Topic: My Opinion about Port Vs Picc and What I wish someone had told me!!
springshowers
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19863
posted
I did research prior to getting my port but ...
But as I asked others I did not hear what I am going to say. Maybe people do not agree with me or just maybe people have not had both Like I ended up having.
But Now that I look back.. I wish I heard from someone who had both because.!!
The PICC was so so so so much easier on me than the PORT.
First off the PORT was so much harder to put in and took a surgical type team and cutting me open and I had stitches and such. And to get it out too again had to go through that full procedure backwards and even though they say its easier to take out its easier for THEM but for me it was the same. You have to go through all the drugs and IV and Be put near out and pull it out and stitch it up after cutting off scar tissue etc.
So its been about 4 months post taking the port out. I still hurt somewhat in that area and esp when i touch it and the scar is still red and poofy(outward from skin) but is getting better each week. Not to mention the scar right there on your chest that I do not care that much about.. But in contrast.. to the Picc its a huge difference.
I had to get a Picc line after my port got infected and I got sepsis and had to treat that sepsis after they took the port out of me.
Ok.. That was so easy! They did it in the hospital right there and just gave me a valium It was in in no time and no pain for me and no discomfort and for me the cleaning and care was the same pretty much.
The port had to be accessed with a needle by taking the other one out and putting a new one in. If your doing ongoing abx then that is a hassle actually and not fun. The needle starts to really feel annoying after a week and then they put another one right in. No break.
The picc line is just in there and I had no issues of feeling one way or another. It was actually easier to bath or shower with the Picc too. Easier to clean and change dressing if you ask me.
Also.. to take out the Picc Line.. Wow what a breeze.. Just pull it out and thats it. Bandaide.
I have small mark in my underarm that looks like a sun spot. Thats it. It was done and did not feel like any healing had to happen at all. It was that easy....
The only think about the Picc was that the nurses actually like the port better because they could run IVS faster. You did not get as much of a slowing affect even though after about 4 months of the Port it started to have signs of that.
So.. So.. I WISH I had been given this sort of information and read a post like this.. Because I would Not had gotten a PORT>
But the people with Ports gave their opinions that were honest and still very helpful as I did not know what to expect and got an idea..
I also was told that you will have as mall bump where the port was but for me it was much bigger and pronounced than I imagined it would be.
The Port also took awhile before I was not in pain after the insertion. My arm hurt and check hurt and I would also take a breath once in awhile or move the wrong way and something would like get stuck and i would get a a sharp pain and feel like I could not move. I then would just adjust a little my body and it would break free. I think this is not normal and I think I may have had more inflammation that maybe others in the beginning. It took about a month for it to feel somewhat normal.
The Picc took 1 day if even.....
Ok I just felt that I should write this for others to read.
I was told that they are about the same as far as the insertion and removal and the big thing people said was that the port was better because you could take out the needle and the skin was covering the whole thing so if you took breaks or days off you could go ahead and shower normally and swim etc.
Thats all great but I did not have breaks and well that sucked for me.
I did end up with just a couple weekends and it was nice but not nice enough to have chosen that over a Picc now that I know and can compare them.
Whew.. Ok.. I just had to get that off my chest.
Literally.. hahahaha
Its out now and so is the picc.... so.. whew whew.
Though I did well on my IV treatments and it is what I give credit to in my huge gains in treating this disease. After years of oral things only if wish I knew that my body just did so much better with IV treatments. I should have followed my dreams that I had about IV treatments and even IVs in my bedroom that is exactly what happened.
The other dream is about getting my blood filtered all night every night in my bedroom. One IV in one arm and another in the other and the blood out of one arm and then goes into a machine and around to the other side of the bed into the other arm cleaned and disinfected and filtered and pure... and that is what I dream of and it works!! In my dream.
But I think it is not that much of a dream and should be possible and doable..
