I am scheduled for port placement by interventional radiology and noticed they did not give a choice of type of port. I don't care about the ability to withdraw blood - only want things to go in - but aren't there multiple types in current use? Tree
Posted by kgg (Member # 5867) on :
My port is from the company Bard. The most important part for me is the Groshong catheter. It prevents air embolisms, blood reflux and clots. I believe the addition of the Groshong catheter is relatively new, but I asked for it.
I also requested one that can be accessed more than less. But because of that, it is thick. That thickness initially made it hard to access the port. So I don't know if I recommend that or not. I just wanted my Port to last a long time.
Faithful, will mention her Power Port. What I like I about that is that it tends to be smaller. And it has three bumps on it to help find the right spot for the needle. Kind of like, X marks the spot. There have been times when I wish mine was the Power Port.
Lastly, Faithful has mentioned that she marked where her bra straps hit her chest area so that the port was implanted to avoid rubbing. (Obviously only needed if you are female).
I am glad that you don't care about blood withdrawal. My surgeon did not want me to aspirate or do a blood draw through the port. His theory was that no matter how well you flush the port there was still a chance that a clot could form in the port and then get flushed out. Not good.
Hope that helps, Karen
Posted by poppy (Member # 5355) on :
Try an archive search for the word port and previous posts on the subject will come up. Been discussed frequently, so maybe you will get additional help there.
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
I have an AngioDynamics Low Profile Smart Port. It is very tiny. About the size of a nickel.
It also does NOT have any raised bumps. I could not have the bumps because they could erode through my skin due to my collegen disorder. You access it always in the soft silicon center and avoid the hard metal outer rim (both you can feel).
Mine is not a silicon catheter with groshong tip because my surgeon thought that the material of my poly catheter would last longer. This was a tough choice. Really, both catheters work well and last a long time.
If you are simply getting a port for Lyme, you don't need to stress so much. You will only keep it a year or two max. You will probably not need to keep your port as long as me. I need mine for life since I need IVIG for my immune deficiency.
When you see your surgeon talk about your concerns. That is what I did, that is how we ended up picking out what I think is the best port for me.
Your hospital may only stock one or two ports. If you want another you may have to allow a month or two for your surgeon to contact the company rep to get a port for you if they are willing to do that.
I would recommend that you get a power port, it allows for higher pressure infusions and is visible on x-ray or CT.
Best for you to go talk with your doctor though. It will all be OK
Oh and I do have my labs drawn through my port because my veins are gone... Wish I didn't have to but glad I have the port and can use it!
Posted by faithful777 (Member # 22872) on :
Don't let them draw blood from your port. It will promote clotting.
I have a Bard Power Port that is only accessed when I infuse. When you are done for the week, the needle comes out so you can shower, swim or sauna if you would like to. My husband has the same thing.
Mine is staying in until I am sure remission will stick around. I only need to flush it once a month.
Posted by Rumigirl (Member # 15091) on :
I have a Bard Power Port, also. I asked for a low-profile, small port (I am small on top). It is a little harder to access as a result of being small, but otherwise is good.
I do recommend having a consult with the surgeon ahead of time to discuss which kind of port and where it will be placed.
If you are female, you may want to draw a line with a magic marker as to where your scoop necks are, so the port is below and to the side of this, so it won't show.
The dressing that goes over it when you are accessed (the needle is in) is clear, but shiny, so that will only show, if it isn't placed just so.
In terms of how long you keep it, if you have had Lyme for a very long time, you may want to keep the port for years, as if you
have a relapse, you may need it again. That's my feeling. In my case, I've needed it for years already, due to so many treatment obstacles, and long-term IVIG.
Once you get it, get the nursing guidelines from your infusion company, and familiarize yourself with exactly what the nurse
should do and not do. And don't ever let a nurse take short cuts or do or not do anything they shouldn't. Make sure that they
follow sterile and clean technique to a T. Your life and the life of your port depends on it.
Posted by faithful777 (Member # 22872) on :
I wore a racer back bra to my appt and had the radiologist mark where the straps were. They cut in a lot and I wear those types of tops a lot in the summer. He was happy to accommodate me.
I never minded if my port showed with a tank top. If someone asked about it, it gave me a chance to tell them about Lyme disease.
Posted by treeinatree (Member # 38613) on :
Finally found out, it is a PowerPort - and that's the only one they use. After reading several stories of people with PowerPorts who had catheter separations and the tube floating in their body, I'm happy some of you are doing well with it! Tree
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