After it was installed, I had to have a chest x-ray to confirm accurate placement of the line as apparently it can be too long or short, or even (rarely) go in the wrong direction. Mine was perfect.

 

The only other thing necessary, is a very small butterfly type attachment which is stitched in place to ensure that the line cannot be pulled out accidentally.

 

I have never had a skin stitch in my life, and without exaggeration, I was petrified at the thought of it, but after talking to the doctor, and seeing just how big a fuss I was making about something so small, I took her word that it would not hurt. I was pleasantly surprised, and embarrassed to have been so scared.

I was given an instruction sheet and strongly advised to apply heat by a hot water bottle, wrapped in a towel, to the upper arm for 20 minutes, 4 times each day to avoid a condition called Phlebitis. I find it a brilliant way to relax, and I listen to a CD for 20-30mins while it’s on my arm. The only problem is that it can be so relaxing, that I sometimes fall asleep, and waken up with a cold water bottle. It is recommended that this routine is followed for the first seven days.

 

Throughout the day, eating was completely normal.

 

I would suggest that the only thing you need watch out for is the inability to remove clothing to wash underarms, etc., as ESHAP treatment is continuous for the full 5 days, and you normally have two lines running simultaneously

 

It is essential that the PICC line remains dry at all times, so consult with your doctor or nurse about your own hygiene.

 

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Illustration courtesy of CancerBacup

Cream is put on your inner arm, where your elbow bends: it’s the same cream that is sometimes referred to as Magic Cream by kids and parents.

 

This cream has two functions: to help the nurses to locate the veins by making them stand out more from your arm, and to freeze the area on your arm necessary to insert the line. It is applied to your arm and left there for 30 minutes to allow it to work.

 

I then lay on a bed, and stretched out my arm to have it cleaned, ready for the line.

 

A trolley was wheeled in which had everything on it, and of course, being the inquisitive type, I reached over to touch the line, and the nurses nearly had a fit. They are meticulous when it comes to sterilised equipment and everything prepared for the procedure would have had to be replaced if I had contaminated it. So the advice is  -  ask but don’t touch.

 

The time taken to insert the line was about half an hour and I can honestly say that I was aware that they were doing something to my arm, but it didn’t hurt, and I felt absolutely nothing inside, where the line was going.

PICC Line  -  Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter

 

Procedure involves inserting a thin line into the vein of your arm, which runs up your arm, round your shoulder, and down directly above your heart.

This means that any chemo or other medication you will be receiving can be easily administered through the line, and you will not need any further injections or cannula inserted. Blood samples are still taken in the usual way.

The line can be left in place for up to 12 months.

 

Pain rating 1/10 (you’re aware that they are doing something to your arm, but it doesn’t hurt)

Fully stretched out, my PICC line was just over 26 inches.

It’s very thin, and as soft and flexible as you could imagine.