Port Questions - Page 2

Brenda_D · 09-24-2007, 01:13 PM

I had my chest port put in last January. They used Twilight sleep, and I don't remember anything after the anesthesiologist said "and now you will get some nice happy juice". Lol
My port area was sore for awhile. Mostly because I kept laying on that side during sleep, and pushing against it.
I don't know if my port is getting closed off or what, but they haven't been able to draw blood from it, and last time I got Herceptin, the nurse had a hard time "pushing" the first flush in.
Otherwise, I'm happy to have it and not have them dig around to find a vein every time I get a treatment.

weezie1053 · 09-24-2007, 08:14 PM

Hard to believe, but I have had my ports for over a year now. Accessing the port will come second nature as brushing your teeth after while. I remember using the numbing cream, then I graduated to ice. Now, the nurses and I count "1,2,3" and pop the sucker in. Voila!

It will save your veins, and you will wonder what all the fuss was about a year later.

Louise

Joanne S · 09-24-2007, 10:20 PM

Joanne S · 09-24-2007, 10:27 PM

I have an implanted port in my chest just as shown on my previous post.

I hope you find this information helpful. Best to you.

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/Central-Venous-Catheters-Topic-Overviewfficeffice"

What is a central venous catheter?>>
A central venous catheter, or vascular access device (VAD), is a long, thin, flexible tube used to give medications, fluids, nutrients, or blood products over a long period of time, usually several weeks or more. The catheter is inserted through the skin into a vein often in the neck or chest. It is threaded through the vein until it reaches a large vein near the heart.>>
>>
>>
What types of central venous catheters are there?>>
There are several types of central venous catheters.>>

· A PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) line is a central venous catheter inserted into a vein in the arm rather than a vein in the neck or chest. >>

· A tunneled catheter is surgically inserted into a vein in the neck or chest and passed under the skin. Only the end of the catheter is brought through the skin through which medications can be given. Passing the catheter under the skin helps keep it in place better, makes it less restrictive of activities, and makes it less visible. >>

· An implanted port is similar to a tunneled catheter but is left entirely under the skin. Medications are injected through the skin into the catheter. Some implanted ports contain a small reservoir that can be refilled in the same way. Once filled, the reservoir slowly releases the medication into the bloodstream. An implanted port is less obvious than a tunneled catheter and requires very little daily care. It has less impact on a person's activities than a PICC or tunneled catheter. >>
>>

Lee · 09-25-2007, 06:58 AM

Kriss -
If you get a port in your chest, it is completely under the skin so no special care is needed. It just looks like a bump on your chest. When the port is accessed, they have to stick it with a short needle, but it really doesn't hurt much at all.

It is so much easier when getting chemo - I have never regretted having one put in.

Andrea Barnett Budin · 09-25-2007, 01:40 PM

My port was installed in '98 in my upper chest under twilight. I love my port. It is a tiny half a golf ball lump that is a bluish tinge.

I used to get a lidocaine spray, but nurses have told me that IT IS JUST ANOTHER INVITATION FOR GERMS AND AN INFECTION TO GET IN THERE. So, now, I just brave it out. A skilled nurse gets dead center and you basically feel nothing.

IF YOU ARE BETWEEN TX for a long period of time -- remember -- you must get your port FLUSHED monthly!

IF YOU HAVE DENTAL WORK (including cleaning) my onc says that if you have a port -- YOU MUST TAKE AMOXICYLINE (how in the world do you spell that??!) which is an antibiotic -- 1 hr prior to dental appt. 4 X 500 mg.

A PORT IS A DIRECT LINE INTO YOUR VEINS AND HEART. You must protect it at all times. I am most particular about who I allow to access it. (When I broke my ankle and required surgery in '01, they did not know how to access a port in anesthesia, or they preferred not to use it.) After surgery, I was receiving morphine through my port, when it came time to check out sev days later I kept calling the nurse to take out the morphine needle. Apparently, she didn't know how and kept leaving and coming back, then when she removed it/yanked it out, blood starting pouring all over! So, I have learned a good lesson.

Before and after accessing, they use saline to clear the port and then heplok to seal it. They also use something to sterilize the area prior. Afterward, they put a circle bandaid to keep in place till I shower, as they would an injection. I am told they do not need to put gauze and tape on it, it isn't a wound.

HOPE THIS IS HELPFUL! My port is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I just love having it (as the one part of me that is *skinny* is my veins)! I am told once they find one it rolls over, collapses or blows out. So they just keep stabbing -- and digging -- away otherwise. Be good to your port, ladies. It's your best friend. Keep it, and YOU, safe.... Love,
Andi