PICC line

[UCTD]

How many times can you have a PICC line inserted? I’ve had 3 in the past 18 months, last time in June and the Interventional Radiologist had difficulty inserting it. Due to have another inserted this week for Iloprost infusion but I am wondering if there’s a limit or when they consider a Port a Cath? Anyone in a similar situation?

[Rp321]

I think I had about 5 or 6 midlines (every 3 months) for iloprost (lost count and it’s hard to count the holes lol) I had most in my right arm because it had the good vein however once it got stuck in there (came out with a lot of heat, tea, and patients literally hours) and then the last time my inside my arm hurt so so much, I think it was the vein. They said no more midlines in that arm and as it was my good arm the nursing team asked if I would consider a port. That was about three or four years ago and I have found my ports to be literally amazing a “game changer”. My first port got a complication after either two or three years (I lost count how long I had had it) and had to be removed and a new one was placed on the other side. I must say my new one is better but I learnt from the first one about positioning. The first one was right on the bra strap of a sports bra which was a huge problem for me, and was often uncomfortable when accessed, however my new one is fine maybe a little uncomfortable when accessed (it’s the muscle just above that aches slightly).

The thing with ports is they need flushing once a month which may mean additional trips to hospital or you may be there that often anyway so it won’t make a difference. They also have a risk of infection like a picc but as it’s always in the risk is always there, personal never had a problem.

[UCTD in reply to Rp321]

Thank you so much 😊