Posts: 2747 | From Unites States Of America | Registered: Apr 2009
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Haley
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 22008
posted
Wow, now I'm feeling bad about having a port - Just kidding.
I have not had a PICC line but I can comment on the port as I do have a port.
I did not do too much research. I was in disbelief that my non- LLMD doctor had approved the port so I got the surgery and I didn't ask too many questions.
My first thoughts were, what have I done. I had this foreign thing in my body and it didn't feel right. I was having trouble breathing and I had soreness in my neck. After a while these symptoms subsided.
I now like my port. I do have times when I wonder what it will be like to have it removed. It must be adhered to my chest and it may be difficult to remove.
The reason I am glad that I have a port is that I am not on IVs all the time. Maybe I should be. Some may argue that it is not a good idea to start and stop IVs. My body tells me that I should stop at times. I currently am on Mepron and oral Zith. I can swim and take showers and do whatever I want.
I do plan on taking the IV route again. My port can be accessed. If I had had a PICC I would have to have another procedure to have a PICC line inserted. I don't know if my insurance would approve PICC lines every time I have IVs.
If you plan on being on IV for years a port will probably last longer. If you plan on several months a PICC is probably better.
That's my 2 cents Posts: 2232 | From USA | Registered: Aug 2009
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posted
I had a port for 6 years. My husband took very good care of it, used extra heparin to flush it and it never clogged. We have a pump and even took it with us on car trips, hanging it on the coat hook.
But I had some problems. The first port was installed at a clinic in Southern Calif. It was a disaster. They did not seat it properly and it had to be removed and reinstalled at Stanford.
In those days you usually could not get a port for anything except chemo. So Stanford would not have agreed to install it originally, but they did agree to reinstall it and they did it perfectly.
My husband learned how to access it at Stanford. He is a scientist from there and the doctors were impressed with him enough to trust him.
I was glad they did because he became an expert. He was able to access it with one stick nearly every time. He was very careful to keep it clean.
The reason I got it was that I could not get a PICC line to work on me. Three different people tried to install one, but my veins were too small or something and they had to pull it. I went through a lot of misery with that fiasco.
I did not really mind the port too much. But I was in bed nearly all the time so it did not interfere with activities. I covered it carefully when showering.
It eventually did become septic and had to be removed. It took the idiot doctors so long to figure out that I was septic and I nearly died! The doctor who originally ordered it had retired and local doctors were unfamiliar with ports.
So you want to be sure to get your blood checked regularly. Many doctors are unfamiliar with the care of a port....find one who is!
At the hospital they said that 6 years was a record. And when they removed it they said it looked brand new. (No they did not install it in someone else! )
I had a local for the removal and it was quite simply accomplished. Installing it required a general. Be sure that whoever installs it has lots of experience with ports.
I have those scars from two installations, unfortunately. We spent a fortune to have them removed, but it was a waste of time and money. I was told that scars form on the chest more easily than on other places. You can get scar removal patches and they help a little.
To be honest, I have so many problems with my health that a small scar on my chest seems trivial! If I have to have IV's for a long time I will probably have to have another port.
The big thing for me is getting my husband to access it. Even in the hospital the nurses asked him to do it and they were very impressed.
But he knew it better than anyone. So it does really help to have the same person access it for you. And use more heparin than they tell you to use...it's cheap and helps the port to last longer.
I agree with Haley...PICC for short term use, port for long term. But whatever you do, be sure to find medicos who know what they are doing!
-------------------- DOCTOR: "I don't think you are sick." PATIENT: "We are all entitled to our opinions. I don't think you are a doctor." Posts: 697 | From Northern California | Registered: Jul 2009
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posted
Thanks for sharing this guys. I'm gonna file it away in my brain in case I'm faced with these decisions down the road.
Posts: 702 | From North Eastern USA | Registered: Dec 2009
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Haley
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 22008
posted
Farraday,
What were the symptoms when you were septic?
Also, what would you say is proper care?
