Anyone have a medi-port or portacath?

[dewey]

Quote:
Is side sleeping a big issue? I read that it might pinch off the line. I can't sleep on my back because of the rigidity in my neck, so I alternate sides when I sleep.

While it heals initially it will be very tender, so it's uncomfortable to lay on the side it's implanted in. It's pretty uncomfortable all around while it heals but it gets to where you can lay on that side.

 

[classicsredone]

Thank you. I figured that it wouldn't actually pinch off the line like they had described in the post I read. Being tender makes sense. I have had surgery before, so I'm familiar with what the healing process is like.

Did any of you ladies have issues with your bra strap while it was healing?

 

[ChickenAlgebra]

I have one as I need iron and b12 iv fairly often, have horrid veins for anything including picc lines and it's just made life easier for me. Mine healed fine wearing a sports bra.

 

[classicsredone]

Oh good. That's pretty much all I wear anymore.

 

[dewey]

You can tell them what side you want it on and where you want it placed...it's no biggie to them if you mark where your garmets land so they avoid that area. But your docs may not want to do, and may not do, that type of port for you because although picc lines can be a hassle for the patient, they are quick and easy when compared to chest ports.

 

[deerman]

I have one now, my 2nd they need flushing every 4 to 6 weeks, mine doesn't give me any trouble, unless i bump it. I give myself B12 injection , but at this time , not using the port, except when it needs flush, they use it take the blood draw.

Most ports are used for chemo, because chemo can damage the smaller veins, I have mine place on right side, remember seatbelts.

They hurt more than, the smaller needles for blood draw, if had my pick, take it from the arm.

 

[deerman]

Quote:
I wouldn't try flushing it your self, my DIL is a RN , but still have mine flush at the cancer center............the line from the port goes to my juggler vein.

 

[classicsredone]

Yeah, we'll have to see how they plan on doing this. The protocol and how I react affects everything. I am really hoping the loading dose goes well, and I can have a home health-care nurse come out. I really hope I don't have to go in for frequent flushing, but at least the infusion center is only about 10 minutes away if I do. I have read about people flushing their own, but it probably would be awkward, especially if it is on your dominant side.

I appreciate all of this information so much. I don't have many resources when it comes to the actual disease, but having somewhere to ask questions like this means so much.

 

[deerman]

The needle for the port is larger , and does hurt more, only problem i see with the port. which I don't even mind getting stuck, IVs , but know about those nurses that couldn't get a IV in my water hose veins,, had one tried 5 times , still didn't get it..??????? most get mine first try.

 

[classicsredone]

Quote:
They didn't have a problem with the portacath over the PICC, especially since this is for long-term treatment. The protocol calls for 6 months of treatment just to see how it works, and then you go from there. I'm glad I don't qualify for plasmapheresis - that would really be a pita with such horrible veins.