I wanted to post about my PICC line experience on the BCN forum, after coming to the forum previously for ‘PICC posts’ but not finding many related posts. I hope this will be reassuring to somebody facing the same situation / decision!
To start with, I must obviously acknowledge that everyone’s experience is unique, but I was so distraught when my onc nurses told me I’d need a PICC line inserted due to EC reaking havoc on my veins. I’d read the horror stories, saw the diagram of where the line ‘comes out’, and couldn’t help but feel really scared!
However, in just a very short time, that ‘scared’ turned into me becoming incredibly grateful that I had the PICC - which I affectionally called ‘Penelope Piccstop’ :).
The PICC line insertion process was pain-free (the most uncomfortable part was the local anaesthetic injection) and over in a jiffy
It took no longer than a week to become used to having ‘my friend’ tucked up in my arm
The weekly flush wasn’t really burdensome at all; rather, a nice oppotunity to chat to the IV nurses about their weekends
Not being prodded with needles any more was such a fantastic thing, and made chemo sessions so much easier as they could just ‘plug in and go’ rather than struggle to get a vein
I’m obviously hoping to never have to do this again (!), but in the event I did, I would opt to have another line inserted from the outset. Yes you have to get it flushed. Yes it does look a little like you’re smuggling a tampon up your arm. And yes it is a little bit of work getting the waterproof sleeve on for a shower. But to me, the benefits far outweighed the cons and it really was “not as bad as you think”!
Thank you so much for this. I have to have a PICC line fitted before my next infusion as they had trouble putting in a cannula at my first one last week. They got it in in the end but it was quite stressful! I’ve been worried about having the PICC line and this has really put my mind at ease.
I had a PICC line, without any choice, but because I already have a long-term autoimmune disease which involves needles, all my veins are hard and scarred, so this was the only option for chemotherapy.
I was lucky in the 6 months, I didn’t need it flushed, but was meticulous at keeping it clean and dry, so I could avoid it potentially having to be removed.
It was good for chemotherapy without any hassle and I managed during the summer to keep it covered with 3quarter length tops. The only downside, was as my other condition requires blood tests, the phlebotomy department at the hospital wasn’t trained to use PICC lines for blood tests, so it was painful getting blood (the PICC line has to go on the opposite side of a mastectomy, which just happened to be my better arm)
All in all, I was glad when it was out. That was almost 3 years ago and I still have hole in my arm and skin irritation from being allergic to one of the dressings.
I’m sorry to hear your experience wasn’t quite as positive! I also coudn’t get bloods from the PICC in hospital or at my GP, though fortunately the health care centre I was referred to did the flush + bloods combined, which made the experience far more streamlined!
I can imagine I may get a small scar as well - I’ll add it to the battle scar list along with the ones from my lumpectomy and SNB!
Thank you for this! I had mine fitted yesterday. I was so scared but my experience was similar to yours. I feel like I didn’t take in any advice given though on how to care for it. I have dried blood under the patch… do I wait for the clean next week or a, I supposed to change the bandaging myself? Any guidance would be welcomed. It’s good to know that within a week it feels easier. I struggled to sleep last night and it is pretty sore. I’m showing it off to friends as my new accessory. Thanks again @camperqueen for your reassuring post. I hope you are now much further on in your healing experience xx
I had mine fitted yesterday and it was fine. A little sore but I know that will wear off. The cover sleeve they gave me won’t stay put though and I am waiting to collect the waterproof cover for use in the shower. Also, I’m going away for 5 days with some precious friends who I only see once a year and am worried about the dessing change/flush. I’m hoping they can delay it by a few days or that I can get it done local to where I’m staying.
Interesting to know. I have opted for cannulas because any long term dressing makes me itchy! But I know I can switch to Penelope Piccstop (love it) if at any time it becomes impractical. First cannula was okay - just had first dose yesterday.
I’ve removed my dressing and there is blood pooled round insertion site, though it’s still inside the gel pad of dressing . I know dried blood after insertion is normal , I assume it is dried, but can’t really tell I guess I monitor it? Nurse coming on Tuesday anyway.
I’ve just had a picc line inserted so it is very useful to know from others about their experiences. Did people feel they could sleep on the side they have it? And how did people feel with having the bandage on for so long? I may be feeling over sensitive to it so any/advice v welcome.
I’ve had mine for about 6 weeks, I never sleep on the side it’s on. Don’t mind wearing the bandage all the time. I don’t have the end of my PICC line taped down so do end up wearing my bandage a lot.
, great post 
pros definitely outweigh cons. Chemo very straightforward as a result of it.
X
I guess I monitor it? Nurse coming on Tuesday anyway.