Piic Line Soreness

@farfalina I used this website when I had my picc line installed https://mighty-well.com/collections/all/picc-line-cover
They sell the picc line sleeves and a great waterproof shower cover that worked great. I do recall some soreness but nothing too bad. If it's very uncomfortable I would call the doctor or wherever you went to have it put in and explain what you are feeling . Blessings to you.

@mjb24 Thanks for the info!

You can also buy gauze/ elastic sleeves at Walmart or anywhere to protect the pic line area

Also call the doctor or when you have the next infusion discuss it with the nurse

Hi. I'm on my 3rd PICC. My arm is usually tender where they put PICC in for a few days. Also when they change the dressing (once a week for me) it can be a little tender a day or two. The pharmacy that sent me the meds and supplies included "spandage tubular elastic netting." they work great. Mine is a size 6--I'm 5'7" and 114 pounds so my arms are small for sure. Ask the issuing pharmacy or your home health nurse if they can send you some. If you have to buy them, they are pricey but they work great and make you feel more secure and comfortable. I cut mine in lengths (about 4") and wear two. One over the lumens and one near the wrist. We learn so much as we go along but I'm so thankful for this group. Faye

@fdixon63 thanks for the info. I had my first infusions today at an infusion center along with instructions to self administer the meds at home. A nurse will come weekly to do labs and change the dressings. They did give me a big supply of the spandage tubular elastic netting. It is nice. Thanks again.

@farfalina

I'm sorry you are experiencing soreness and any discomfort with your PICC line.

I had an in-home PICC line for 9 weeks. The PICC line was inserted at one of our local hospitals, and I felt nothing. My husband administered the antibiotic 3 x per day; once a week, a home health nurse came to take labs, clean, and change the bandage. I felt nothing, EVER. I never had one bit of soreness or discomfort. I never knew the PICC line was in my arm, except when it was cleaned and then a fresh bandage, which felt heavenly. I had plenty of extra supplies in case I needed a new bandage, which I did not. I'm sorry you are having difficulty with your PICC line. I would definitely speak to your doctor and nurse about any discomfort. I don't know how long you will need the PICC line, but you should not be in pain or experience discomfort.

It was not fun having to sit 3 times a day for the medication. I would nebulize two of the times, then do my airway clearance. It was time-consuming and not a joy, but at least I was not sore or in pain. The biggest issue was taking a shower and washing my hair. I did have a shower sleeve, but did not have the same range of motion with that arm to bathe and shampoo my hair. I did need some assistance with those issues, but for the most part, I could do that too. It took longer, but I managed.

We have enough to deal with without adding undue stress.

Good luck and take care.

@ccdb thanks for your kind response. Very helpful 👍

@farfalina Awsome, glad to hear that they furnished the elastic bandaging.

I had a picc line for 3 months. I agree with @mjb24 about the Mighty Well PICCPerfect picc line cover. I tried at least 5 different brands of covers and Mighty Well was by far the most comfortable. I bought mine on Amazon. It’s more expensive than the other brands I tried but it was worth it. It’s soft and lightweight, and it kept the lumens secure without pressing them into my skin.

I also got a plastic sleeve for the shower that I found on Amazon, and it worked well. I had to replace the shower sleeve after about 6 weeks because the rubber seals on the ends stretched and started to leak.

I remember my arm being very sore for several days after having the picc line put in. I took Tylenol and it helped. After the first week, I had no pain.

Best wishes to you! This forum is wonderful.