Port Question
 

Has anyone had to have their port replaced? I went in today to have mine checked because we have been having trouble with it and it is no longer working. The doctor and x-ray tech were actually surprised that it has been working so well for this long (I have had it in since Dec. 2004). My question is what is the procedure. Are you just given a local or do they knock you out?

Thanks for any input.

Stephanie B.

Hi Stephanie; I'm on my third port since 2001. In my case, they've given me an IV sedative to relax me, but it doesn't knock me out, then injections of a local till I'm good and numb. Then my surgeon just reopens the old scar line and it's out with the old and in with the new! Easy-Peasy :)

<3 Lolly

Thank you for the information. I really wasn't looking forward to having this done, but being on weekly treatments I definitely don't want them to have to do an IV every week:)


Stephanie

Lolly - what do they consider the average life of a port?

You know what? My surgeon told me not to be surprised if my port lasted 5 - 6 years. And then he said I'd better not need it that long - he expected me to get well! But I was put to sleep when he did mine. I've had it 14 months. You know what? I don't want to think about doing it again, but I would if necessary. I am sooooooooo glad to have a port! the treatment rooms nurses told me if I want to keep it after June when there is no planned treatment, just to come in once a month to have it flushed. Would you keep it and for how long? I was thinking at least 6 months. Is that lack of faith or wise? ma

I've had my port in since the end of 2001--I had my last Herceptin treatment in March 2003 and have kept my port in ever since, partly because it's so convenient for blood draws and partly out of superstition, but I'm finally getting it out in May. It never gave me any problems, but my onc. and I agreed to schedule the removal, since having a port still presents a small risk of infection and it's not worth it to use just for occasional blood tests. Looking forward to summer clothes without the port sticking out under tanks, etc. Glad to hear the procedure isn't too bad...