PICC discomfort

Former Member over 5 years ago

5 replies
11 subscribers
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Hi guys, I’m new to the group and was diagnosed with breast cancer 3rd April. After having a lumpectomy I began my weekly chemo soon after. I have had 4 sessions so far and had a PICC fitted last Thursday. I’ve had discomfort in my chest since. It’s as if there is a tightness there. Is this normal?

Former Member over 5 years ago

Morning

I would phone your onco unit this morning and ask about this, they may well want you in to check this out.

Don't want to alarm you but tightness in the chest with a picc line is a possible symptom of a blood clot.

Pasted this below from the Mac PICC line info page.....

Blood clots

It is possible for a blood clot (thrombosis) to form in your vein at the end of the line. You may be given medication to help prevent this. Contact your hospital doctor or nurse if you have:

swelling, redness or tenderness in the arm, chest area or up into the neck (on the same side as the PICC line)
a swollen hand (on the same side as the PICC line)
shortness of breath
tightness in your chest.

Hopefully it has just moved and needs adjusting but this needs looking into.

Fingers crossed, G n' J

Former Member over 5 years ago in reply to Former Member

Hi G n J,

Rang the PICC line team this morning and I’ve got an appointment at 3pm. They think it just might need repositioning. Thank you so much for the advice,

Former Member over 5 years ago in reply to Former Member

Evening

Hope you are feeling more comfortable after your 3pm appt and you didn't need any blood thinners ?

G n' J

Former Member over 5 years ago in reply to Former Member

Hi G n J,

All went well. They just slid it out by 2cm. I’ll see how it is tonight. The discomfort was worse when I lay down. The PICC team were lovely. They said that if I had anymore issues then just to give them a call.

G x

Former Member over 5 years ago in reply to Former Member

Hiya

So pleased that it only needed an adjustment rather than you requiring long term injections of a clot buster.

Hope it has eased your ache and tight chest issues and you had a better nights sleep.

G n' J

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