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Hazel_M's avatar
Hazel_M
Member
12 years ago

Questions about PICC line

Hey Ladies,

after my first chemo treatment it was suggested I get a picc inserted as it was difficult for them to find a vein.

Have just received my appointment for this and have read the information sheet. I obviously wasn't digesting what they were saying, as I didn't realise what the full procedure would involve.

Can anyone, who have had this procedure, tell me from experience what's it like. Is it really just mild discomfort?

The last ultrasound I had was an echo test for my heart and it was more than mild discomfort, I ended up quite distressed from the pain.

The lady was pressing really firmly very close to where my scar was. I know it needs to be done, I'm just stressing, I need to be doing my 'one day at a time' mantra.

Would appreciate any advice,

Hazel xx

3 Replies

  • Hazel_M's avatar
    Hazel_M
    Member
    12 years ago

    Thanks for that, Debbie. I sort of thought that the picc should be the least of my worries, basically, i panicked. I rather like your description, it's not as scary as the information sheet I read. It is all for the best in the long run, Thanks again, i'm a little less anxious,

    Hazel xx

  • Debbie_J's avatar
    Debbie_J
    Member
    12 years ago

     I havve a picc line put every time I have an operation, as my veins are stuffed.

    You go to radiology and they  put dye on your arm and you have an ultrasound to find a vein , then you are given a local in your arm ,so you do not feal anything. Dr then inserts a long thine line which goes up through your arm  and just stops I think above the heart area. I felt nothing. Best thing I ever had .

    Hope this helps. Good luck.

    Debbie

  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    12 years ago
    Sorry I did not have a picc line but can totally agree with how the ultrasound heart test hurt! I could not believe how hard they pressed. I had a left side mastectomy two weeks prior to the test and my surgery area was still very tender. 6 months later I can still vividly remember the 'discomfort'! Still, if they are going to have trouble finding veins for Chemo, it will be better to have only one time of pain rather than to dread every Chemo because of the cannula. I used to drink lots of water for the 2 days prior to chemo and had 'good' veins, but they still had difficulty 5 out of 6 chemos with getting the cannula in! Hope it goes well. Take care. Deanne xxx