Should I ask for a Picc line?

I would certainly ask if you could have one but my consultant had already decided that I was having one. Really not painful  to have out in except the sting of the local anaesthetic. It has to be flushed and the dressing changed every 7-10 days which you don't even feel. I had that done at my local community hospital and got to know the PiCC nurses. They were amazing and so supportive . They had time to talk to me. The hospital was busy and rushed. It is a huge amount to come with and take in...one step at a time. X

Thanks, I will ask at my appointment next week

 Doris58 Hi. You’ve had a great reply from CaroJ and I totally agree. They take blood before every infusion then there’s the actual infusion - I found the pain in my arm so uncomfortable that the picc line was a total game changer. You can’t get it wet so make sure you get a prescription for a limbo arm cover to keep it dry in the shower

Take care

Karen x

Thank you

Hi Doris58

You may wish to read up about pros and cons of Portacath option too.

www.macmillan.org.uk/.../implantable-ports

I couldn't see from your profile what your diagnosis was or length of treatment, but your oncologist should be best placed to say whether either PICC or Portacath could be beneficial for you.

Thanks, lots to consider! 

I was really worried about having a PICC line but it was no trouble at all and I would definitely ask for one again if I have IV chemo again. Doesn’t hurt for insertion or removal and saves needles every time you need bloods taking or have the chemo. As others have said it needs to be dressed and flushed regularly and you can’t get it wet. Good luck whatever you decide.