PICC Line - which way to turn

Hi

Firstly welcome to this wonderful site, which is full of information and advice. It has been invaluable to me.

I had a picc line placed 2 weeks ago. Although I dont have your medical issues I found it was the right choice for me. First chemo session I was having the cold cap and when they tried to canulate it took 4 attempts , may of been due to the cold.. I chose to have the picc line as I didnt want to have these issues for the next 7 sessions of chemo.  It is a small surgical procedure done under local anaesthetic. It does sting a little but then I felt nothing through the whole procedure.  You will be asked lots of medical questions beforehand, be told about the procedure and told do's and don'ts.  Ultrasound is then used to locate a suitable vein. Lots of measuring for length of line. After line is inserted you will be sent for an xray to make sure it's correctly in place. I had my second chemo session the following day and I found  it so easy. Negatives are that you do have to have it flushed through weekly so more hospital visits. You may be able to get your gp practice to do it. Be careful not to get it caught when dressing  and you must keep it dry, you will need a plastic sleeve when showering. This will all be explained to you. Positives are that the veins in your hand will not get damaged through chemo. My line is fitted just above my elbow on the inner side of my arm. 

I definately know I made the right choice. Please speak to your oncologist/doctor about all your concerns. Whatever you decide I hope your treatment goes well.

Take care

Linda x

Hi Lindyloo

Thank you so much for the welcome and for sharing your experience with me, it means a lot to know I can ask others opinions and find ways of coping with what is to come.  I will speak to the chemo nurses on Tuesday and go on from there.

Thank you x

Hi the picc line was amazing for me once it was in... it made it all so easy. Every time you have chemo they just 'plug you in'. It takes minutes. You can also move your arm about more while you are having chemo too. There was no fear of it leaking or anything.  The changing/ cleaning was also totally fine. I got a 'limbo' cover ( your doc can prescribe one) so you can shower or have a bath. Like all these thongs... it's not wonderful, but the best of the options I think!!! 

Things!!!!! Not thongs!!

Thank you for your responses, I went ahead and had the PICC line fitted and how time flies it has been in for just over a week now!  I wanted to say how much I appreciate the time taken in replying to me and how I do think this was indeed the best option for me.  It was so much easier not to have to sit with my hands in warm water so that they could find a vein last week because the vein was already accessible!

:-)