Hickman lines and holidays

[GymboScaresMe]

Hi there
My mum has a Hickman line which needs to be flushed weekly, but she is desperate to get away on some special holidays. Her chemo is three weekly and her consultant is happy for her to travel between doses. Has anyone managed to travel abroad with a Hickman line in situ? And if so, how did you go about getting it flushed?

This feels silly but insurmountable at the minute, so thanks so much for any help!

I don't know but I would guess that private hospitals or health clinics would be able to help, for a fee of course. Where are you thinking of going?

She or You can be taught how to flush it.
Just speak to the treatment centre she attends and explain the situation.

Can you be taught to flush it. X

oh thanks @foodtoorder - that would be fantastic! Weirdly her nurses haven’t suggested this when she’s mentioned wanting to go away but I’ve suggested she ask about it. Is it difficult to do?

It sounds like a good idea to learn how to do it but also as a back up find a clinic near the holiday destination.
Your mum will need a specialist travel insurance company for people with serious pre existing conditions, do have a look at those as average companies may say no.

I knew a man who went on holiday and had dialysis abroad so things can be arranged. Hope your mum has a lovely holiday, and you if you're her travel companion.

It's not difficult but you do need to understand the procedure and importance of keeping everything asceptically clean.
Hope she gets her wish!

My husband learned to do it for me , it’s just very important to ensure there are no air bubbles in the flush.

Thanks very much everyone, that’s been so helpful!

@Azaeleasinbloom can I ask who you got to train up your husband? Would it be something to organise via the Macmillan nurse or ask about at the hospital? Thank you!

@GymboScaresMe my DH was trained by our sons CNS to deliver chemo, flush and then Hep Lock the line. This wasn’t to go abroad but I don’t see why you’d not be able to receive similar training via the hospital.

@TeamLoganHuntzberger really sorry to hear your son (and you) had to deal with that. Thanks so much for this - it was the Hep Lock bit that was particularly worrying so this is so useful to know.

Thank you for your kindness. We are on month 9 of his treatment for Leukaemia.
I really hope they get you sorted so your Mum can have her holiday. Addenbrooks were happy to teach us to give 2 cycles of Cytarabine to a 6 year old over Christmas and New Year so surely a flush and lock will be possible for a holiday 🤞

They will definitely teach you how to access the line. I am a paeds nurse, we do it regularly. X

Hi Op, sorry been off line. One of the chemo nurses taught him. I hate a problem with blocking and my GP surgery were not happy to do it, so the clinic nurse suggested she tracing DH. It meant I could go away, but also saved them some time each chemo session., as every time there was a block.

My son had a Hickman Line for five years age 8 until 13 years before he sadly died. His was on TPN and all drugs were given into the line as his gut did not work. We took him all over Europe as we wanted him to have a good full of short life. I did it all myself a lot of stuff to take but it was good. Hope your Mum has a lovely holiday.