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PICC line recently installed

Ross2991
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Hello, I did post previously but don't think it ever sent - still getting used to all of this!

 

Essentially I had my PICC line installed in my right arm 4 days ago and since then it's been unbearably itchy and the whole arm aches from shoulder to fingers. I was wondering if anyone who currently has one, or has had one in the past, can share any advice on how long this bit goes on for?

I know the long term benefits of having this will come around - I've got my first chemo ABVD on Monday, but I'm currently regretting ever agreeing to have the line installed! I can't sleep very well with it either as I'm super aware it's there and trying to keep my body away from it.

Any advice or just anyone who wants to rant about going through the same thing would be truly helpful!

 

Rose

:)

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    Hi

    I had a PICC line and found it was actually the sticky tape/plaster that holds it in place which made me itch.  The district nurse change the tape/plaster I assume it was a different brand and after that it was a lot better.  I also used a PICC line cover, you can buy these online or make one with a comfort material so it was hidden/covered and that totally took my mind off it was there.  Never bugged me at all.  Maybe it was physiological but it worked.  Also ensured I moisturised my arm well (avoiding the direct area of course).  I had no problems sleeping and didn’t get in the way of anything.

     

    Speak to the the nurses and see what they can do for you. Hope you find some relief

    Take care

    JBee

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    Hi Ross

    I had a PICC line installed in time for my 4th chemo as the veins in my hand and arm had seized up (I had 2 overnight stays in hospital after my first chemo and my veins just couldn't take the beating). That was in 2015 and my veins are still seized up. Since I have developed lymphoedema in my other arm and cannot have needles put into it, giving blood is now very difficult, even 4 years later.

    So having a PICC line is great. It will save your veins and also means you do not have to keep having painful needles stuck into you.  Sounds like you are allergic to the tape, but I do not think you should have pain. Hopefully, the person who did the procedure gave you a telephone number to ring and I should do that. 

    Get hold of some arm stocking and use that to cover the PICC line and you will not have to worry about it. I bought a plastic half sleeve from Amazon to cover the line while I was showering as cling film proved useless. Look for 'plaster cast sleeve'.

    Hope everything goes well for you over the course of your chemo.

    Best wishes xxx

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    Hi Rose

    I was diagnosed with cancer in 11/2025 and I had exactly the same problem.  The itch would wake me up at night and I could itch the PICC line arm to the bone.  I mentioned the itch to the McMillan nurse and after a further two dressing different changes a french dressing, VYGON, coloured green, was applied and the itch was considerably reduced.  Unfortunately the district nurse here cannot supply VYGON as it is expensive but have a word with your Oncologist or the cancer nurse as they should be able to help.

    Also, make sure the PICC sock isn’t tight or doubled  over adding extra pressure on the PICC dressing.

    Good Luck.

    Best regards,

    Bill

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