New Port

MCS · 05-01-2006, 09:36 AM

I had a port placed in last week- noticed how I have not checked in for a while!)

I had lots of discomfort with it. My arm was "dead", hanging down my side.Oh well, part of the game. Feeling a bit better today.

The question I have though is regarding use of the port for other procedures. Can you use the port for the muggas also?

Everytime I see my current infusion nurse take care of one of the port folks, they jump and look as if they are in pain. I am going to ask for another infusion nurse that appears to have a better procedure for accessing them. Have anyone of you done this? There's so much politics in the nurese area, incredible.

I am planning to use the emla cream, I believe it's placed an hour before access. Did you feel pain accessing the port. I'm sorry to be such a wuz about this. Since all of this started, I can't stand people touching me too much or getting near me with a needle. I have to go my annual pap smear and dreading the thought of going to be looked at and fear what they'll find.

Thank you

MCS ( maria)

Cathya · 05-01-2006, 10:24 AM

Maria;

I understand totally! I waited really too long to get my port....my veins were shot and I couldn't stand another needle....you would think it would get easier considering all the needles we get but it doesn't!!! In any case, I used that stuff to deaden the needle and it worked very well. I applied it one hour before treatment and put a bit of saran wrap over it to protect it and keep it from being rubbed off all over my top. I have found though that I don't really need it...it's just one little poke and the needle is in now. I think we just become so hypersensitive to the very thought of needles that it seems so comforting to have the port numbed. I have gone for muga's and other tests that need injections but have not been able to use the port. It's frustrating but only a nurse can use it and the tech's doing these tests can't use it. The few nurses I've seen there have not been trained and are reluctant anyway to use it. I tried to get the chemo room to put in a little tube that could be accessed but they seem reluctant even with that. I'm not giving up though. I go for another test tomorrow and I'm working out a game plan as we speak....lol.

Take care,

Cathy

TriciaK · 05-01-2006, 10:31 AM

Dear Maria, There is a cold spray they can use before the port is accessed, too. My expereince has been that having a port is a snap compared to the agony I (and the nurses!) used to go through trying a to find a vein. I don't even feel the stick with the huber needle, going in or coming out. It is absolutely a breeze! Mine has been in for two years now. I insist that the port be accessed for everything because I have only one small vein that can be accessed, and I tell them I am saving that for the EMT's. I recently had several heart tests at the hospital and I told them to use the port. They often will object because it takes a special needle and a nurse who knows how to use it. But when they said they couldn't use it I told them to get my clothes because I was going home. The nurse said "Would you really do that?" and I said "Yes, if you won't use my port". So they found a nurse and a needle and I praised them highly and thanked them profusely. Sometimes for special scans and for the MUGA they have to use a different process and can't use the port so they use my one vein, but that is rare. I now have the doctor be sure to put using the port on my chart so I don't have to argue with nurses. My port is all but invisible, totally painless and a tremendous blessing! I will be surprised if you don't feel the same way about yours after you get used to it! Hugs, Tricia

tricia keegan · 05-01-2006, 01:25 PM

Maria I hated the idea of having a port and also left it too late until my veins were shot from a/c.I use the Emla cream an hour beforehand and find there is very little discomfort if any.Some nurses are better than others though at accessing it.Mine is quite visable as is the tube or catheter leading into it which I was told is because I'm quite skinny on top.This does bother me but just means I wear higher necks on my t shirts etc I'm still very glad I had the port put in when I did as it really beats the alternative.
Tricia

Sandy H · 05-01-2006, 06:12 PM

I like my port and sure does beat getting poked and picked in the arm or hand. I use my port for everything. All scans and blood draws. I go right to the oncology room and a nurse will access it and draw my blood for the lab and if I am having scans she will leave the needle in and I will go have my scans and then back to oncology to have the needle out. The nurses in my oncology are very accomodating and are willing to make life for us patients as smooth and comfortable as possible. I can honestly say they go above and beyond their call of duty. I feel very blessed to have them caring for me. hugs, Sandy

chrislmelb · 05-01-2006, 06:34 PM

I use Emla cream 1 hour before it is needed. I don't use it for MUGA's etc. They don't want to use it. Dn't know what they'll do when they can't access the vein on the back of my hand.
Christine

MCS · 05-03-2006, 08:35 PM

Thank you everyone for the advice.

I did ask for another nurse from the onc. I really liked her, but as in all places, there were a lot of political stuff going on at the nurse station and she quit. so now I don't know who I'm getting next week OUCH! I heard this form another chemo buddy; not from my onc ( he's so cut and dry)

TriciaK, you sure have spunk. LOL. Don't mess around with her

Anyway, lots of love

XO

MCS ( maria)