PICC line longer

[candyapplegrey]

Been experiencing chest pain, and rapid heartbeat (122-132) and feeling like my heart is weak since my last chemo. I read this article:

cancer.ca/en/cancer-informa...

which I reached by putting in my symptoms and a bit dismayed to find my two chemo drugs are on the list.

Went to local CC and my PICC line had altered from 7.5 cm to 10 cm; the nurses thought I needed an X-ray but their boss said it was ok, so now I’m wondering whether the PICC line movement could be the cause of the chest pain.

Anyone know?

Am on beta blockers for heart rate but would rather tackle the root of the problem than simply react to the symptoms.

Candy x

[devotedtolife55]

Hi Candy,

When I had a picc line fitted the first time, I was sent to have an X-ray to make sure it was in the correct place. Whilst sitting and waiting to go into X-ray, I awful electric shock type pains in my chest and became really concerned. I spoke to X-ray reception and was quickly sent in for an X-ray which showed the picc line was not in the correct place. I then went back up to a department called vascular access where the line was put in, and they moved it using an overhead X-ray machine to make sure it was in exactly the right place. This stayed in for approx 6 months and I never had another problem. Think my experience shows that it can be slightly out of place and cause the problem you are describing. Hope this helps.

[candyapplegrey in reply to devotedtolife55]

Thanks, Devoted. Mine was ok once they took the orange secure-a-cath out but now getting some chest pain, not like electric shocks, more occasional stabbing, heaviness and tightness. Sounds like yours was wrong to begin with. Electric shocks sound horrible.

I was told to note the length of the line and make sure it hadn't changed. I think the nurses thought an xray should be done but they could not authorise it.

Thanks for sharing your experience.

Candy

x