PICC line and washing advice

Hi FloC I had a PICC in for about 4 months.

Yes you can have a bath but you need to keep all the parts of the PICC dry so great care needs to be taken.

I never used a LimbO cover, I found them difficult to use.

My CNS told me to roll my arm with cling-film covering everything and only had showers and I never had a problem....... and this was me at times having showers as an in-patient (5 nights at a time) and having both lumens attached to my chemo pumps during my shower.

Dont overthink the PICC..... you will get used to having it in.

Hi FloC I also had a PICC line for 3-4 months last year.

I used the LimbO cover which worked really well, you just have get used to trusting that the neoprene is stopping the water - it does, even if it gets wet. I got a bit paranoid every time I was taking it off after the shower as you get some moisture when you pull the thing down (cause the neoprene band is wet), but after a couple of weeks you get used to it. The dressing is waterproof and properly stuck to the skin so I never had an issue with it coming apart. 

I would shower with the arm up and then turn the water off if I wanted to use that arm to apply shampoo or whatever, to avoid splashes. After the shower I would use the hairdryer with 'cold' air to get the arm dry, especially the end of the tube / cap which is the most exposed part I think.

Flushing and changing the dressing + cleaning the area once a week, yes. It's a bit awkward the first couple of times but I kind of enjoyed seeing it getting cleaned after... But first couple of times you might want to look somewhere else if you are aprehensive about seeing the 'wound'.

As Mike said, you get used to the PICC, I was being really careful sleeping and getting dressed and getting showered for the first 2-3 weeks but after that is all good, it would be very difficult for you to damage it. 

I also bought two sleeve covers from LimbO, cause I didn't fancy having the textile wrapping all the time and it feels more protected with the sleeve, but you need to remember to wash it periodically (I didn't, but should have...). These are made in the UK also which was a good selling point compared to amazon etc.

Hi swift_dc, can I ask was your PICC line a 2 lumen, and were you allowed to flush it yourself?, 

Eddie

Hi eddiel it was one lumen. My treatment was 3 days IV week 1, one day week 2, rest week 3... So I had it flushed and cleaned by nurses at the ward on day 1 of each week, then on the rest week I was going to district nurses office to get it done and bloods taken ahead of doctor's appointment. I understand that if you don't live near the hospital and you meet certain criteria they will send district nurses to your home to do it.

I am pretty sure you are not allowed to do it yourself as they have to pull some blood out, then flush the line twice, and it has to be done as aseptic as possible, the lumen end is exposed to the 'environment' so all the syringes and solutions are sterile and never touch any table or 'dirty' surface. 

Thank you so much for replying, it's appreciated. we have the 2 lumen, and going to the hospital is difficult in as much as, it depends on who you see as to whether the flushing is successful, which is disheartening. I asked about doing it yourself at home as 15 years ago my partner had a PICC for a non cancer condition and they were happy for me to maintain it, I as I was in healthcare, studying to be a nurse at the time. my thanks and best wishes.

Eddie xx

I did not have any issues with mine, only one time by the end of treatment I had a 'block' on the line and they couldn't draw blood or push saline. Another nurse just did it later and it worked (I think the more 'junior' nurse was a bit scared of pushing too hard). My platelets were lower during treatment so maybe that had an impact.

Ask them if district nursing support is available, so you don't have to go to hospital all the time. For me it was a 10 min walk so not a hassle but in other circumstances I would need help, especially since I technically wasn't allowed to drive some days.

Hi Swift_dc, an thank you again, we tend to agree with you, regarding junior, or less confident nurses, as there are 2 nurses that never seem to have a problem, but  it really stresses my friend, especially when they imply that she is somehow responsible, she has a wonderful DN, thank you, and will look into, your a star.

Eddie xx