Does anyone have a Hickmann Line (or Goshong) inserted around the collarbone area? If so, how are you getting on with it? I was told as my veins are so small I would need a central line - they wanted to do a PICC line but I couldn’t bear the thought of a tube in my elbow for 5 months - it would be so obvious to everyone (and to me) and I thought would really restrict any exercise I might try to do. No-one has mentioned a portacanth so I presume it’s not available at my hospital.
I don’t have a hickman line but have a portacath - and to be honest - out of everything i’ve had done so far - this has to be the best thing. I have tiny veins and had terrible trouble just giving blood never mind getting my chemo. I have a slight raised area where the port is in place - but otherwise it’s hidden underneath the skin - unless you knew it was there - no-one would know!
The Royal Marsden advised me to get the portacath as you can do absolutely anything whilst you have it in place - swim, shower etc and you don’t need to flush it through every day. Hickman lines have to be flushed through and kept clean and you you stand more of a chance of getting an infection - plus they flap around and everyone can see them.
That’s only my personal opinion though!
Hope you get something to help with the vein situation though - I know exactly what its like and spend ages sitting in a chair with the nurses trying to get veins to come up!
I had a Hickman fitted because I had bi lateral surgery. I couldn’t have Portocath as the hospital only used Hickman lines. At first I was very conscious of it but soon forgot all about it being there. As far as treatment was concerned it really was better than awful needles every time, I was just hooked up and away we went. I certainly didn’t ‘miss’ it when it was removed but please don’t stress over it Helen, you will be glad that at least you don’t have to go through the nurses trying to get a vein each time.
Take care and good luck with treatment, you will get there.
how long was it before the line stopped hurting? It’s day 5 now and it’s still sore, I can see the tubes below the skin and it’s preventing me turning my neck to the side properly or up and down fully, which is very uncomfortable and makes driving awkward. The discomfort continually reminds me of the chemo, which otherwise isn’t too bad with minimal side effects at present.
I agree that it makes administering the drugs much easier and safer but to be honest, the constant reminder that it is there is getting me down and I’ve still got 5 months to go!
hi,
I had the same problem with my hickman line,it didnt feel like it settled in to begin with,after about 3 wks it felt comfortable.However i have just had to have it taken out last nite as im in hospital annd it got infected,theyve spent 7 attempts and 3 doctors trying to cannulate me due to bad veins today so bear with it,its definately worth it.Ive still got two cmf left to go so im guessing i will have to have another one put in ! xx
So sorry to hear you are not well and in hospital with an infection - hope you feel better soon. I agree that it makes adminstering the drugs easier but it is a constant reminder of this horrible procedure and it just plain hurts to do everything including coughing, moving my head, walking up stairs, going to the loo etc. I hope it settles down as you say.
it will certainly settle down i can assure u,just keep an eye on ur temp,i did have an infection twice in mine this second time more serious… but honestly its easier,know wot u mean about the reminder !
unfortunately its part of the apparatus to getting better
keep ur chin up,mines up cus its soooooooooooo fat and swollen haha xx
