Considering Picc Line or Portacath, any advice

Hi TootyFlutey 

I have a portacath, it’s been in place since 2022 (long story as to why I still have it). It’s been fantastic, has never given me any problems. The blog entry below describes having it fitted.

community.macmillan.org.uk/.../i-ve-got-the-power

Thank you for this, it’s very helpful information. I am still thinking about it (more procedures!), but I am nervous of the needles now and wonder how my veins will fare in future. 

Hi TootyFlutey

I had my chemo (carboplatin/paclitaxel) through a canula and I preferred it that way. I didn't like the thought of going home with something more permanent and I can be a bit squeamish- I didn't like the thought of it. I talked to my consultant before chemo started and she said she was happy to use cannulas. 

I don't like needles but to be honest was more concerned about other things and the nurses I had were very skilled in putting the cannulas in. I did have a fair amount of bruising on the back of my hand. Each session I would alternate hands. 

I do think that by the last cycle that it was more difficult for them to take blood samples so I do think it did have a temporary effect on my veins. This could be down to other reasons though. I continued to have blood tests during my radiotherapy and once that had started they did not seem to have any issues with taking blood. 

I didn't see many people who did not have cannulas during my chemo sessions. 

Jane

Thank you Jane, for taking the time to reply on this. I am awaiting an appoint to have a port fitted, but will probably have to have another cannula in the other hand next time as it won’t happen that quickly. Ieally don’t want the PICC as it may restrict my activities and there is a higher risk of infection and more maintenance involved. I really would like not to have any procedures, but having had the travasation (where the carboplatin leaked outside the vein), I am worried the vein is weakened and it may happen again. It was considered a serious event, photos were taken, protocols were followednd I was followed up with a series of phone calls to check if the problem was spreading. Quite scary all in all Luckily carboplatin is not as nasty as some drugs, but it was extremely painful for a few days and needed elevating and icing. 

I had a Pic line. The procedure is totally painless nothing scary at all. It was occasionally uncomfortable, never painful. I got a sleeve from our friends at Amazon, less than £10 I think and it lasted about 5 months . At first I needed help putting it on but very quickly worked out how to do it on my own. 

The only drawback was I couldn't go to Aqua fit while it was in! The grandchildren very quickly worked out not to launch themselves from that side. In the last couple of weeks they've stuck a needle into me five times and more than once I've wished it was back in.

Thank you Silverberg, it’s good to hear from somone who had a Picc line, and that it was a positive experience for you.