The only problem I have with my PICC line is itching behind the plasters that hold it in place.
The pump is fine. I just keep mine in my trouser pocket during the day, and in my pyjama jacket pocket at night. Obviously, it's not feasible to have a shower, but I make do with a good wash, with the bottle on the cabinet next to the handbasin.
My husband had a PICC line fitted after his 1st chemo in 2013. His chemo through the cannula was not good.
He didn't regret it. This year it's the 1st thing he asked for. He doesn't have it now because his skin became sensitive to the dressing. (A side effect of his treatment)
Fitting is not painful. Dressings keep it in place. There are multiple waterproof options available for showering safely. You don't get needle stick when taking bloods at your treatment centre.
The dressing amd line needs to be flushed/changed weekly. It's a 5 minute job for a nurse. Our hospital showed me and allowed me to do this at home. Took me ten minutes. Beats the drive and parking chaos..
So the short answer is for most people, no it's not painful. X
Not painful to have put in or out actually wish I had mine sooner. Well worth it. i only got it after having an extravasation (when cannula slipped). I did however find it a bit in the way was on inside of arm and a bit annoying when sleeping or doing some things like typing - but it was firmly fixed in place so didn’t matter and stayed safely in place. And I think they can place it in various places on your arm.
Our hospital suggested limbo. Husband found it bulky. Amazon do a neoprene version that was preferred. I'm pretty sure that 1st time round we used flong film as a wrap.
The nurse who inserted my PICC line gave me a prescription to collect a protective plastic sleeve that covers the whole area up, with a rubber sealing ring at the top and bottom of it. It's difficult to put on, using only my left hand, but my wife helps me with it.
