Set up for IV port to go in on Wednesday the 15th. First infusion has to be in the hospital and it is going to be an all day event.
Interventional Radiologist said that it takes just as long to suture as it does to put the port in. They want to minimize scarring. I was glad to hear that.
I am going with the smallest slim powerport they have. Doctor said brands don't really make a difference any more. Prayers needed for no complications.
Posted by Sammi (Member # 110) on :
faithful777, good luck! I hope all goes well.
Post afterwards when you are able.
Posted by gatorade girl (Member # 24896) on :
Good luck. Ask for a script for embla (sp?) cream.
Posted by Rumigirl (Member # 15091) on :
Emla cream. It numbs the area before you are accessed (new needle put in) weekly. You use it about an hour beforehand. Put some on the area and put a band aid over it. It helps a lot!
Having the port put in was really not so bad in my experience. Don't worry, if you have a good surgeon, it should go fine. Do get an rx for pain meds for afterwards, in case you need them, which you might.
Posted by fatigued15 (Member # 6437) on :
powerports are very easy to access.
Posted by kidsgotlyme (Member # 23691) on :
This is so much better than a picc in my opinion. We had so much trouble with the picc line, but since getting a port, it's been a breeze.
Posted by Tracy9 (Member # 7521) on :
Love my port....was not prepared for the amount of post surgical pain afterward. Make sure to get pain meds...Tylenol most certainly did not cut it! Then again I have a Power port, he was in there a long time I thought fishing around, but it hurt like heck for several days afterward and I was not expecting that.
Posted by faithful777 (Member # 22872) on :
All they do is powerports now. I have vicodin for disc pain so I am all set. I can't imagine they would give me something stronger than that to go home with.
I expect there is going to be surgical pain. I must admit I am a bit nervous and scared. Last time I went into the hospital was November for a Lap chole, which was supposed to be a one day thing.
Ended up with stones in my bile ducts and spent three days in a hospital where the nurses were awful and I was NPO for three days. Worse yet, I ended up 7 lbs heavier when I left the hosptial. Go figure!!
I know the port is better long term than a picc. I have low, low blood pressure and figured my veins would not support a picc, not to mention I have 4 dogs.
Ended up with Infuserve, but I think my insurance will pick up the first 28 days at least. Prayers please for no complications.
Posted by faithful777 (Member # 22872) on :
Did you have the port put in on the right or the left? They want to put it on the left.
Did you have issues wearing a bra?
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
Faithful, my port is placed on the left side. That is where the surgeon wanted it.
I did not think about the bra issue before my port was placed. Thankfully most of my current favorite underwire bras just happen to be the lower cut balconette style. So they don't hit the huber needle when my port is accessed.
After surgery, I sadly discovered that my comfy sleep bras hit right across the huber needle when my port is accessed (which is all the time). So they weren't so comfy or safe.
I ended up having to go to the store and found that "bralettes" were cut low enough to not hit the huber needle. And they are super comfortable...and pretty So now I'm happy with my new "sleep" bras.
faithful, try not to worry. It's hard, I know. I will be praying for you that your surgery will go well, that you will have no complications and will heal quickly. Take care friend!
Posted by faithful777 (Member # 22872) on :
Infuserve called last night and they don't have the huber needles I need. They ran out filling all the orders before mine. Where can I get some without buying a case? I need 22 gauge 1/2 inch.
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
The surgeon will access your port for you in the OR. WAIT to order your needles until you know how deep he/she places your port. What worked for you before might not work for you now.
I also use the 22g 1/2in huber needle. These are generally used in children and babies, rarely in adults. That's why Infuserve has to special order them. They typically arrive at my house within a couple days.
So you will be able get the needles before your dressing and the OR placed needle needs replaced. (Remember, you won't need to change the dressing and reaccess until next wed!)
Don't worry, Infuserve will be able to take care of your needs. It just might not arrive tomorrow with your shipment. It might come a few days later because it will be special ordered for you.
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
faithful, I've been remembering to pray for you! Hugs
Bumping this up so others will remember to pray for you too!
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
So now I'm happy with my new "sleep" bras.