Flobitis

Public Archive
1

I am now past my 3rd FEC. At the start I was told I had “good” veins but after the 2nd session I was told my veins had “blown” and that I had flobitis!!. Has anyone had any experience of this or advice. Anything would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

2

I wonder if what they said was that you have is “phlebitis” which is inflammation of a vein/s? I had to have a Picc line inserted before my 3rd EC because of problems with my veins. What else did they say to you? Have they spoken about putting a line in?

3

Hi Supertrouper,

Yes, I got my Hickman line in last week and had my chemo as well. My arm is quite sore and the inflamation is still pretty bad. Just wondering if anyone had any tips on how to deal with the pain etc. Got told about exercises by physio but I have been using my arm as norm anyway. The exercises seemed geared more towards someone not using their arm much?

4

Hi, kellym

I had phlebitis in my right arm, the best thing I can advise is that you put a warm compress on the arm, like a hot water bottel, I can sympathise, the pain is awful, I had to have a picc line put in and coped so much better. Take pain killers too.
Hope this helps

Jillx

5

Thanks Jill, will give that a try.

KellyM

6

If you have inflamed veins,see your GP or BCN and they may give you some Hirudoid cream.

For general vein damage/contraction caused by FEC, make sure that you keep stretching the affected arm. Gently massaging with moisuriser also helps.

Dx