Comfort of PICC

[Chele21]

I’ve been a member for many years and get so much information from reading you ladies posts. I am about to have chemo again every week for 12 weeks, and know my veins won’t cope so was thinking of having a PICC put in is it uncomfortable to live with, can you sleep on the side it’s put in, and was it painful to have implanted.

Thanks Chele

[Katmal-UK]

Hi Chele. I put off having a PICC fitted for so long, what a mistake that was. It was slightly uncomfortable to have fitted but once in was the best thing I had done. No more prodding for veins etc. It becomes unnoticeable after a while you'll forget its there. You do have to cover it when showering or taking a bath but you can get a cover or use clingfilm to wrap the site. Please trust me when I say you will see the benefit xx Big hug, Kathy xx

[Hidden]

Hello Chele - Like Kathy I put off having a PICC line until Gemcitabine chemo played havoc with my veins. The procedure was completely painless and took roughly 30mins. It is extremely comfortable, I forget its there. You have to keep it covered whilst showering, I found the hospital one didn't do a very good job so a friend advised me to get a "Limbo" which I found on Amazon....brilliant!

You also have to have the dressing changed and the line flushed weekly, I initially tried to do this my self at home, but my husband was all fingers and thumbs and didn't enjoy helping, you definitely can't do it on your own, so these days I have it changed at the hospital, after they have taken bloods.

It is advisable to keep it covered at night to prevent catching it, but laying on the same side is not an issue, they will ask what side you prefer.

I say go for it, I wish I had realised earlier in this horrid journey what a godsend a PICC line is. your PICC can also be used for blood tests and CTscans.

Good Luck

[Chele21 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Lyn and KathyThank you so much for putting my mind at rest, I will definitely be going for it.

I’ll probably be back on when I find out what chemo I’m going to get, it was a telephone call and neither my daughter or I could make out what he said😤

X

[Hidden in reply to Chele21]

My CNS nurse booked me in for my PICC line, there is sometimes a waiting list so try to get your name down asap. (depending on what hospital you are at) Good Luck

[ShropshireJo]

Hi. Just to say I agree with all the others. I’ve had a couple of them over the past few years and they made chemo much easier. My community nurses (district nurses) came weekly to my home weekly to flush the line and change the dressing. A Limbo kept it dry in the shower. All the best. Jo 🌺🌼🌸🌻🌹

[Pianoplayer731021]

Hi, I have a chest port in for my treatments. I live in the U.S. and no one mentioned a pic line to me. I guess I never heard of it before. Anyway, it was sore for a short time; but it works good for chemo. Donna

[SuziTench1]

Have one , best thing I did .. no waiting in queues for blood tests, less interaction with people especially at the moment . You can buy picc covers in lace on Amazon all different colours which i got comfy too makes it less obvious when wearing sleeveless clothes . 30mins inserted .. go for it x

[Chele21 in reply to SuziTench1]

Hi all the ladies who have replied to me thank you for all your information, I’m am going for one just waiting now for someone to get back to me with an appointment! X

[Lfsharkey]

I love mine! It made a huge difference in my comfort in treatment and is not uncomfortable at all. When it is put in you will have a few days of tenderness but after that easy-peasy. You won't be sorry. I have had mine for 11 months.