I get a small amount of heparin once a month. How often did you have it flushed and how much Heparin did you use?
I feel confident that I could do it myself but there is no way that my doctor would allow me to do that due to liabilty issues. I would save myself and the insurance company lots of money if I could care for the port myself.
Posts: 2232 | From USA | Registered: Aug 2009
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posted
Haley, do you have a PICC or a Port that you only flush monthly?..please tell me I read it wrong... I flush my lines twice daily with saline and then maintain the line with Heparin. I have a PICC and take 2 grm Rocephin twice daily and 1000 LR daily so my line sees lots of action! I must add that I love my PICC line. After over 100 injections of Rocephin in my assets the PICC is a joy! my PICC nurse said that a well cared for line can easily last 12 months no worries. If I require more, I will likley get another PICC placed rather than a port if i get a choice.
-------------------- AzDaisy life requires action Posts: 58 | From Tucson, AZ | Registered: Apr 2010
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bcb1200
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25745
posted
Can someone please explain the difference between a Picc and Port?
-------------------- Bite date ? 2/10 symptoms began 5/10 dx'd, after 3 months numerous test and doctors
IgM Igenex +/CDC + + 23/25, 30, 31, 34, 41, 83/93
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Currently at around 95% +/- most days. Posts: 3139 | From Massachusetts | Registered: May 2010
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dmc
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5102
posted
If you have good veins you can access periferal veins by your self and do a pulse IV therapy.
I'm doing that for months by my self and is safer than port or picc.
My LLMD told me my veins will not last and have to think picc, but hi gave his OK to try.
My veins look better than ever in a third month of IV therapy . I rotate veins in foot and in hands and do more IV in foot veins.
Posts: 482 | From Nebraska | Registered: Feb 2010
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posted
I've had a picc line for 8 months, and the only problems I had were skin allergies to everything, none with the picc itself.
My husband puts an extension on at night, then in the morning I can do my IV and flush by myself.
My BIL was in the hospital, and had a port for just a short time, and got an infection.
Posts: 847 | From upstateNY | Registered: Dec 2007
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Haley
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 22008
posted
Azdaisy - I have a port. It is not accessed at this time so I only flush with Heparin once a month. Maybe that is not enough. There really is not anyone around here that is familiar with port care.
When I was on IV abx I flushed before and after infusion with saline and then followed with heparin.
However the port is not in use at this time so I don't know how often to flush it with heparin.
Posts: 2232 | From USA | Registered: Aug 2009
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TerryK
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 8552
posted
Thanks spring! This is very helpful information. My LLMD wants me to have a port but I'm reluctant and intially felt a picc would be a better choice. Your post confirms my thoughts.
After your description and others, I realize that a port could be a big issue for my chest due to already sore chest muscles and difficulty breathing sometimes because of chest muscle tightness.
I wonder if sepsis would be more likely with one method over another?
Terry
Posts: 6286 | From Oregon | Registered: Jan 2006
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Rumigirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15091
posted
Haley, please check about the proper flushing of your port! Your life and your port are at stake!
TerryK, and others, sepsis, as far as I can see, can happen with either a PICC or a port. But with a PICC, the line can come out
easily in a few seconds in that case. With a port, it's a surgical procedure to have it removed. And with sepsis, your life is in danger (but people do have it removed in time).
On the PICC, when I had a PICC, I had on-going pain along the whole line, which was really difficult. That's unusual; I seem to have terrible veins.
So, I was wanting a port now. But a port isn't a small decision. Lots of people who've had both like a port better, but it's a
bigger deal. Your post gives me pause. It would be nice not to need any of this.
Posts: 3792 | From around | Registered: Mar 2008
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posted
You should check on the flushing. With a picc, even when you're not infusing, you flush each line daily with saline and heparin.
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springshowers
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19863
posted
WIth the Port IF it is not Accessed You can Flush it Once A month. Your oK Haley.
