I had a line in a week ago, certain movements (like putting on my bra) make me aware that it is there. Does it get to the stage where I dont notice it?
It does get better. I found that it was tender for the first couple of weeks as I healed. Where the line goes in, it can be tender because of the little hooks under the skin that hold it in place.
Later on, I found that when the PICC nurses changed my dressing, when they set it a bit looser over the insertion of the line, I didn't have discomfort with arm movement, but when the dressing was tight I did. You can ask them next time you go for PICC care.
I struggled with my PICC line, the first one was problematic as I always knew it was there and things like putting my arm in my coat and reaching to shut the car door were painful. It got to the stage where I couldn't extend my arm fully. I eventually had it scanned and was told it was sat in a very narrow vein. The decision was made to remove it. I then spent a number of weeks being cannulated for chemo but every week they were struggling to fine veins for bloods and treatment. I was having weekly paclitaxel.
Itwas decided to have another PICC line fitted as I had 6 treatments to go. It took the nurse 3 attempts to get it in but this one felt much better, however I was always aware of it. I'm glad I had the second PICC though as it was taking 3 attempts to get a cannula in and stressed me out every week. My last chemo was on 9th Feb.
My arm is still painful and I'm told that's a result of the chemo rather than the PICC and it should improve. I still can't fully extend my arm but it doesn't stop me from doing anything.
