Pain after PICC line inserted

Hi.

Just joined this site, looking for some advice or common experience on pain after having a PICC line. 

I had mine 3 days ago and all I feel is achy type pain a bit like heartburn in my neck, throat and chest area.

After various tests for clots, etc...I was told it's just muscular pain  and my body reactions to a foreign object, so basically just put up with it until it becomes more serious. 

My chemotherapy starts in 2 days time and I just find it concerning that you're just meant to endure this PICC pain alongside the harsh effects of chemotherapy. I thought it wasn't supposed to hurt or cause any discomfort?

I also have Systemic Lupus and no stranger to the similar side effects you get from chemotherapy.

All of this I find worrying as the only response to this pain is painkillers. I take enough pills as it is, because of my Lupus, so this isn't really a satisfactory answer.

Is there any alternative pain relief like massages or diet, holistic etc...?

I'd be interested in advice and suggestions on this.

Thanks. 

 

  • Hello and thanks for posting,

    I am sorry to hear about your current situation.

    Unfortunately, it isn't really possible for us to give specific advice, as it is your hospital team that can assess you properly.

    You may have a degree of irritation or inflammation where the line is positioned now in the vein. I'm not sure what might help in terms of pain relief. Taking paracetamol may take the edge off it. There are skin gels that provide short term local anaesthetic effect, but one would need to be mindful of the infection risk if the gel was near the actual insertion site.

    Do try and let your team know how this is affecting you. 

    Wishing you the best,

    Vanda