Port and Swimming???

[Ceesun]

Hi Friends, Is it possible to have a port and go swimming? Had one in 2003, but not since that time. I may have to get one again for treatment in the future. Thanks, Ceesun

[Jackie07]

Found an old abstract which mentioned about children going swimming with a port:

Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis. 1997 Aug;8 Suppl 1:S11-4.
Central venous access devices in children with hemophilia: an update.

Blanchette VS, Al-Musa A, Stain AM, Ingram J, Fille RM.
Source

Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Abstract

The most frequent indication for placement of a central venous access device in hemophiliacs is in very young boys (ages 1-2 years) with severe hemophilia who are started on a program of long-term factor prophylaxis designed to eliminate target joint bleeding and the development of chronic musculoskeletal disease. Although expensive, this strategy is extremely successful. It involves intravenous infusion of 25-40 factor units per kg on alternate days (minimum 3 times a week) for boys with severe hemophilia A, and twice a week for boys with severe hemophilia B. To facilitate this prophylaxis regimen some hemophilia clinics routinely recommend placement of a central venous access device; others, more concerned about associated complications such as sepsis, stress the importance of using peripheral veins wherever possible, with central access devices reserved for occasional, selected cases only. A decision to use such a device should only be made after discussion of the risks/benefits with parents (or guardians) and with patients if of an appropriate age. If such a system is to be used, we recommend that a totally implantable device (Port-A-Cath) be placed because of the lower risk of infection, and because totally implantable devices allow children to take part in activities such as swimming. Important complications include catheter-related sepsis, which may occur in 25% or more of devices over time and, much less frequently, catheter-related deep vein thrombosis.

[jacqueline1102]

I had a port put in last October and have had no issues with swimming or getting into the hot tub. I can't do the butterfly but never really could so no big deal. You might try an easy water aerobics class to see if that is something your body can handle. I think it's great that you are asking about swimming because it's easy to just become lackadaisical. Take care.

Jackie

[sassy]

I had my port for three years or so and went swimming all the time no problem. I can't actually think of anything my port interferred with, or prohibited me from doing.

[Bunty]

No problem with swimming if you have a port. I was told by one of the oncology nurses to not swim on the same day after you've had it accessed, as I had mentioned I was on my way to the beach after having Herceptin. That worried me a little, as I had gone swimming in the ocean other times immediately following treatment, but hey, I'm still here! But I do think it's probably best not to swim straight after an infusion. Cheers

[snolan]

I swam with mine with no problems.

[Kellennea]

I also swam with no issues. Only issue I ever had with my Power Port was playing "Just Dance" on my Wii a few days after it was placed.

[Nancy L]

No problems with mine. It has been in for 7 years.

[kk1]

For the past eight years I have continued to scuba dive (<40ft) , swim, and hot tub with mine without a problem

[KsGal]

No problems with swimming whatsoever, do it all the time.

[sarah]

Had mine for 8 years (6 years doing Herceptin every 3 weeks) and have had no issues with swimming, etc. Think it sounds like good advice to not swim immediately after an infusion but ask them about that.