Topic: Question for women who have or have had a port
Rumigirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15091
posted
For the women who have or have had a port:
How do you hide the port when it's accessed, besides wearing shirts that completely cover it up?? Most women's tops are form-fitting and somewhat low-cut. And it's not very appealing to have it simply showing under the Tegederm or Op Site dressing when it's accessed!
Any other ideas?? It's a little easier with a PICC line. And men don't have to worry about it! Thank you.
[ 11-12-2009, 12:09 PM: Message edited by: Rumigirl ]
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Rumigirl
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Member # 15091
posted
up for replies.
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Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5829
posted
For these situations I've heard a paper bag over the head works well. But, be sure to cut eye holes in it so you can see while walking.
And you are right.. it won't cover the port.... but at least no one will know who you are so you won't be embarrased by it.
Actually, I was in bed most of the time I had a port so that problem didn't concern me.
I have, however, seen others with ports who were out in public. The looser fitting tops seemed to hide the port fairly well.
Maybe a shopping trip is in order?
Wish I had better ideas than a paper bag and buying a couple new shirts... but that's all for now.
Hoosiers51
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15759
posted
That's a good question.
I honestly don't even know what a port looks like. Though if I get IV again, I might opt for a port, not a PICC.
I wonder how big the scar will be on your chest afterwards? Like will that interfere with wearing lower cut tops later on? Or strapless dresses, which is what I normally wear to spring/summer weddings, etc? Would people see a big scar?
Getting better would be worth it, but I would still like to know what I'd be left with.
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Rumigirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
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posted
Tincup, too funny! Did the IV tx help you alot?? I presume so, although there is no magic bullet.
I know that you are left with a scar. I guess it depends how big it is. I know sometimes it is big and noticeable. Not so much of an issue for a guy, but for a woman, not so great. Sigh.
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Lightweight scarves are very popular these days and can be draped in many different ways.
LLBEAN and LANDS' END web sites offer good soft cotton shirts that are not too form fitting. I think the LLBEAN shirts are more substantial.
Find a good cotton knit - but not RIBBED knit as it is much thinner fabric. Other than being very thin, ribbed knits catch on everything, even the corner of surgical tape. -
[ 11-12-2009, 03:22 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
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Rumigirl
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Member # 15091
posted
Thank you, Keebler. It would be easier to cover up in the winter, of course.
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Rumigirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15091
posted
OMG, Tincup!! You should have shot him! Except that you'd now be in jail if you had. Him and all the other blasted ducks.
I had made good progress on IV for 6 months this year (interspersed with a new tick bite and a downhill slide). Then I had a string of tx problems, including gall bladder sludging from the ceftriaxone (horrible nausea!), a leak in my PICC line (it had to be removed), severe tinnitus from the orals, so no tx at all for 6 weeks. And I slid back down to even worse than before!! Hence, the need for a new line.
And I had so much pain for 5 straight months with the PICC; my veins seem to be terrible. I may still get another PICC after all. Tough call PICC or port. Thank you, gals. Anyone else care to pipe up?
Also, what do you do about showering with a port?? It sounds tough, tougher than a PICC, which was challenging enough.
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posted
ok... for shirts, actually quite a few of my t-shirt or even some dress shirts covered it very well. only few that didnt. and after few mo. well,.... i really just didnt care !!!
as for shower... BATH ... our garden tub has gotten its use tenfold !!!!
at first had to go to salon for hairwash at least once during the week, then got ok with over the tub wash/condition hair with help, then on own..
finally got pretty good at it and now ins. denied any more IV and new letter of reversal of that.. looks like get another month !!
and dont get too sweaty, rain,etc.. nothing to get dsg. wet!! want it dry, clean, intact !
i prefered port over picc. i would flush/ hep lock port on thurs night and de-access myself. my nurse would come out mon am to access and do sterile dressing.. so had weekends "off" for good behavior ,,..
-------------------- i am not a Dr. any info is only for education, suggestion or to think/research. please do not mis-intuprest as diagnostic or prescriptive, only trying to help. **
dx in 08:lyme, rmsf, bart, babs, and m.pneumonia. Posts: 422 | From TX | Registered: Oct 2008
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