How do you hide the port when it's accessed, besides wearing shirts that completely cover it up?? Most women's tops are form-fitting and somewhat low-cut. And it's not very appealing to have it simply showing under the Tegederm or Op Site dressing when it's accessed!
Any other ideas?? It's a little easier with a PICC line. And men don't have to worry about it! Thank you.
[ 11-12-2009, 12:09 PM: Message edited by: Rumigirl ]
Posted by Rumigirl (Member # 15091) on :
up for replies.
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
For these situations I've heard a paper bag over the head works well. But, be sure to cut eye holes in it so you can see while walking.
And you are right.. it won't cover the port.... but at least no one will know who you are so you won't be embarrased by it.
Actually, I was in bed most of the time I had a port so that problem didn't concern me.
I have, however, seen others with ports who were out in public. The looser fitting tops seemed to hide the port fairly well.
Maybe a shopping trip is in order?
Wish I had better ideas than a paper bag and buying a couple new shirts... but that's all for now.
Maybe someone else can help? I hope so!
Posted by Hoosiers51 (Member # 15759) on :
That's a good question.
I honestly don't even know what a port looks like. Though if I get IV again, I might opt for a port, not a PICC.
I wonder how big the scar will be on your chest afterwards? Like will that interfere with wearing lower cut tops later on? Or strapless dresses, which is what I normally wear to spring/summer weddings, etc? Would people see a big scar?
Getting better would be worth it, but I would still like to know what I'd be left with.
Posted by Rumigirl (Member # 15091) on :
Tincup, too funny! Did the IV tx help you alot?? I presume so, although there is no magic bullet.
I know that you are left with a scar. I guess it depends how big it is. I know sometimes it is big and noticeable. Not so much of an issue for a guy, but for a woman, not so great. Sigh.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Lightweight scarves are very popular these days and can be draped in many different ways.
LLBEAN and LANDS' END web sites offer good soft cotton shirts that are not too form fitting. I think the LLBEAN shirts are more substantial.
Find a good cotton knit - but not RIBBED knit as it is much thinner fabric. Other than being very thin, ribbed knits catch on everything, even the corner of surgical tape. -
[ 11-12-2009, 03:22 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posted by Rumigirl (Member # 15091) on :
Thank you, Keebler. It would be easier to cover up in the winter, of course.
Posted by WildCondor (Member # 434) on :
scarves!!!
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
WHAT? No paper bag? Oh well!
I did get help with IV's... most do.
I have 2 scars from it...
And GOOD thing no one is around and awake right now.
I have my shirt lifted up over my head so I can see them and give you an idea what they look like.
They are both about 2/3 inch long... very pale.. I do see the stitches marks on them.
One is above my left "one", almost mid-center just as it starts to form.
The other little scar is about 2 inches down on my inner left "one".
I can't imagine they are THAT noticeable... but then again.. I don't go running around naked too often either.
OK.. I do. But NOT in public. On purpose.
And if they are noticed.. I just act real cool and say that is a gun shot wound and I am lucky to be alive.
BTW- The DUCK that removed it.. while I am laying there scared to death having surgery to have it removed ... said...
"You know, I never removed one of these from a "live" person before."
He should have been shot!
Posted by Rumigirl (Member # 15091) on :
OMG, Tincup!! You should have shot him! Except that you'd now be in jail if you had. Him and all the other blasted ducks.
I had made good progress on IV for 6 months this year (interspersed with a new tick bite and a downhill slide). Then I had a string of tx problems, including gall bladder sludging from the ceftriaxone (horrible nausea!), a leak in my PICC line (it had to be removed), severe tinnitus from the orals, so no tx at all for 6 weeks. And I slid back down to even worse than before!! Hence, the need for a new line.
And I had so much pain for 5 straight months with the PICC; my veins seem to be terrible. I may still get another PICC after all. Tough call PICC or port. Thank you, gals. Anyone else care to pipe up?
Also, what do you do about showering with a port?? It sounds tough, tougher than a PICC, which was challenging enough.
Posted by MY3BOYS (Member # 17830) on :
ok... for shirts, actually quite a few of my t-shirt or even some dress shirts covered it very well. only few that didnt. and after few mo. well,.... i really just didnt care !!!
as for shower... BATH ... our garden tub has gotten its use tenfold !!!!
at first had to go to salon for hairwash at least once during the week, then got ok with over the tub wash/condition hair with help, then on own..
finally got pretty good at it and now ins. denied any more IV and new letter of reversal of that.. looks like get another month !!
and dont get too sweaty, rain,etc.. nothing to get dsg. wet!! want it dry, clean, intact !
i prefered port over picc. i would flush/ hep lock port on thurs night and de-access myself. my nurse would come out mon am to access and do sterile dressing.. so had weekends "off" for good behavior ,,..
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