Just a quick question, Im due to have a Hickman line fitted on Wednesday as my Chemotherapy starts Friday. Can I just ask people that have these lines how they find them. Made massive mistake of reading the pamphlet ( the things that canc go wrong bit). Really not looking forward to it at all. :robotfrustrated:
Hello Pips64
I have a Hickman line, put in 18 days ago. It was put in under local anaesthetic, and the procedure took about 45 minutes. At times it was rather uncomfortable, but I was told by the lovely person doing it that it is unusual to feel much pain, so hopefully you will just feel the tugging sensation as the line is pushed in. Then after a little rest, I went to xray to make sure it was in the right place and then had my first chemo through it. I had a few days of discomfort while it settled down but after a week all was well. The line is flushed weekly and the area cleaned by the community nurse. I am now used to having the line and not getting any problems so far. It is a very easy way to have the chemo. Just need to tuck the line into a bra so that it doesn’t get tugged. Try not to worry.