Any one have one? My cousin who is a Dr told me about them.
Posted by scorpiogirl (Member # 31907) on :
I'm the queen of Central line problems so here is my take.
Port Catheter - under the skin. Useful if you get IV a few times a week. When not in use you can de-access the line and go about your business like normal. I opted out of this one b/c you have to go under general and two incisions are made to place the catheter. You also have to go under again to get it removed later. It did not make sense for me to get this one since I need to drip my IV at least once maybe twice a day. That means I would have to keep the line accessed at all time which defeats the purpose of being able to de-access the line at all.
That brings us to the Hickman line. This is less invasive and was done under sedation. I thought this would be a better than Picc line since it will be hidden under my shirt and out of the way. But pretty soon I realized that with a line out of my chest I could not take my detox baths! That was a big problem for me!
Then there is the intimacy part...let's just say it's a body part that hubby had a hard time not reaching for. And I could never hug him properly either.
Now I have a Picc line (Hickman was infected and had to be pulled). This line makes more sense to me. Much easier to wrap up and stick it out of the bathtub! So if I can keep this from getting infected then it's the best choice for me. Hope that helps.
Posted by aMomWithHope (Member # 19255) on :
Not sure this is what you are referring to, but LLMD said dd could use a IV arm port (can't remember the true name just now) instead of the PICC line, since dd was nervous about having it close to her heart.
The IV arm port would only stay in for 3.5 days, then removed, then another put in after the 3.5 days of being off, and repeated so on.......
Posted by scorpiogirl (Member # 31907) on :
Yep we discussed this one too...
I believe it is called a Midline IV. Longer lasting than the regular peripheral line and a little bit more sturdier. A midline IV has a significantly longer cannula than normal-- 6 or more inches and can stay in for 3-5 days before you have to pull it. Since I need to drip IV at least once a day (twice on many days) long term, it won't take long before I will run out of veins to access.
But more importantly the meds I'm getting are caustic and it is NOT advisable to drip through the peripheral veins!
Trust me if there was a viable option I would be the first one in line to get it!! B/c I have had so many complications I had to learn about them all!! Posted by jazzygirl24 (Member # 30829) on :
HI, No, a mom with hope. The MD is talking about a regular peripheral IV, which needs to be changed every 3-5 days, depending how it is working (no redness, no swelling, no pain etc). Just a regular IV.
A midline is a peripheraly inserted catheter, with the end of it coming to the shoulder area. This put in like a PICC, using sterile technique (ie gown, mask, serile gloves etc) and is put in using a needle, and guide wire. It is not meant to be pulled out every 3-5 days. It can be used usually up to 4 weeks or so. Some patients have trouble because it is a smaller catheter, sometimes difficult to flush.
A nurse can insert a midline at home as it does not need an xray to check for placement, as the catheter terminates at the shoulder area, so it is not considered a "central" line, meaning the end does not termainate near the heart.
Grace
Posted by aMomWithHope (Member # 19255) on :
Yes, now that I see the name, that's what the LLND called it, a peripheral IV, so probably not the same IV--Arm Port IV--that the original poster was asking about.........sorry!
Posted by jazzygirl24 (Member # 30829) on :
HI a mom with hope, don't be sorry ! I was was just trying to help you!
Rosebuds mom, I beleive your cousin was talking about a pasport which is the same as a chest port a cath except the port is in the upper arm, usually on the inside of the arm by the bicep.
This used to be popular especially with women, because it was not as noticable as a chest port, lower profile.
But I am not sure it is used as much because they seem to be harder to access, they are smaler then a chest port, and you will have some limitations using the arm it is placed in ie exercise, lifting etc.
Grace
Posted by rosebuds mom (Member # 17435) on :
Thanks you for your responses.
Yes, jazzygirl thats the one. My cousin said that they are used frequently in LA (where she practices) because they are smaller and easier to deal with. It seems they use a child sized port and the scar is small?
I am not sure but would like to hear from someone who has one.
Posted by Spindleshanks (Member # 32556) on :
I have also heard of them but have not ever seen one or used one. I have my port on my rib cage way down on my side. It is also placed there so it is less noticeable. Vanity purposes I will admit it! It is very small and easy to access. It can cause some discomfort when sleeping if it is accessed. It is hard to cover for a shower because of the shape of the body. Also because the tube runs all the way up under the skin under my armpit it was very sore when they put it in. I think the one in the arm might be a better option just because of these reasons but it is definitely an option that more and more docs are doing today. I had an oncology doctor place mine.
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