posted
I have a powerport and I like it more than my 3 PICC lines. I know some chest ports are not complelt under your skin but this one is. I am tiny so you can see it under my skin but it is not bad at all. I was highly concerned about the way it would look because I am 23. It just looks like a slightly raised bump. It has a scar but its an inch long.
It can definatly be better concealed than a picc line because of its location. I wear tanktops that cover it complely. Mine is about an inch from my armpit. Abarantly its ultra-low profile. When it is acccessed (needle in) the needle looks like a butterfly on my chest. THe needle has a 6" long tubing which I just tuck into my bra. It is more noticable when the needle is in because the needle sticks out of your chest more. The needle stick doesnt hurt at all even thoguh I know some people use numbing creams.
I think its better than a picc because I can shower normally when it it is deacessed. When the needle is in it is a lot harder than a picc to keep dry when showering or bathing. I have only had mine for two months so I havent found a method that works so far. I also went swimming with it once on a good day which was fun.
I have also taken it our a couple times for vanity reasons. The needle easily pulls out and there is no mark left when its taken out. I dunno why the doctors told you that you could get infected when the needles out because it is complely under your skin! My nurse said that as soon as the needle is out your infection chance drops.
ANyways, I would never get a PICC line again after having my port because it is a lot easier, less risk of infection, and you only have to flush it once a month when not in use. I can provide photos if you want.
Take care, Lindsay
-------------------- "One day at a time"
Current: -1.2 IM bicillin three times a week -1.25 IV Vancomycin every day -IV glutathione and IM B12 -Byron White since Jan. 2011 -ALA, Yasko protocal, Adapten-All, thyrosol, Pekano, phosphalipid exchange, probiotics, oregano... Posts: 390 | From FLORIDA | Registered: Jun 2007
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tdtid
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10276
posted
Holy Smoke. I thought it was enough to go through the pros and cons of ports and picc lines and now you toss out all these port options.
Is there any MAJOR differences in all these and what may be pros and cons? Which did your doctor recommend and what did the surgeon suggest? What reasons were given.
Wow, enough to make a head spin more than mine already is spinning.
Cathy
-------------------- "To Dream The Impossible Dream" Man of La Mancha Posts: 2638 | From New Hampshire | Registered: Oct 2006
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i'm hoping users of these ports can shed a bit of light.. if so, please post or respond directly to email addy below, thanks. -- sonicbmx [email protected]
-------------------- "The hell with Drs.. we have each other!" My story began here:
posted
My husband has had a Groshong for six months now. Very easy to use. Initially we wanted the under the skin port but after we told the surgeon what we were going to use it for he convinced us the Groshong was the way to go.
It's turned out fine and I'm glad that we don't have to mess with accessing the port with a needle or having to have a nurse come access it.
Posts: 984 | From San Diego | Registered: Nov 2006
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It is all about what you want not what the surgeon wants, he doesn't have to wear it.
I had a picc and hated it. Now I have a port and much prefer a port to hickman or groshong central line cuz there is more freedom with it ie no tube hanging out of chest when port is deaccessed. And accessing the port with huber needle is no big deal.
In terms of what kind or brand of port will be placed depends upon what the surgery center or hospital has in stock and on contract. I have a bard power port becuase that is what the hospital stocked and the interventional radiologists prefers to place as they can handle contrast dye for imagining studies.
Posts: 188 | From ID | Registered: Jan 2007
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posted
Picc(peripherally inserted central catheter- inserted in arm)line is less invasive and easier to put in. but difficult to conceal.
other central lines (ie: groshong, hickman) are placed generally in the chest area and have different names due to differnt manufacturers. still have line sticking out of your body.
Implanted port, medi port dura port. metal device placed under the skin when needle is removed cannot see anything excert a little bump. however if on abx daily wont have time to reap this benefit. this surgery is more invasive. needle is changed once a week. i have never heard of teaching a patient how to change this needle. it is a sterile proceedure and although not terribly difficult, needs to be done correctly to prevent infection. some nurses don't even have knowledge on changing these needles.
dressing change done weekly with needle change for port. same technique for care of all above access devices. line flushing and adminstration. if you have a port with a needle accessed in your chest or a central line with placement in your chest you will still have them conealed under clothes but will always have line in place to access so not completely concealed.
hope this helps
Posts: 26 | From verona, nj | Registered: Jun 2008
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