Picc line

[Coco25]

Hi all. I start chemo tomorrow and have been told I can have a Picc line inserted to preserve my veins, has anyone ever had that inserted? if yes, how was it?

Thx

[Jennymary]

Didn't have chemo, but sending best wishes to help you through your treatment xxxx

[Annie69]

Hello Carmelita.

Yes, do have a Picc line. I felt like you but saying yes was the right thing to do. You will have a heart xray first - and it's always nice to know it's still working! Then two trained nurses, one looking at a computer screen, and one on your upper arm inserting the line. The computer tells the nurse exactly where to place the line. It HONESTLY is no more than having an injection and you will surprised at how quickly it is finished. The nurses know you are nervous and mine made me laugh. Ask them any questions you want.

You will need to have the dressing changed and the area cleaned once a week, but that is usually done by community nurses or a nearby centre such as a community hospital or sometimes your practice nurse can do it if she has the proper training.

One of the big advantages is that when you need a blood test it is taken from the little plastic tube which is set in place outside the skin. No more needles poking around for veins.

I am now quite used to mine and I call him Harold. Just be a little bit more careful when you pull off clothes with sleeves. You'll soon get the trick of it. Love and thoughts for tomorrow.

P.S. Ask me any questions you want - I am a seasoned Picc line user.

Annie.

[Debster2016]

Hi Carmelita sorry for delay in responding! didnt seem to get the updates....

yes I had a picc ine inserted 2 weeks ago after 2nd FEC treatment was difficult for me.

Same procedure as Annie below :). 2 nurses and a machine. No xray for me and procedure done in a side room as my hospital has a fanacy new up to date machine that - apparently - is better than an xray and the nurses had - and still have after my procedure - a 100% success rate against infection.

1000% better than damage to your veins and I had a very painful experience with my 2nd iv (and inept plebotomists and their unsuccessful attempts at taking my blood) so the procedure savaes all the anxiety about that.

I really didnt feel anything after the initial local anaesthetic injection which itself was nothing compared to a dentist injection!

It doesnt interfere with sleeping.

Ask for a prescription for a Limbo half arm sleeve to protect the site in bath and shower so you can get one for free (free prescriptions as a cancer patient) tho i didnt get a scrip and it only cost me £17.50.

All the bst xxx

[Maggie18]

It was fine took about 45 mins and just a bit of pushing in your arm but definently best thing I didn't have my veins ruined by chemo and it saved blood test through your arm they come straight out of pic line xxx

[carolinenailsea]

I too had a picc line just before my first chemo (just had my second chemo) I hate needles and so was very pleased to be offered this. I am also keen not to damage my veins any more than necessary. I have small veins so bloods and cannula would usually take 3 attempts.

I know there are risks but 'as with everything'. My only tip is to use the PICC arm but not too vigorously - I did some digging on my allotment and made it leak - it was ok though.

Having it inserted was a bit scary but not at all painful. A bit bizarre. The nurses were very very careful with their aseptic technique. Rather than xray I had a magnet in the shape of a cross on my chest to check where the PICC was going.

I got an limbo on prescription and find it works fine.

Best of luck Caroline xx

[Dmhaynes]

I wasn't offered one and I wish I had been. I had cellulitis post op with IV antibiotics and my veins are now shotbto peices. My thoughts are to have one as It saves your veins for the future x