PICC line helpful tips?

1. Hi Carrie, I had a picc line put in just before treatment a couple of weeks ago, for showering you can buy a water proof cover, I got mine from Amazon, they are very good, as you not suppose to get the area wet, you can also buy a picc line material cover also from Amazon.
2. The nursing staff will cover everything on the top of your arm, and a see through dressing will be put around it, it may feel sore and bruised for a few days after, it shouldn’t really bother you, you can still do everything, they told me just not to lift the arm high in the air that the picc line is inserted into.
3. after the line is put in, you go to the hospital or where ever they suggest to you to have the line flushed through, so no bacteria is in there... I was there about 1 1/2 hrs to have the line inserted, and it takes about 15 mins when having the line flushed... hope everything goes ok for you next week x

Thank you so much for the reply - very helpful.

I'll take a look on amazon for the covers x hope YOU are ok and take care.

best wishes Carrie x

Hi VWCarrie, I am due to get ny PICC Line fitted next Wednesday ahead of chemo starting on the Thursday and I have purchased these on amazon but you will.definitely need help putting them on.

Best of luck with getting your PICC line fitted and chemo treatment.

Hi Carrie

I’ve had a PICC line for 6 months now. My GP prescribed a waterproof cover, recommended when the line was fitted. You can shower and bathe, but no swimming!  I forget I have it now. I just cover mine with tube bandage provided by the chemo unit, but as others have said you can buy some snazzy ones online. I remember the 1st week it was a little uncomfortable but as I say after that I haven’t really noticed it.

Good luck with it and your first chemo xx

beach sea

Hi Carrie

Great to hear you’re having a PICC line - so much more pleasant than cannulas. Very easy to live with though it may be a bit sore for a few days after it’s inserted.

I bought one of the LimbO picc line waterproof covers from Amazon, but although it was good, I found the simple blue plastic cover that the hospital gave me was much better and leaked less, so may be worth asking them if they supply anything before you spend loads of money on Amazon! Link to the blue plastic cover HERE and it mentions you can get on prescription so worth a look.

Edited to add that I bought some picc covers from Etsy but actually ended up using the tubular bandage used at the hospital as it didn’t ride up as much.

Hope your chemotherapy goes well

Loffie x

Goodness! The water proof one looks a bit of a beast! Thank you so much for taking the time to send the info x good luck with your treatment! X Carrie 

That’s really reassuring, thank you! Hope you are doing ok x Carrie 

Thanks Loffie for the top tips. Will definitely ask the hospital when they fit it what they can supply or prescribe to help. Thanks for taking the time to respond x Carrie 

Hello, I had my picc line fitted today.  It didn't take long and did not hurt.  I did feel a bit hot and bothered at one point but they paused for a couple of minutes and it was soon over.  I don't feel sore at all and am surprised how quickly I'm getting used to it.

I bought several covers from this website, cheap and sit nicely on my arm.  The chemo nurse suggested just wrapping cling film round my arm for showering.   Hope all goes well for your fitting 

https://www.annabandana.co.uk/picc-line-covers-240-c-392.html?zenid=9lbjkk8dqiffq6of7risvg2664

Thanks so much for taking the time to respond. Hope it’s going ok with the line. Best wishes Carrie x