What's involved in getting a port in? Do they do it while you're awake? Is it painful?
My mom's doc mentioned that one of the possible complications of getting one in is a collapsed lung. Thanks doc, for mentioning a rare (I hope) complication just to make us paranoid.
When they did mine, I was awake but in "twilight". I could hear everything going on and even feel a little, but no pain. From what I understand, the port goes right under the skin. It is guided by ultrasound to find the right space to put it in. Then it is "intertwined" (at least that's what it feels like) with your vein to received the meds). That's my understanding but it was done quite a few months ago.
Susan
Linda, I had mine put in 3 weeks ago. I was completely out. It's the best thing I've done so far because up until then I had more black & blue marks from the nurses trying to find a good vein. Blessings to you & your mom. Dorothy
I've had mine 2 1/2 years and no problems. I would think collapsed lung is a pretty miniscule risk - never heard of that. It's made treatment a lot more pleasant.
I hate needles so I had no problem getting the port put in. I think I was out LOL. It was sore and bruised for a week or so afterward. Now it's just an annoyance. The doctor I had does these all day long so I wasn't worried about complications. I have heard of a couple people who got their's infected later and had to have it removed
Julie
I hate needles so I had no problem getting the port put in. I think I was out LOL. It was sore and bruised for a week or so afterward. Now it's just an annoyance. The doctor I had does these all day long so I wasn't worried about complications. I have heard of a couple people who got their's infected later and had to have it removed
Julie
Linda,
I was completely out when mine was put in, and it was done in outpatient surgery. As Julie said, it hurts a bit when first put in, but after that it is just a pain in the butt when you want to lay on the 'port' side to sleep, when your kitties want to knead it because it reminds them of their momma, and times like that!
I have had mine in since February (and hope to get it out soon since I have had 2 clean CT scans since chemo......), and it really doesn't bother me. I am SO happy that I had it for my chemo - it was so easy for me, and the chemo nurses, to do blood tests, give chemo, etc. No bruises, or collapsed veins. I could do anything I wanted during my 6 hour chemo - read, write letters, dance on the tables..... (no not really!), without a worry of dislodging a needle.
All I have ever heard is that they might get infected on rare occasions. But I have never met anyone who has even had that problem.
Erin
DO IT - save the viens!!! I had one - I was awake (twlight) - no pain - just don't look - it ain't pretty......lol - after it's in it's a bit tender for a few days - but well worth it when you go for chemo - they just click into it and there you go. Makes life MUCH easier then being stuck every time. i never had any infections or problems - actually just had my Port removed - thinking positively for the future!!! DO IT!
Karen
Get the port your mother will be grateful in the long run. They can be somewhat of a nuisance ( as Erin mentioned rolling over on can wake you up) but it is alot better than getting stuck every week. I got mine out last Friday and am already sleeping better.
The concern about a collapsed lung is based on residual surgical issues (did your Mom have surgery?) affecting which vein the catheter is placed in. This was an issue in my case so it was placed in my jugular vein in order to stay away from the surgical site.
Good Luck!
Alan
Like you I avoided the port for over 3 years went on getting the needle sticks, anyway I finally got a port 2 months ago when my viens started collapsing and I became dehydrated.............the moral of this story is I was very stupid I wish I had done it 3 years ago its a twlight sedation and the surgeon talked to me during the procedure which was about 1/2 hour the only pain was from the IV, makes my life so much easier for chemo now, go for it, hugs Penny
Dear LindaFL
I would highly recommend getting the port. It saves your veins. Your veins will be destroyed if you don't get the port.
Also when you do get it and the nurses need to access it ask them to prescribe the cream so it numbs the area when they go to access it. You will not feel the needle going in. You have to apply it one hour before your chemo and you will not feel the needle. There are doctors that use the numbing spray also. That works too. It freezes the area.
I would also recommend being asleep for the procedure.
I had some bad experiences with ports but now I have one that is not causing me any problems.
Good luck
God bless,
Linda (Jersey girl Linda)
I have always avoided a port. My veins are in good shape. But at my first infusion of my latest chemo, the needle slipped out of the vein and I had an infiltration into my hand and arm. I had a very painful month after that. I got a power port installed and am glad I did.
Don M
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