ArtistDi
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 2297
posted
I would like to ask any of you with ports what your experience has been with them. Do you have it in your chest or your arm?
Is there more occurance of infection with these?
How about accessing...do you get sore and do you have the cap put on for several days?
Thank you in advance.
Di
Posts: 1572 | From Hatfield, MA, USA | Registered: Mar 2002
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ArtistDi
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 2297
posted
up
Posts: 1572 | From Hatfield, MA, USA | Registered: Mar 2002
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arg82
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 161
posted
Hi Di!
I have a port and have had it for almost 2 years (wow, time sure flies). I really love my port and I haven't had any trouble with it.
Do you have it in your chest or your arm?
I have my port in my chest. I do know someone who has one in her arm and she's able to do everything for it herself but it's a little trickier, but at the same time easier in some other ways.
Is there more occurance of infection with these?
I assume you mean compared to PICC lines or other chest lines. It's my understanding that ports have less chance of infection if you're very careful about the sterility when accessing it.
The lower chance of infection would be because when it's de-accessed, the port is completely under the skin so there isn't nearly as high a chance of germs wandering in there.
How about accessing...do you get sore and do you have the cap put on for several days?
By "cap" do you mean the needle? I stay accessed for a full week at a time usually, then de-access for a day, shower, take a nice bath, whatever and then re-access and run my infusion overnight that night (it's easier since I'm only on IV hydration right now and that can be done anytime during the day).
Sometimes I de-access more than once a week so I can get a good shower in (you don't have to cover it to shower when it's de-accessed) and I've never had a problem with being sore. My skin gets a little irritated by the alcohol sometimes but it's not very bad.
Here's a good place to go to get more information about ports - Port-a-Cath.
Let me know if there's any other questions I can answer for you! Also feel free to PM or e-mail me.
posted
I have a groshong catheter in my chest. It doesn't get accessed like a med port as it is always accessed. The first 3 months you can not get it wet but after that you can. It is painless afetr it heals (2 weeks) and I would not chose any other method. I have had it in for 6 months now.
Posts: 85 | From Eugene | Registered: Jun 2005
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