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Straight into treatment - PICC Line.

 We landed back on the 29th and today we head to the hospital to get a PICC Line fit.

A PICC line (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) is a long, thin, flexible tube inserted into a vein in the upper arm and guided to a large vein near the heart. It is used for delivering medications, chemotherapy, fluids, or nutrition over an extended period, reducing the need for repeated needle sticks.

How is a PICC Line Inserted?

  1. A nurse or doctor numbs the upper arm and inserts the catheter into a vein.
  2. The tube is guided through the vein until it reaches a large vein near the heart.
  3. A chest X-ray confirms proper placement before use.
  4. The PICC line is secured and covered with a sterile dressing to prevent infection.
The procedure to have the line fit was really quick, Tony was in and out in under 30 minutes. We entered the treatment room and the nurse explained how the line is put in and gave us some guidance on aftercare.

  • Keep the dressing clean and dry to prevent infection.
  • Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity with the affected arm.
  • Flushing the line with saline or heparin as instructed prevents clots. (This is done at chemo sessions and once a week by the district nurse)
  • Watch for signs of infection (redness, swelling, or pain at the site).

    I left the room while the line was inserted and in the blink of an eye it was done!
    Tony said the procedure was painless, though a little uncomfortable at some points, but other than that, easy peasy.
    We left the clinic with a small bag of spare dressings, paperwork explaining after care and a leaflet for a Limbo Sleeve for showering and bathing. Definately get one! (They are also available on prescription)
    We bought a Limbo sleeve as soon as we got home, along with some covers to use day to day. I won't add links for those, just jump onto Google and search for PICC line covers, there's loads to chose from.

    Around 2 hours after having the line fit we headed back to the chemo unit as it appeared to be bleeding through the dressing. The team were really helpful, quickly changing the dressing for us and making sure it was all okay. 

    Unfortunately later on in the day we had another bleeding issue. As it was after half past 4 the chemo unit was closed, so we called he district nurses. They asked us to email a picture over to check the area, deciding after they'd seen the image that they'd like to come and clean and change the dressing.

    Issues like this are uncommon after a PICC fitting, it's normally a quick and easy process. We mention our early issues with it as it's our honest experience, but also to make the point that it's okay if things go a little wrong. Don't be afraid of asking for help, advice, a check up or asking questions. There's no such thing as a silly question or feeling like you're, to quote Tony ''wasting their time'', by speaking up.
    It's been hours now since the district nurse came and Tony's line has stopped bleeding and is comfortable.
    It's been a long day, but we got there in the end!


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