as I am pretty much needle phobic and this is definitely not something that gets any easier with more practice. It's definitely the case that some nurses are way better than others at inserting cannulas, I wish we could choose our favourites and the others would just leave it to the experts.
Hi, have you asked them could they insert a port instead of a PICC line ? I have a port since March 2019 & after the initial procedure where I had some soreness & bruising I have had no problems. It's under your skin in your chest so you forget you have it till your having your treatment. I can go swimming, do gardening , even painting & wallpapering. You don't have to cover it when showering & as someone said above the nurses can take your bloods from it before you get your treatment. It can't harm to ask them & they should have your best interests at heart as you are the patient not what's easier for them. Hope you get sorted soon , you really don't need this stress on top of everything else Xx
As with Lyn, I feel the need to reassure you with my experience of a PIC line. Inserted for 1st re-occurrence. Veins failing after numerous, infusions, contrast dye scans, chemo etc. Too many blown. The insertion of the PIC line is done by a specialist nurse and is painless. I only live 10 mins from the hospital so weekly flush not an issue for me. When you arrive for your treatment it is under way with pre meds instantly (as no multiple vein finders proding, puncturing and bruising. It was removed after my last treatment immediately after last treatment finished going through. Cuff was ordered on prescription and picked up from chemist, no issues.
Each to their own but my experience was a positive one.
I was told I would have a scar but it’s a tiny round mark on the inside of my arm and really not visible nearly 5 weeks since removal.
Hi there. As they had problems cannulating me, it was discussed and for me the Picc line was the best thing ever. They could take blood samples from it and give chemo. I had a special shower sleeve so was able to shower wash hair etc. I had some lovely picc line covers from eBay to go with the clothes I was wearing. So a positive for me x
Wow. Here in france we use catheters or ports...in the arm or upper chest. Easy to insert local anesthetic lasts a long time. Mine has been in 5 years. Hope you can fibure out an alternative. Hugs
Hiya. I too was terrified of having a line inserted but my cannula experience was pretty much like yours. In the end my veins in my arms practically collapsed. So it’s so much better to have the line in before your veins get to this state plus the terrible fear you have when they approach to do the cannula will be gone. The line is done by X-ray and the area is sedated I wish I had had it done earlier.
I think you should ask for a portacath. Mine has been brilliant. You can shower , swim and everything else- just a simple operation to insert it. So much easier and safer than cannulas. Have never had a picc line but never liked the idea.
Hi Candy, I was advised - definitely not forced - to have a port (TIVAD) after my first cycle because it was getting so difficult to get the cannula in. Whilst the procedure was not pleasant the doctors were great and looked after me. It has really worked for me, blood tests and treatment is so much easier and I barely notice it between treatments. I don't play any sports so not sure how it would affect your tennis. It should be your decision though, I had to sign a consent form. Ask your team about this instead and if it would be more suitable, I was offered it over a PICC because I have a young child. Good luck
No medical treatment is compulsory. If you don’t want a Picc line then that is your right. I was offered a choice of both a Picc line and a Port for frontline and reoccurrence and refused both. I didn’t want the constant reminder of treatment not to mention the hassle. The last few treatments were a bit problematic due to trying to find veins but I got through 12 rounds without invasive cannulas. Picc lines and Ports are very convenient for nursing staff and some women swear by them. Ultimately it’s up to you. Good luck with your treatment.
My port was installed during my debunking operation between my first and second chemos. We never even talked about it at any appointment. I had to have it but I didn't figure it out of what it was for til I had my first UP treatment. I do wish I had been told beforehand, tho. Good luck!!!!
Ok everyone, just had PICC line put in, come home and there seems to be a growing haematoma under it and it's painful. Is this normal? And apparently, the girl there says I could have been given a port but of course it would take longer but then I could do more things. No one told me I had the option. Except you guys, of course.
I'm sorry to hear that you seem to be developing a haematoma and are experiencing pain. Your team will be able to offer you advice about this, and you can contact NHS 111 if you need urgent medical advice. There is information about PICC lines at:
Thanks, Julia. I contacted someone - they seem to think it's ok but I have to go in tomorrow for my first chemo so they'll check it then. I have to go out and buy a digital thermometer too and put a slip in at the surgery for a sleeve. I'm not sure when I'll have the time to do it all when even for the PICC line I was waiting to go out from 9 and didn't come back till 3 and the chemo is at least 5 hours. Oh well. Met another patient who was very helpful again though.
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