My husband has just started on IV Rocephin. He has a port in his chest (getting double duty; was originally put in for chemotherapy).
Our home health nurse told us he could not shower with it (she said he had to take "birdbaths"). This would mean no FIR sauna, since he obviously has to shower after that. Also, he gets a lot of relief from his skin symptoms by taking hot showers.
Not to mention the cleanliness factor :-)
I know this may not seem like a big deal, but it is to him. He is actually pretty upset about it.
Please let me know how you dealt with this!!
Thanks for any ideas!!
Viva
[ 18. December 2008, 09:29 PM: Message edited by: viva ]
Posts: 532 | From southeast US | Registered: Oct 2005
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northstar
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up.
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sammy
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If the port is implanted under the skin (completely covered by the skin, no tubes coming out)and it is not accessed with the needle and tubing set up then it should be fine to take a shower.
If it is accessed then you need to keep the dressing on with the area clean and dry. Taking a regular shower would not be a good idea. It would be safer to do the "bird bath".
If by port you mean more of a central line where the tubing is always sticking out and you need a dressing to cover it then no don't take a shower with it either.
Your best bet would be to follow the advice of the home care nurse until you can speak with the doctor to clarify. You might also want to ask about using the sauna too since that would involve sweating.
Sorry I can't be more of a help to you. Hopefully someone else with more experience will chime in.
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The port is accessed (needle in). You're right about checking with the LLMD, and we're supposed to get a call tomorrow.
I did find a product called Aquaguard that is made specifically to protect IV/port/PICC line sites during showering, but I don't know how protective it really is.
Our shower has a hand-held sprayer, so that might be better than a regular shower head.
You're right in that if there is no showering, then he can't use the sauna, which has become a really important part of his detoxing. I'd hate to lose that for a month or two.
So confusing...one step forward and another step back.
Viva
Posts: 532 | From southeast US | Registered: Oct 2005
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A belated thank you to all who posted and PMed me about these questions.
We've got it under control...turns out there were Aqua Guard pads (clear, waterproof plastic with adhesive around the edges). Husband puts on over the dressing, and showers with the sprayer, aiming away from the port area.
Not being able to use the FIR sauna is a drag, since that has become a major detox channel. Along with continuing all the current detox meds, LLMD has suggested dry skin brushing with a loofah. Husband hasn't had the energy to try it yet, but it seems like a good suggestion.
Thanks again!
Viva
Posts: 532 | From southeast US | Registered: Oct 2005
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I have had a PICC line for a year and I use my sauna. My Dr said it was OK as long as the dressing was changed afterward. I questioned it several times to be sure it was OK. My husband changes the dressing. It is simple to do.
Of coursen you should get your LLMD's approval. I don't think all would agree but I haven't had any problems. I was leary because my first PICC line got septis (Didn't do sauna then so was not a factor). I am very cautious as a result, but I would hate to give up the sauna. I don't detox well.
Posts: 262 | From nj | Registered: Dec 2007
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It depends on the type of port he has. I had a hickman port that was needless and it was a saline tube that came out of my chest.
As long as the clasp was close my cardiovascular surgeon said it was fine to shower and swim without a dresssing or covering.
After my surgery the nurse came to my house and told me I had to wear a dressing and put Aqua Gaurd over my dressing (which never even worked). After 6 months I saw my surgeon and he asked why my chest was so raw and if I had been wearing a dressing.
I told him yes and shower with a cover. He was like the whole reason we went with this port was so that you didn't have to do that! I wasted so much time and money, so I would call your surgeon.
These nurses don't always know. I took showers, I swam, I had my port for 15 months and I never had a problem.
My surgeon also placed two different anti-baterial pieces in with the port. One about 2 inches up and the other right at the skin line but I never saw or felt it. That is what prevents the bacteria.
Good luck
Posts: 484 | From Burlingame, Ca | Registered: Sep 2005
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My husband has a port-a-cath; not sure if that's considered a Hickman. When he used it for chemotherapy, he could bathe and swim, since it was not accessed between treatments. No problem!
But now it's accessed between treatments, so that's the rub.
He's been getting by pretty well with the Aqua guards. We see our LLMD this Monday, and I'm very interested to hear what he says about it all.
Will let you know what he says!
Viva
Posts: 532 | From southeast US | Registered: Oct 2005
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WildCondor
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Ask your doctor!!
A port should be fine...! if it was JUST put in..then let it heal first. if its been in awhile..should be fine to shower and swim. if your worried put a tegaderm on it.
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My daughters LLMD told us that as long as the port was de-accessed (no needle) it was okay for the port site to get wet.
My husband had a port for several years (not for Lyme) and when it was not accessed, he would go swimming and everything...so, I imagine it's fine, but as always, check with your LLMD.
Good luck to your husband with both his chemo and Lyme treatments-- poor guy! He's in my prayers.
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