Pain in ribs after PICC line out

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I'm beginning to think I'm a hypochondriac!

My PICC line was removed yesterday afternoon and since them I've felt a sharp pain in my upper back around where it would have ended. I did have something similar when it was put in,  but not as bad or as constant.  It was in 5 months, and for the last few weeks had a tendency to block between chemo,  despite a 20ml flush,  and heparin twice.  Is it normal to have discomfort when they are removed?

  • hi

    you know the drill

    I'm sure it's nothing but any pain should be checked

    worrying about every tiny little thing during or post chemo isn't the same as hypochondria in any case

    The only time I had a problem with my PICC line was when I accidentally poked myself in the eye with it, I was trying to scratch my nose whilst washing up.

    Carolyn

    xxxx

     real life success stories to remind you that people do survive breast cancer

    https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/breast-cancer/f/38/t/115457

    Dr Peter Harvey

    https://www.workingwithcancer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/After-the-treatment-finishes-then-what.pdf

     

  • Checked at A&E last Tuesday. Lots of bloods done (all over the place but recovering and nothing terrible). Couldn't do D-Dimers for clotting due to effect of chemo on clotting, ECG OK, Blood pressure slightly high and pulse slightly high. X-ray clear, but clots don't show though it eliminates other possible causes (for an issue which started 2 hours after PICC removed?). Don't want to do a CT scan as feel I've had so much radiation, and vitals don't suggest clot. On Friday went to A&E again as it isn't improving and bloods and ECG still OK.

    So why do I feel I've a knife stuck in my back and a chest infection but don't? I've been told to take painkillers though when they wear off it feels worse. I'm wondering if the PICC started to attach to the vein over 5 months as the end 3"  or so was pink but with no blood. could the actual vein be irritated or damaged? I felt nothing when it was removed, just afterwards.

    I've an appointment to speak with a radiotherapist at noon today about whether treatment would be beneficial as one node positive with mastectomy if a grey area, but don't want anything near my chest feeling like this! At least the neuropathy is improving!

    “Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet.  Stephen Hawking,