posted
I just came back from my LLMD. In the next week or two I have to get the surgery in the chest wall for an IV port. Does it hurt? Do they put you out for the surgery. The surgery center has not called me yet to set up the appointment. I'm kinda scared to do it but its the only option at this point, I'm not getting any better on Bicillin for the last year.
Posts: 58 | From Silicon Valley | Registered: Sep 2008
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posted
Are you getting a port a catheter. If so...Yes it is put in under general anesthesia. You will be sore after, but the pain goes away.
-------------------- gatorade girl
"I still have Mt.Everest to climb, but I have traveled across the world and arrived at the mountain". Posts: 633 | From baltimore | Registered: Mar 2010
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posted
I think my doctor said a port. OK thanks!
Posts: 58 | From Silicon Valley | Registered: Sep 2008
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Haley
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 22008
posted
Hi Butterfli,
I understand your apprehension. I had a port put in my chest. Everyone told me that I should get a PICC. Even before I was going under anesthesia the surgeon said "you have Lyme, why didn't you get a PICC?" I got the port because my non LLMD doctor approved it and I wanted to get it in before he changed his mind.
The surgery itself went smooth. I had pain in my neck and I had a hard time breathing. I thought what have I done? I was feeling fine within about 2 weeks. Maybe sooner.
I am very glad now that I have the port and not the PICC. When I am de-accessed I can do anything I want physically. My biggest problem is that I am probably the only person with a port in San Diego that doesn't have cancer. I need to be able to have it flushed with Heparin once a month and I can't find a place that can do that. somehow God always provides.
You will be fine. When is your surgery?
Posts: 2232 | From USA | Registered: Aug 2009
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posted
I dont know I just got back from the doctor a few hours ago. The surgery center hasn't called me yet, but apparently they handle everything from my insurance to getting the medicine to home care nurses. My doctor said they would call very soon and that I'll probably have it next week or the week after.
Posts: 58 | From Silicon Valley | Registered: Sep 2008
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Haley
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 22008
posted
Please keep us posted on how everything goes.
I do have home nursing but I have a limited amount so I was looking for a IV clinic for when I am de-accessed to have a Heparin flush.
Posts: 2232 | From USA | Registered: Aug 2009
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posted
What does de-accessed mean? Sorry to keep asking questions but I'm wondering what to expect from this. Will my herx's be worse? over the last year and a half my herx's were no longer then a day. What are the effects of the medicine going directly into the heart like will i be sick more often? I know everyone is different but just trying to get a general idea of what to expect.
Posts: 58 | From Silicon Valley | Registered: Sep 2008
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Haley
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 22008
posted
I don't have spell check so hopefully I'm spelling it correctly. You can always PM me also if you have questions.
You will have a needle in your port during the time you are receiving meds. Your needle will be changed once a week. While the needle is in you are accessed when it is out you are de-accessed. The needle is always covered with a plastic adhesive. You will need to take baths and avoid getting the bandaid wet. Be very very careful to avoid any infection.
You can PM me anytime with questions. Do you know what medicine you will be on?
Posts: 2232 | From USA | Registered: Aug 2009
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posted
I usually ice it before the nurse comes to access it. It is not that bad.I have had both the picc and the port.
-------------------- gatorade girl
"I still have Mt.Everest to climb, but I have traveled across the world and arrived at the mountain". Posts: 633 | From baltimore | Registered: Mar 2010
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Rumigirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15091
posted
In my understanding ports are usually put in under only local anesthetic, but also using a short-acting sedative that puts you out for a short time. So it's an out-patient procedure.
I was trying to get a port, as I had lots of pain and problems with a PICC line. Many people who've had both say they prefer the port.
One advantage of the port is it can stay in a long time (years, if need be), so if you need it again down the line, it's already there.
Posts: 3792 | From around | Registered: Mar 2008
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