posted
I had a hickman port. I loved it for several reasons. My doctor put all these antibacterials in so that I could swim, shower, just no deep sea diving. It was completely needless just screw everything on. The cost of caring for it was easier because I didn't have to wear a patch or anything. The scarring is very tiny (and I'm a girl) and I had it for almost 15 months. Feel free to e-mail me if you have specific questions [email protected]Posts: 484 | From Burlingame, Ca | Registered: Sep 2005
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posted
oh and I could do a lot more work out stuff like turbo kickboxing and running and biking..and with a picc that's like really dangerous.
Posts: 484 | From Burlingame, Ca | Registered: Sep 2005
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Abxnomore
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18936
posted
A port is different than a catheter. You can't swim and do all the things you mentioned with a catheter. A Hickman Cathether is like a heavy duty picc line,
that comes out of your chest instead of your arm and is surgically put in at the hospital.
I have a lyme buddy who has one and I also have one who has a port.
They are very different, thou the type you are describing sounds interesting. Usually you have to access a port with a needle.
Posts: 5191 | From Lyme Zone | Registered: Jan 2009
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hickman is type of a PICC basically that does not require heprain flush. the out vauvle is different. still is tubing that comes our of the body at upper arm (brachial) or closer to chest (CVC). These types of lines require constant sterile dressings to cover entry site into body. higher risk of infection due to this. take into account your lifestlye and enviorment
port is surj. implanted under the skin. when accessed there is a special needle in and sterile dressing. on days no IV needed can be "de-accessed" (needle comes out) so you have no limitations on getting site wet, swimming, sweating, etc
for me, i choose imlanted port. i am off iv's fri-sun and can make use of hot tub, sauna, steam room, and even getting sweaty. i also live in TX - we have our own sun here folks!! we are having usseasonable cool weather - loving it. we were swimming 2 weekends ago. and summers are crazy hot, you sweat just walkiing out to car nevermind trip to store or little walk- so suited my lifestyle. was looking at kids in pools all summer.
-------------------- i am not a Dr. any info is only for education, suggestion or to think/research. please do not mis-intuprest as diagnostic or prescriptive, only trying to help. **
dx in 08:lyme, rmsf, bart, babs, and m.pneumonia. Posts: 422 | From TX | Registered: Oct 2008
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kreynolds
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15117
posted
Thanks for the replies....
I want the one where I can take a shower and be active.
So is that what I ask for then, a port?
How long does it take to put one in ?
Thanks again!
-------------------- Diagnosed CDC + 6/2007
Quest: + IGG Bands 18,23,39,41,58,66 and 93.
Quest: + IGM Bands 23,39
Quest: + Bartonella (B.Henselea & B. Quintana),+ Babesia, and + Mycoplasma and Lyme-Induced Addisons Disease
+ Biofilm blood test 12/2010 Posts: 1185 | From New York | Registered: Apr 2008
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Abxnomore
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18936
posted
Here are some past links that may help. Just do a search and type in port hickman. There are many other links to other discussions there, as well.
Abxnomore
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18936
posted
Reynolds, ports are usually used for chemo. They are surgically put under the skin so you can shower, swim, etc. My hesitation with having one was that it had to be accessed with a needle in order to hook up your IV which freaked me out.
I would contact smiles who posted above. Apparently, she has a port that does not involve a needle to access it. I'd find out more about that.
They do involve the least risk of infection, vs a picc or central line and are used for long term IV ABX. Given that it is a surgical procedure
and is meant to stay in the body for a long time make sure that fits in with your doctor's plans.
[ 03-30-2009, 11:53 AM: Message edited by: Abxnomore ]
Posts: 5191 | From Lyme Zone | Registered: Jan 2009
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kreynolds
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15117
posted
Abxnomore:
Yea the use of a needle is frightening!
I am just looking for something more durable that will last a long time.
I am just considering it because the 2 PICC lines that I did have both got infected.
I was going to bring it up with my doc after I found out more about it.
I sent a PM to Smiles, hopefully she can shed some light on it.
Thanks for the links and your replies!
-------------------- Diagnosed CDC + 6/2007
Quest: + IGG Bands 18,23,39,41,58,66 and 93.
Quest: + IGM Bands 23,39
Quest: + Bartonella (B.Henselea & B. Quintana),+ Babesia, and + Mycoplasma and Lyme-Induced Addisons Disease
+ Biofilm blood test 12/2010 Posts: 1185 | From New York | Registered: Apr 2008
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Melanie Reber
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