i want to upgrade my PICC to a CHEST port but not sure which one to go with. i've had a double port PICC for 8 month now.
my LLMD's are telling me one thing and the surgeons are telling me another.
they've suggested: PowerPort, MediPort, SpeedPort, Groshong, Hickman.. any suggestions with good reason?
i push daily and surgeons are saying removing the needle often could cause infection.. what to do?
want to get back to work but the PICC is balling that up. looking for something durable, low maintenance, hidden/concealed.
the PICC's been great but it prevents me from working due to wardrobe issues. i also want to swim or get wet if necessary.
i'm scheduled for surgery 7/7 so i have only few days to choose and locate the selected port.
remember.. i fall down and/or get banged up for a living, thanks. -- sonicbmx
Posted by LuLuFlorida (Member # 12066) on :
I have a powerport and I like it more than my 3 PICC lines. I know some chest ports are not complelt under your skin but this one is. I am tiny so you can see it under my skin but it is not bad at all. I was highly concerned about the way it would look because I am 23. It just looks like a slightly raised bump. It has a scar but its an inch long.
It can definatly be better concealed than a picc line because of its location. I wear tanktops that cover it complely. Mine is about an inch from my armpit. Abarantly its ultra-low profile. When it is acccessed (needle in) the needle looks like a butterfly on my chest. THe needle has a 6" long tubing which I just tuck into my bra. It is more noticable when the needle is in because the needle sticks out of your chest more. The needle stick doesnt hurt at all even thoguh I know some people use numbing creams.
I think its better than a picc because I can shower normally when it it is deacessed. When the needle is in it is a lot harder than a picc to keep dry when showering or bathing. I have only had mine for two months so I havent found a method that works so far. I also went swimming with it once on a good day which was fun.
I have also taken it our a couple times for vanity reasons. The needle easily pulls out and there is no mark left when its taken out. I dunno why the doctors told you that you could get infected when the needles out because it is complely under your skin! My nurse said that as soon as the needle is out your infection chance drops.
ANyways, I would never get a PICC line again after having my port because it is a lot easier, less risk of infection, and you only have to flush it once a month when not in use. I can provide photos if you want.
Take care, Lindsay
Posted by tdtid (Member # 10276) on :
Holy Smoke. I thought it was enough to go through the pros and cons of ports and picc lines and now you toss out all these port options.
Is there any MAJOR differences in all these and what may be pros and cons? Which did your doctor recommend and what did the surgeon suggest? What reasons were given.
Wow, enough to make a head spin more than mine already is spinning.
Cathy
Posted by sonicbmx (Member # 12949) on :
i asked for a Groshong initially but my LLMD said a PICC was the way to go.
i think he wanted to see how well i adjusted meds and the line for safety reasons (also could be red flag for insur).
haven't had much time to research these ports.. photos help me the most. found some pics but i want to see them mounted.
i'm hoping users of these ports can shed a bit of light.. if so, please post or respond directly to email addy below, thanks. -- sonicbmx [email protected] Posted by Parisa (Member # 10526) on :
My husband has had a Groshong for six months now. Very easy to use. Initially we wanted the under the skin port but after we told the surgeon what we were going to use it for he convinced us the Groshong was the way to go.
It's turned out fine and I'm glad that we don't have to mess with accessing the port with a needle or having to have a nurse come access it.
Posted by Doomer (Member # 11013) on :
There is lots of good info on this thread, it also contains pictures.
It is all about what you want not what the surgeon wants, he doesn't have to wear it.
I had a picc and hated it. Now I have a port and much prefer a port to hickman or groshong central line cuz there is more freedom with it ie no tube hanging out of chest when port is deaccessed. And accessing the port with huber needle is no big deal.
In terms of what kind or brand of port will be placed depends upon what the surgery center or hospital has in stock and on contract. I have a bard power port becuase that is what the hospital stocked and the interventional radiologists prefers to place as they can handle contrast dye for imagining studies.
Posted by sonicbmx (Member # 12949) on :
more questions..
is a nurse mandatory with a chest port?
when the needle is in the PowerPort.. is it kept in place with a Stat-Lock device?
is the Groshong a PICC line for the chest or there a Chest Port version?
is it necessary to have a Double-Lumen Groshong?
i have a Double Lumen PICC Line with Clamps.. are Clamps and Double Lumens really necessary (mine bugs me)?
i found this link but there are no pics of the PowerPort or Groshong mounted on a body.
my ideal chest mounted port would be a Single Lumen Groshong without Clamps.. does anyone have one of these?
my other problem is i'm allergic to Tegaderm so i use a 3M Medipore +Pad (Hypoallergenic bandage).
please send me pics to addy below if you have one mounted, thanks. -- sonicbmx [email protected] Posted by amye (Member # 16052) on :
Picc(peripherally inserted central catheter- inserted in arm)line is less invasive and easier to put in. but difficult to conceal.
other central lines (ie: groshong, hickman) are placed generally in the chest area and have different names due to differnt manufacturers. still have line sticking out of your body.
Implanted port, medi port dura port. metal device placed under the skin when needle is removed cannot see anything excert a little bump. however if on abx daily wont have time to reap this benefit. this surgery is more invasive. needle is changed once a week. i have never heard of teaching a patient how to change this needle. it is a sterile proceedure and although not terribly difficult, needs to be done correctly to prevent infection. some nurses don't even have knowledge on changing these needles.
dressing change done weekly with needle change for port. same technique for care of all above access devices. line flushing and adminstration. if you have a port with a needle accessed in your chest or a central line with placement in your chest you will still have them conealed under clothes but will always have line in place to access so not completely concealed.