[Chelee]

Courtney, Since I posted this question, I'd done some digging and what I found is what Darlene is saying. There just aren't enough people trained to use these ports. In fact one page on the Bard Power Port said they do an "inservice" to teach techs, nurses how to use these ports. But obviously not all facilities are getting this inservice training.

I was up at City of Hope and even had problems getting people to access my port at that hospital...I was shocked. I had to fight all the way to get them to go find someone that knew how to access my port. Even the anesthesiologist I had for my femur surgery refused to use it regardless of how insistent I was. I told him I had NO veins left & I expected my Power Port to be accessed! He told me once I was knocked out for the surgery he would find a vein with no problem. I explained that was not the point...I had this port put in for a reason and it WILL be used. (When I was in recovery...found out he used my hand anyway.) ARGH!

Darlene is right...from now on what I plan to do is call "ahead" of time and let them know I have a Power Port and I do expect it to be used. This way someone trained in the use of the power port will know I'm coming. This might end this on-going problem I keep having. Courtney, to be on the safe side until you know for sure...I would take Darlenes advice and call ahead of time. It will save you major headaches and needle sticks.

Darlene...thanks for the idea. I had to laugh at your "MP3" comment. HA! Thats almost how I feel about the one I have now...it's so big compared to the first one I had. You can see mine a mile away. Glad you had a great surgeon to place yours. Good luck to you both from one power ranger to another. lol

Chelee