I have just had to have a PICC line taken out because I developed a blood clot. My options now seem to be a Hickman line or have the chemo in my right arm which is the side I had my lump and some lymph nodes removed from. A portacath isn’t an option at the moment as it would have to be put in on the right side as the vein on the left is blocked and this would cause problems when it comes to radiotherapy. (The portacath would need to stay in for Herceptin next year). I have had a very useful discussion with someone on the helpline on this site and I am almost sure that I will go for the Hickman line. But I am apprehensive to say the least after my experience with the PICC line. I need to decide quite soon as my next chemo is due on 28th. Has anyone anything to say about their experience with a Hickman line, either good or bad? I will almost certainly have a portacath for the Herceptin.
I love my Hickmann line.
I have had it now for 4 weeks and have had 2 lots of chemo in it. I got it at the outset as my veins are rubbish.
I was very apprehensive about getting it in as I have a general fear of all things medical and am very squeamish. The team of nurses were fab and calmed me down and it was over fairly quickly. You get local anisthetic, which no doubt you have had before to get this stage and there is a sensation of shoving when they are putting it in, but it is all tolerable.
It flaps about on my chest and I try to wear a vest to keep it tight to me. As I permanently feel cold from the drugs this is not a problem.
I get it flushed and redressed once a week by the district nurse who comes to see me.
Getting chemo through it is a walk in the part compared to being stabbed and restabbed.
I had a Hickman Line fitted after the first Chemo due to problems with my veins. I found it easier to have blood tests, chemo. I used to tape the tubes to my boob at night using micopore tape just to feel safe that I would not pull it out and during the day kept the tubes in my bra!! When it was flushed it was straight forward and you do forget it’s there. The district nurses were fab, really helpful and sincere. I even took a week away in the dales and organised with the district nurse to have the lines flushed with them, who were fab too. It will make things easier and less stressfull. You will be fine.
With the PICC line it was covered in a plastic waterproof dressing which meant that I could have showers. Unfortunately it turned out that I was allergic to these dressings and my arm is now covered in various lumps and scabs, almost like burns! It sounds from what you say that the Hickman line is left more open so can you shower? I sincerely hope that I won’t need any more of those particular dressings.
They do give you a shower proof dressing for the top of the line. I too have been allergic to a couple of them, but the one I am on now seems to be doing the trick. I can’t remember what it is called but it is not see through like IV3000, rather light pink and padded in the centre with sticky round the edge. They do not like to keep it open in case of infection. Sorry…Your skin might be different on your chest than your arm? (She says hopefully…)
I have had 3 hickman lines over the years. You do have to be careful to keep the site clean because of the risk of infection. I did not have to keep them covered. Interestingly I only had a district come the first time to flush it because I was worried I might get it wrong but my hospital showed my how to care for it myself and I did that regularly. They gave me all the stuff necessary.
HI CAN ANYONE TELL ME IF THE HICKMAN LINE HURTS WHEN PUT IN AS MY VEINS ARE NO GOOD SO THIS IS WHAT THEY SUGGEST I HAVE WORRIED ITS GOING TO HURT THOUGH
Dawn - thanks for your reply. I have decided to go for the Hickman line.
Tracey - I am having one put in next Tueday so I can tell you after that! When I had the PICC line put in that was ok, so hoping this will be too. My problems with the PICC line started later when I got a blood clot…
Hi Anne,
I had my Hickman line put in prior to my chemo starting because my veins are rubbish. I was sedated and knew nothing about what was going on which was great. It means that now they can take my bloods from it as well as administer the chemo through it which is brilliant. I must admit most of the time I forget it’s there now, I’ve had it in place for 4 weeks.
Like you Tracey I was scared it would hurt when they put it in but honestly I was away with the fairies as they say. Ask if you can be given a bit of sedation.
If you have poor veins then a Hickman line will far less stressful for you.
Good luck to both of you and let us know how you get on.
diddly
Tracey36 - hello, I was not sedated and am a wimp, but found the procedure bearable. The only thing that hurt was getting local anesthetic injections, but they are not too bad. If your veins are not good I would go for it as it makes all the other bits so much easier.
All the best
I was sedated and it was great no probs… as above just keep it really clean, I had waterproof dressings so I could go swimming it’s so much better that a nurse prodding around for veins you don’t have… I have had 4 lines now so am an old hand but have to have flushes done by a nurse as mine tend to have very skinny bits and can get blocked so they liketo make sure they have completely cleared in time for the chemo
I have had the Hickman line fitted for 4 weeks , and as pevious comments it is great when you receive chemo , and need bloods, I do struggle with allergic reactions to the dressings though , and even micropore sometimes hurts. Any suggestions would be welcome. Good luck with the line and heres to us all having a better year next year.
Thanks everyone. I have to go into hospital on Monday pm and have it fitted on Tuesday - no idea why I need to be in overnight. I too am allergic to several of the dressings so I am worried about that as well.
I still hope to get a portacath for next years Herceptin.