Anybody had problem’s with their picc lines? Infection’s,blood clots?
I have finished my chemo but still need herceptin via infusion every 3weeks untill may 2015. My veins are protesting and the hospital are going down the the route of wanting picc line put in.(have managed to avoid it untill now)
I am put off by infection and clot risks but may have no choice soon. Could you let me know any good or bad stories of your personal experiences with it please?
Thank you.
Hi Debs
I do not know anyone who has had a picc line so cannot help there. I had a portacath inserted prior to my chemo in January and still have it. It is brilliant. It is hidden under the skin below my left shoulder and the catheter goes straight into a vein around the heart. A tiny needle is popped into it to attach infusions and take blood etc.
Do you have a choice of line or has a picc been decided for you by doctors since it is the best option?
I opted to have a PICC line as im a nurse with rubbish veins! Piece of cake! Fantastic nurse run clinic, quick injection of local anaesthetic the felt nothing of the insertion, x ray to check position then your away! District nurse flushes the line once a week, restylane of the time it’s no bother. Have had a bad time on FEC, admitted twice, pretty much all bloods, IV fluids and antibiotics given via PICC, saved me soooo many injection. My advice is go for it, in fact demand it. Good luck xx
Hi Debs,
Do it! I had a PICC line for my chemo and it was great. All medication and blood tests were done through it. No more needles, lovely veins, no hassle. Ok it’s a bind getting it cleaned and the dressing changed each week, but it doesn’t take long and it’s another opportunity to speak to someone about any issues. It’s all covered up, so as long as you keep it dry it’s fine. I used a bread bag and a couple of elastic bands when bathing. Swabs are taken regularly to check for infections and the line is stuck down in different places to give your skin chance to breathe. It’s recommended not to do weightlifting, this is more to prevent the line working it’s way out and staying hydrated keeps those veins nice and plump to reduce clots. Ask for a second tubi grip so you have one to wash. After the initial bruising has gone you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner!
Hope that helps 
Hi
I have a Picc line in and have had no trouble with it so far. I’m on my Third chemo session.
How did you get on? Well I have small veins, one or two rather hard now. The PICC hurts a bit now and I am itchy under the patch - but I think I had no choice.
Having picc line fitted next Tuesday managed to buy shower sleeve from Amazon,ordered one day came next day.Had another reflexology session yesterday,thoroughly relaxed bliss!2nd Dec treatment next Wednesday hope I continue to feel well apart from feeling tired.wishing everyone well xx