Having a picc line fitted tomorrow. Wondering if anyone here has had one. If so any advice on clothing to wear and tips. Also do you usually wear a cover over.
Hi suze99 I had one because I am terrified of needles and having chemo and loads of blood tests I found this a marvellous help to me you have to be careful when putting on a jumper over it as not to dislodge it and when you have a shower you have to cover your arm you can get coverings for this to keep it dry as you are not to get it wet and lying in bed can be a bit awkward you just have to be careful with it but it is worth it in the long term I wish I could have one fitted for my blood tests and covid jabs now as I get so anxious with anxiety hope I have helped a bit xx
Hi suze99 welcome to the Macmillan forum. My partner had a PICC line though not for cancer, she had it for anti biotics and liquid food supplements as she was unable to swallow due to an infection, my partner found wearing a sheer blouse as her underlayer meant it never got caught in her clothes. As popgate has given some great advice, can i just add your PICC needs to be flushed once a week, dressings changed and entry point cleaned. a district nurse will do this for you or if you have a friend you would be happy to let do it your DN will show her how. from one incurable to another "we are treatable", i wish you well on your journey
Thank you very much for your reply. Very helpful.advice and information. The blouse idea makes sense so will get my daughter to look through my wardrobe.
Morning Suze99, happy to help, there many forums on the macmillan community where people with a similar diagnosis can share their experiences on chemotherapy, managing physical issues, and the emotional side. Sue i saw a councillor at my lowest point and i was dubious at first but she really helped me, maybe worth considering. Many people including myself use a cancer charity called maggies, www.maggies.org they are a drop in centre so no need to book. please take care, Eddie
I had a picc line when I was in treatment, I bought special sleeves for showering as I didn't feel secure with the ones provided. I had it from about December to April, so it was always covered by my clothing outdoors, it didn't take long to get used to it. My daughter knitted a cover for it, but that didn't really work because it slipped down my arm, the easiest things to wear were long sleeved shirts and blouses, except for treatment days when I would wear a t shirt, so that the nurses had easy access to change the dressing. I had treatment every 3 weeks, on the other 2 weeks my husband changed the dressing.
Thank you very much for your reply. Very helpful. Looking long sleeve shirts sound good option and easier to take a cardigan off rather than be fussing with a jumper
