Hello 
I had my PICC put in yesterday. I was so nervous that I have not recalled ANY care advice they gave me. It is currently covered by a dressing and a sleeve. They said it will be cleaned weekly. Do I just leave it as is until then? There is dried blood around it… is that OK? Am I meant to change the dressing myself in the week? How long does it normally take to stop hurting? Does cling film work for showers? So many questions!! Grateful for all and any replies. Thank you
Hi @luka I’m sure one of the nurses will reply soon but until they do they only “care” I had to do with my PICC was not get it wet in the shower. I used cling film although it wasn’t always the most effective. Now that cling film doesn’t cling that well you might want to look into a proper limbo cover but that’s up to you.
I don’t recall mine being painful but hopefully the nurses will answer that for you. As for the dried blood, every time the hospital do your line care they will change the dressings and give the area a good clean so I would leave it until then.
Hope it settles soon for you and you get in the flow with it. 
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Thank you so much. That’s reassuring. It’s only sore when i flex the muscles, lifting a mug or something light. I’m guessing this dies down and I’ll be able to lift heavier and heavier mugs of coffee in no time!!
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Hi
Yep, don’t get it wet. I bought a sleeve online, although I am aware that some trusts may give them out. It was a little sore to begin with and I did have a little dried blood as well, but you will get used to it. Each week they changed the dressings and wiped the area with alcohol wipes, which unfortunately for me bought me out in sores. Thereafter they used iodine which was better. I was glad to have it removed but it really didn’t cause me any problems.
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Thank you and thank goodness for the Bad Boob Squad. This would be a lot scarier without you all
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Hi Luka
Thank you for your post.
It’s understandable you feel nervous and want to know how best to care for your PICC line.
It’s important to contact your breast nurse or oncology team to ask your questions and update them about the dried blood and any pain you are feeling. They will be able to support and advise you at this time.
They may also offer you some waterproof dressings to stop the line getting wet when you shower.
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Stephanie
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