Just returned from my consult with the surgeon who will be putting in my port-a-cath next Wednesday. He is going to do the surgery using just a local.
I was wondering if all the Lyme port "veterans" would mind letting me know if they had the local and if so how the procedure went for them. I viewed the photos on TDTID's caringbridge site (thanks kathy!) but was hoping someone could walk me through the procedure.
I HATE being put to sleep so I'm thankful for the local but I would like to know if anyone has had a negative experience with using just a local. He offered to give me some heavy sedation but I do not like feeling so out of it.
Also, the surgeon said it would have to heal for one week before it could be accessed....is this normal? Sorry for all the questions....I'm just the type that likes to know exactly what to expect. Posted by ugagal (Member # 18471) on :
Anyone??
Posted by SuZ-Q (Member # 5903) on :
My daughter was put to sleep for hers. Can't remember about how long it took to access it. I thought it was right away, but not sure.
Posted by ugagal (Member # 18471) on :
Thanks for the response Suz-Q. I really was wanting to begin therapy as soon as possible and was disappointed to hear that I'd have to wait a week before having the port accessed.
Posted by hshbmom (Member # 9478) on :
-conscious sedation was used---2-3 times more than normal was required, which caused a lot of nausea and vomiting during recovery, and made recovery longer than anticipated
-the port was accessed by the surgeon and the first dose of antibiotics infused before leaving the hospital because it was so late the LLMD had left the office for the day (and weekend!)
-the needle IS in the package with the port--Make sure no one throws the needle away; they usually toss the little packet containing the needle. Remind everyone you see to save the Huber needle...nurses, the anesthesiologist, and the surgeon.
-ask your LLMD to ask the surgeon to access the port. Your may have to go to the LLMD's office straight from recovery to receive the first dose of antibiotic.
-you may have a lot of dried blood on your neck and in your hair after surgery
-you may experience nausea and vomiting after surgery
-the needle is usually replaced once a week when treating You can shower, bathe, or swim only when the needle is out (deaccessed). You must flush the port monthly when not in use.
-although a power port is made to withdraw blood, many feel strongly that doing so has caused their port to be ruined
-it took about 4 weeks to recover from the surgery; it was still tender then, especially when it needed to be accessed
Hint: DO NOT get your port placed on a Friday or the day before a holiday. If you have problems, you may have a difficult time finding someone knowledgeable to help you.
The Huber needle is L-shaped with a slight bend in the short leg of the L. The long leg sits parallel to the skin, and can rest 1/8 to 1/4" above the skin. The short leg has the actual needle which is inserted into the septum ....like the L is tipped over to the right. Make sense?
Hint: The needle CAN stick up 1/8 to 1/4" above your skin. You DON'T have to try to cram the needle all the way to your backbone to get the needle seated properly in the port...it will end up bent and will be H*++ to remove the needle.
Hint: Don't let anyone that seems inexperienced or hesitant TOUCH your port. Educate yourself on proper way to access your port. This is an expensive device to replace...financially and physically. You're responsible for how it's handled.
Hint: If you have any problem with the port, you can have an interventional radiologist conduct a "dye study" on the port to assess the functioning of the port. You do not have to remove the port to see if it's working properly.
If you can think of anything else, be sure to ask.
If anyone finds a way to keep the accessed port DRY during a shower, please let us know.
[ 03-28-2009, 05:31 PM: Message edited by: hshbmom ]
Posted by ugagal (Member # 18471) on :
Thanks so much for the valuable info hshbmom....it is sincerely appreciated. The links you provided are great and it helps so much to hear about it from someone who has first-hand experience with the surgery.
Posted by viva (Member # 8183) on :
Hi ugagal,
My husband's port insertion was a couple of years ago, but best he can recall, he got a "light general" anesthesia. The procedure went very smoothly. It does seem that they like to wait about a week for things to heal up a bit before accessing for treatment.
He had some soreness on the sight for a few days. I do remember icing it with one of those soft freezable ice packs for 20 minutes at a time. But that didn't last long.
The port has done yeoman's duty for him, through both chemotherapy and now IV abx.
I'm sorry I can't be more detailed, but I hope this is at least reassuring! Please feel free to PM with any other questions about his experience.
My best to you, Viva
ps How d'ya like that Dawgs baseball team this year???
Posted by ugagal (Member # 18471) on :
Thanks Viva! I honestly don't follow the baseball but I'm a little concerned about the football team without Stafford at the helm.
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