PICC line insertion

[Kaitlinsmum]

I am having a PICC line inserted before my next chemotherapy but have received no information about it. Can I ask ladies here a few questions?Will I be able to drive myself home afterwards? 40 min drive.

Roughly how long does the procedure take?

Thanks x

[Lizz49]

Hi there,

I did have a PICC inserted after starting chemo 5 years ago. I recall it wasn’t too bad and took about 15 minutes, they freeze the area in your arm and put a screen up so you can’t see what they are doing. Then they use an ultra sound to guide the picc into place.

I remember I took something to calm me before the procedure (Valium off the gp I think?) and it wasn’t too bad at all, but I did get my sister to drive me home. I’m looking at a first recurrence and plan to definitely get a PICC inserted, for me it was so much better than having canula’s in the back of your hand and they even used to take your bloods from the picc as well. The only niggle is that you have to cover it up in the shower and can’t immerse your arm in the bath, but I used a cover called a Limbo to keep it dry. Guess I’ll have to dig that out again!

Take care and let us know how the procedure goes Xx

[Kaitlinsmum in reply to Lizz49]

Thanks Liz, really helpful. I'm dealing with first recurrance. Didnt fancy PICC last time but now my veins in hand are causing problems so will have to use PICC. Take care and good luck xx

[Owenmeany]

hi, I had a picc line because my veins have given up! The insertion was fine, I didn’t feel a thing and I watched the procedure on the ultrasound but you don’t have to if you’re nervous. I drove home about same journey time as you. Agree with lizz49 it’s annoying to have to wear the cover in the shower. I was also told not to do anything that involves repetitive arm movements because it could twist or break the line. I do crochet and knitting so had to limit how much I did. The DN came out to clean it once a week and took my pre chemo bloods (it was during lockdown). All in all it was a good experience and definitely better than having a canula. I hope all goes well for all you, take care. Linda x

[Loorunner]

I had a picc line inserted from after my 1st cycle of chemo round 1 - November 2021- and still have it in as I've been on Avastin since. Its saved me countless needles! It took about an hour all told to have it fitted as I went down to xray to check it was in OK. It didn't hurt and I drove home . xx

[win_56]

It took about 3/4 of an hour. I was absolutely dreading it,but it was nothing to worry about and if I had the choice again I'd choose to have a PICC line over having being stabbed in my hands/arms by the chemo nurses trying to find a vein when having chemo.

[OvacomeSupport Partner My Ovacome Team]

Hi there Kaitlinsmum

Thank you for your post. I can see that several members of the forum community have shared their experiences of having a PICC line fitted with you, which I hope has been helpful. I just wanted to share this Macmillan information resource about PICC lines with you, which shares some details about the process of how a PICC line is fitted: macmillan.org.uk/cancer-inf...

There is varying guidance regarding driving yourself home after having a PICC line fitted so it’s a good idea to check with your clinical nurse specialist or another member of your clinical team regarding your own individual circumstances. As local anaesthetic is used, your arm can feel heavy so it may also be wise to check with your car insurance provider regarding this.

I hope the upcoming procedure goes smoothly. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if there’s anything you would like to talk through or any further information we can provide. You can call us on 0800 008 7054, email us via [e-mail] or send us a direct message here on the forum. We’re here to support you Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm.

Best wishes

Annie – Ovacome Support

[organicinna]

I done this last month - it better if someone will drive you home after the procedure, becayse you be a but hazy ))