PICC line

[Kaitlinsmum]

Does anyone know how long a PICC line can safely be left in? I've had mine in since January. It irritates me every day. My treatment is hopefully going to continue for at least another couple of months.

[Jud15]

Hi Kaitlin's mumI've always had mine in for the whole period of the chemo, so about 6 months. My last one wasn't as comfortable as my first one, but bearable. I was also allergic to most of the dressings but only on the underside of my arm. I don't know if that is part of the problem it meant they only used Tegaderm Diamond or Opsite dressings. If not I'd talk to the chemo unit nurses next time you're in for your flush. Not sure if that's much help. Judith

[Kaitlinsmum in reply to Jud15]

Thanks Judith,I have had allergic reactions to dressings too. I spoke to PICC nurse this afternoon. She said it can stay in for up to 2 years. Really hope I don't need it in that long.

[Skyeplus]

I believe they can stay in for two years if not right I would let the nurses know.

[Educating-Rita]

Hi, I had mine in for about 18 months. I did react to the dressings as well but they were able to find one that was ok for me.

[Mariej2021]

I had my PICC line in 6 months It was so great on Chemo day but I could feel it where it entered into my arm all the time like an irritating dragging sensation which I put down to those nickel feet the PICC is held in place with embedded into my arm The skin did get a bit red where the dressing was and the nurse who flushed it every week tried to move the dressing around a little to give the skin a rest. I found it hurt if I lay on that arm during sleep and at one stage I had this blood blister due to friction at the edge of the plaster because I had been moving my arm too much! l did a dance of joy the day the PICC came out. The previous advice to ask your nurse if the PICC is causing problems is excellent just to be sure all is ok They are very careful about movement of the line Mine had never moved on measuring and always flushed well every week Still it annoyed me but I appreciated the easy venous access and I needed it to have chemo 🤣

[candyapplegrey in reply to Mariej2021]

Mine moved every time. The lead getting longer. Had an infection and cellulitis after first chemo because of the PICC. I was getting quite a bit of pain. They can do the PICC without the secure-a-cath metal thing but my hospital wouldn't even though the PICC nurses said the SAC caused a lot of problems. Which hospital are you at?

[Mariej2021 in reply to candyapplegrey]

Thankful to have finished first chemo 18 months ago I am PICC line free and not in treatment 🤞 One of the district nurses told me those nickel feet were a game changer in keeping the PICC lines from moving. It did keep mine in place. So awful the secure a cath doesn't do that for you. I hope you are able to finish treatment and have it taken out soon xx

[delia2]

Hi. Maybe you should ask about getting a port. Once it’s healed it requires no special care except being flushed every three months when you get your bloods done.

[organicinna in reply to delia2]

I have port since January. But all my treatments now finished and i v been discharged to palative care .I dono who to ask to remove it now, or shall i keep it to the end??? It doesnt hurt but i rather get red of it....

[delia2 in reply to organicinna]

I’m not sure who you’d ask, but you could start with the palliative care nurse. Will you still be getting scans and lab tests? If so it could be handy. But do what makes you comfortable!

[Supermary]

Why not get a port?

[Leniko]

That’s a shame. Was it flushed properly? I have a chest port since 2015 since my cancer is recurrent. It gets flushed every 6 weeks. No problems. Ask if you can rub analgesic cream like Voltaren on your skin. Reduces aching and inflammation.

[Betti99]

I have a port also, its been in for 3 years with no issues.

[MH500 in reply to Betti99]

Hi Betti, did your port hurt to have inserted?

[Betti99 in reply to MH500]

No it did not hurt- just a little sore (like a cut) after.

[Coralbay]

Hi first time answering on here.. I had my PICC line inserted in January 2021 at the start of chemotherapy + Avastin .. It stayed in until May 2022 when I had it removed before I took my grandchildren to Disney.. I finished my final 2 Avastin when I came back but through a cannula. 16 months I all without any problems it was flushed weekly at the chemo suite..I now have a port in as I reacurred in January this year and needed more chemotherapy.. easier as only flushed every 4 weeks when I have bloods taken..

[KimLJ]

I had mine from August 2018 to December 2019. I’m on my first recurrence so I’ve just had another one put in. I know how annoying they seem but it helps your veins, no more being a pin cushion to get a cannular in and no more risks of the chemo burning the skin and tissue. So personally I prefer it in. Good luck xx

[Summergold2]

I have a port for 3 1/2 years! so glad I have it they can do everything pull labs ct scans with contrast soooo easy uncomfortable for the first month but not painful I had carbo taxol the day after they put it in

Amazing