LymeNet Flash: Pain with a PICC line?

This is topic Pain with a PICC line? in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by SC (Member # 5767) on :

Has anyone experienced pain in the vein of the arm and chest with a picc line? It has been described as a possible spasm?

The pain follows the path of the line from the incertion site all the way to the chest.

It started 1 week after placement. Xrays show that the line is properly placed and the doctor and radiologists can find no evidence of infection or other problems.

Has anyone had this problem, if so how long did it last and were you able to keep the line in?

Thanks for your help!
SC

Posted by Nancy-OH (Member # 3567) on :

Have you tried placing heat on it?

Some OTC pain med and heat on for 20 min and off for 20 min may help.

Watch to make sure you don't develop a red line; if you see a red line, then it probably has to come out.

Posted by SC (Member # 5767) on :

Thanks, I did not think to mention that the doctor ordered her to elevate the arm and apply heat. She has been really good at this.

She has taken some OTC main meds but is trying to avoid them because she is taking so many other types of meds.

Thankfully there are no red lines. We keep checking for those.

Any other ideas?

Thanks again!
SC

Posted by aaronkatie on :

Unfortunately my last picc and my port hurt really badly - docs never figured out why - seemed like inflammation just from having the line in there - I know that is NOT what you wanted to hear.

Make sure that your nurse is measuring the arm so that it isnt getting bigger and like someone mentioned the red line. Keep elevated and the heat. Use as little as possible for a few days. I can definitely relate, I'm so sorry.