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Arm pain after PICC removal

Silvabell
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  • 43 subscribers
  • 87 views

I had a PICC line in my left inner arm for 18 weeks which was removed in January following chemo treatment for right sided breast cancer. I started with quite severe left arm pain in the lateral aspect after radiotherapy a month later.  The oncologist said it was muscular and suggested physio. I requested this from the GP, and he sent some general shoulder exercises.  

I wondered if arm pain is common following PICC removal due to sudden return to normal arm activities? I was very cautions when I has my line in because I didn't want to dislodge it.  

My arm is more mobile, but still painful Any advice would be appreciated.

Many thanks.

  • Hi  

    Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the online community. My name’s Louise, one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

    It can be difficult to experience pain several months after something such as a PICC line is removed, especially when you were so cautious and have tried the exercises suggested. It’s natural to wonder if this is normal.

    As we don’t have access to medical records here on the support line, we can only give general information. I hope this helps you find the right support.

    There is little information or research available on arm pain following a PICC line. However, people do mention their own personal experiences of this.

    Sharing with other people in a similar situation can be a valuable source of support. I can see you have joined the breast cancer forum on here. You can also find this type of support on the Breast Cancer Now Forum. For example, there is conversation where people share their experiences of upper arm pain 6 months after PICC line removal.

    We would always recommend contacting your hospital team or GP if you are experiencing any symptoms or side effects that don’t improve or get worse. You can contact your oncology team again to let them know you are still in pain. They are there to provide ongoing support after treatment and they can talk through your concerns and provide reassurance.

    You can also contact the physiotherapist again to explain that you are still experiencing pain and ask about other options. For example, there may be more specific exercises you can try.  

    Many cancer support services offer courses and programs to help people manage side effects and adjust to life after treatment. For example the Help to Overcome Problems Effectively (HOPE) and Moving Forward programmes can be accessed online or in person. You can also find support in your area.

    It might also help to talk to us. One of our nurses would be happy to talk things through.

    Best wishes

    Louise

    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: LR/JH

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  • in reply to Louise R - Cancer Information Nurse

    Thanks so much for your supportive answer. Really appreciated

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