Anyone else had a PICC line?
Forum Discussion
Hi @vince
I had both a port and a picc line. I originally had a port which was a great idea as they could not find my veins. Unfortunately for me, I was one of the rare cases I understand, and 4 weeks later had to have it removed in hospital due to a port infection. I then had a picc line inserted for approximately 4-5 months. It was a little more inconvenient with the cords hanging out your arm but you do adapt quickly and I didn’t find it too bad at all. You need to get it flushed once a week and the nurses wear gloves to keep it all hygienic.
I also took blood thinner tablets to help the insertion of the picc line settle down (my insertion was a little abnormal) I was told. I also was given a cotton sleeve that I swapped each week to wear over the top. But overall the picc line made things very easy come treatment time and giving blood.
The only other thing is in the shower you need to avoid getting it wet, so just some water proofing the area etc. helped. The nurses should advise.
Good luck and all the best
I had both a port and a picc line. I originally had a port which was a great idea as they could not find my veins. Unfortunately for me, I was one of the rare cases I understand, and 4 weeks later had to have it removed in hospital due to a port infection. I then had a picc line inserted for approximately 4-5 months. It was a little more inconvenient with the cords hanging out your arm but you do adapt quickly and I didn’t find it too bad at all. You need to get it flushed once a week and the nurses wear gloves to keep it all hygienic.
I also took blood thinner tablets to help the insertion of the picc line settle down (my insertion was a little abnormal) I was told. I also was given a cotton sleeve that I swapped each week to wear over the top. But overall the picc line made things very easy come treatment time and giving blood.
The only other thing is in the shower you need to avoid getting it wet, so just some water proofing the area etc. helped. The nurses should advise.
Good luck and all the best