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PICC line arm pain

ClaireB1
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Hi, I had my PICC line removed Nov 2021, it was always a nuisance and I had it taken out as treatment had ended for the time being. That arm is an issue for me, I keep getting varying levels of discomfort, pins and needles sensations, sometimes hurts into my arm pits, anterior aspect of lower arm, around the site. I also have a bit of breathlessness. I don’t think it’s getting worse. Not sure if it’s progression. I’ve had a CT scan today and thought they have mentioned if it was a PE. Should I call Oncologist, GP or go to A&E tomorrow morning? 

  • Hi ClaireBella,

    Thanks for getting in touch, and welcome to our online community.

    We’re sorry to read that you’re still having problems with your arm, and that you have a bit of breathlessness.

    Unfortunately, as nurses on this type of platform, we don’t have access to medical notes. This means we don’t know if you were having a routine scan yesterday, or if it was being done because of an increase in breathlessness.

    We don’t know if you were clinically assessed for a possible PE (pulmonary embolism).

    We would always recommend that any new, worsening, or persistent symptoms are reported to your hospital specialist team, or GP. We’d recommend that you do this straight away. If you think you need urgent assessment, you should call 999 or go to A&E.

    I hope this is helpful.

    Best wishes,

    Carole (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us.  

    Ref/LM

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