Disclaimer

Although we take care to ensure accuracy, Macmillan Cancer Support does not accept liability for the information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert or for any errors or omissions in them, or for third-party information or services such as other websites we may link to. The information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert are for information purposes only and are not intended to be legal, financial or medical advice or opinions. If you need more details on your rights, please contact a financial, legal or other appropriate adviser.

We recommend that you consult your doctor if you are concerned about your health. Any You should not rely on any information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert including by our Experts as they are not a replacement for advice, diagnosis or treatment from your medical team, and our Experts cannot provide a second opinion to that of your medical team.

Your question can be read by others – so please don't post your contact details or any other information that could personally identify you. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Community Guidelines for more details.

Picc line

Hannah1996
  • 1 reply
  • 40 subscribers
  • 400 views

Hello, looking for some advice please. I had a picc line put in my arm just over a week ago, I’m just really struggling with how sore and uncomfortable it is! I’m not sleeping at all, I don’t whether it’s the position of where it is but I think because it’s under my arm I’m struggling to rest it on anything.

I’ve just been an emotional wreck this weekend and feeling like I’ve made the wrong decision getting it in, I don’t know I’m just tired and so fed up with everything it’s just really hard. 

Do I need to give it longer to see if I get used to it, or any advice on how other people felt/coped would be great thanks

  • Hi Hannah1996,

    Welcome to the Online Community here at Macmillan Cancer Support. I hope you find it a welcoming place to seek answers and support. I’m Kirstine, one of the information nurses.

    I’m sorry to hear you are so uncomfortable since your PICC line was inserted. It’s normal for the area to feel a bit sore for a couple of days after insertion and this tends to settle down. You will have been given advice as well to look out for unusual redness, bruising or heat near the site, signs that the tube has moved or dislodged or if you are feeling breathless or generally unwell.

    I’m concerned that you are finding it unbearable today and think you need to get it checked out to see what’s happening. It’s best if you reach out to your treatment team at the chemotherapy unit, or if you can’t get hold of them then call your GP or 111 today just to have this assessed properly and hopefully get some peace of mind. If they are happy it’s all ok, they can advise on something to help with the discomfort.

    I hope you feel better soon.

     

    Best wishes,

    Kirstine – Macmillan

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    Our ref KDf/ SMc

Help us do whatever it takes, because we’ve never been needed more.

© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007