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Mary993's avatar
Mary993
Member
13 years ago

experience with a PICC line

Hi All, going for 3rd chemo on Thursday and I think I may have to have a pic line, just wondered about your experiences.  I had trouble at my last chemo as they found it hard to find a vein, and my arm has been sensitive to touch, with muscle soreness, since (almost 3 weeks).  veins seem to be getting smaller - perhaps they are trying to hide!  I've heard that the pic needs lots of care and gets infected, but would be great not to be a pin cushion as they try to find a vein.

 

 

7 Replies

  • Got a PICC, it's been good but it doesn't give blood anymore so they have to take that from a vein, but PICC way better than without, for the chemo.
  • Hi Nads Thanks for your reply, I'm glad your experience has been a good one. Gives me some comfort! Best wishes Mary
  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous

    Hi Mary,

    I just wanted to jump in and say welcome to the online network. If you need a hand finding your way around just shout :-)

    Regarding the PICC line - I did a quick search of the website using the key word 'PICC' and came back with the following results: http://www.bcna.org.au/search/node/PICC

    It might be helpful to have a read through others blog posts and comments about PICC.

    I hope this helps

    Cheers

    Daina

  • Hi Mary, I have a picc line in my upper arm, it was put in because I have trouble with my veins too. I find it is really much easier on chemo days. The first time I had chemo it took the nurse 1 hour to find a good vein. After that my onc suggested the picc. I have not had any trouble with it and apart from having to go to hospital every week to clean and redress, it really doesn't bother me at all. Bloods are taken from there too so you don't end up being a bruised pin cushion. Good luck with you journey xx