posted
I have not posted on here before but I have learned some valuable information and what information I have learned has been a godsend to me even if some of it scares me out of my mind.
My doctor and I finally agreed on a central port for Intravenous antibiotics. This should have happened about 3 years ago because no combination of oral antibiotis and there were MANY was not enough but I did not have health insurance until now.
Can Anyone tell me what to expect and anything that helps make any of this easier to cope with. I am trying to stay hopeful but I feel like this my last resort. I just want at least some semblance of a normal life back after 5 years of having nothing even close to normal. I Guess What I am saying is I am really scared.
posted
Hi - I broke up your text for easier reading for many here -
I have witnessed many people in support groups with ports, so it does happen.
Others with experience will be along soon to make comments and help you through. You have come to the right place!
Posts: 13171 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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droid1226
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 34930
posted
Don't be scared, it's easy. Keep it flushed and clean. Always.
posted
I have had a Hickman line in my chest for 18 months and I have had no problems (touch wood) with it.
I have a nurse that comes once a week to change my dressing.
I cannot get it wet so I bath instead of shower, and put the tubes in a plastic bag that seals and tape it to my chest.
I flush it every day and clean it well. So far so good.
My son is getting one put in on Monday and he is terrified too!
The thing that I did not expect was that it was quite painful after the surgery, but within a week, the pain was gone.
They gave me sedation to have it done.
Best of luck! Its been a life saver for me!
Posts: 187 | From Connecticut | Registered: Jun 2013
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poppy
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5355
posted
Nobody could hate medical stuff like this worse than me, but I did it anyway. Just try to look at it as saving your life.
Posts: 2888 | From USA | Registered: Mar 2004
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posted
Thank you for your helpful comments.I certainly know that I am not the only one to do this but that doesn't mean I want to have it done. Like you said Poppy I know it is saving my life and in the end that's the most important thing not just for me but for my husband and two sons.
OceangirlSA, what is the difference between a central port and a Hickman line and GretaM, what is a hep lock? In the beginning of my diagnosis I did all kind of research but that just made things so much worse if any of you know what mean!
-------------------- Officially Diagnosed in 2008
IgeneX Western Blot Test Results:
Igenex IGM-Positive CDC/NYS-Negative
Igenex IGG-Positive CDC/NYS-Negative Posts: 9 | From Alexandria, LA | Registered: Jan 2014
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posted
I have had my port for over two years now with no problems. I have a Bard Slim power port.
A hickman has a line that comes out of the port and is capped off when you are not using it. You must cover that area to bathe so that it does not get wet.
My port must stay dry when accessed but when I am not infusing several days a week and the huber needle is out, I can shower and get it wet.
I feel you have much more freedom with a port.
-------------------- Faithful
Just sharing my experience, I am not a doctor. Posts: 2682 | From Colorado | Registered: Oct 2009
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