Many may not realize that the PORT is inserted into your chest and under the skin. It does not have a tube coming out and able to access it at anytime. What is has is a rubber half round bubble on the side that faces the skin and you put an access needle that has the tubing attached to it and poke it through your skin!! and then into the Port Bubble and then it is now hooked up.
YOu can leave it hooked up only for ONE week before you have to take that needle access OUT and put a new one in. That is for sterilization.
So some people do not realize that is what you have to go through with the PORT> Yeah the port worked great overall. But if there is a complication then you have to go through that surgical procedure again.. Ughh.
THe putting in and the taking out is so so so so so oK 100 times easier than the Port. So knowing that and the scares and the hassle and all that for me was NOT Worth it in the end.
But I had nothing to compare it to. So now that I can compare BOTH that is why I posted this. WHen I had JUST the port I helped others understand it and what it took to get it in and how it worked and I was happy with it ovearll. But now that I had both.. well.. My choice is clear.
I think they both have risk of sepsis for sure but that is not why I would choose the picc.
Also I do believe the Picc can last much longer than some would claim and its not just a few months. But of course it depends on various factors.
I am not trying to tell anyone what to do. That is for sure. But I did not have a view point like Mine when I was choosing and well the clinic I went to really wanted me to have a port as well but said It was up to me. But they sure tried to sway me to the Port.
I hope it does help people just in the way that it makes you think about the various things that I wrote and help you think about it those things when your considering your options.
Even if I knew I had to do treatment for 3 years I would get a picc and I would rather have a picc put in a few times over those 3 years than have a Port. In Hindsight.
Even when I had the Needle out of My port it was not like you did not know it is there. It was not as simple as that for me. But maybe I am more sensitive too. And I really never felt quite right with it in me. Maybe it was the metal in the Port that a Picc does not have too.
Well anyway. I know for some they do not know what either of these are but if you google it you will find lots of sites that have photos of them and even utube has photos of how they are put in and what they look like before they are put in and how to access them etc.
I had thought the port was much smaller from just looking at photos as well. And that was a bit of a shocker for me. It is quite large. IF you look it up I would make sure to find the measurements of it and draw it out and then visualize it before you get it in so your prepared. Not saying it is huge but it was bigger than I had visualized in my mind after my own research.
Blessings all
I wish I had not had to do it either but the IV treatment I got was what has helped me the most.
I could not do IV treatment just by accessing a vein each time as suggested above as I had to do IV treatments at 7am and then 9am through 2pm and again at 7pm every single day....
That would take a lot of finding of veins and holding up to various treatments lasting hours and hours and hours too... And various substances through them that I do not think would have worked at all.
IF I had to just get one IV abx each day or something like that it might work out.. Yeah.
Posts: 2747 | From Unites States Of America | Registered: Apr 2009
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springshowers
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19863
posted
PS When The hospital took out my Port due to Sepsis that came from the Port i begged them not to access me again with a Picc. I was so freaked out by then.
But they said it was mandatory and I had to do 3 weeks of IV rochephin by one transfusion a day.
I said to them. Just use my arm vein and one time a day is nothing compared to what I was used to.
I even had them get the doctor. I was so not wanting to get a picc in.
But they said No. No No No..
Then I got the picc and it was so easy anyway and worked out.
But I did try. So the doctors do not like to have to do it that way and I can not see doing it to myself and finding veins in my feet ?? Yikes. No way.. No way.. I do not think any medical professional would advise or support any of us doing that? But I have heard of nurses on here who self treat and do their own IVs.. So? I guess it happens.
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Rumigirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15091
posted
I am about to get another IV line put in. After a ton of research, I have been lobbying for a port for a long time. Does anybody have any feedback on this and what I say below??
I had a PICC line last year, but had on-going pain along the whole course of the PICC line for the whole 5 months I had it (until it sprung a leak). That's unusual. But if I coughed, sneezed, moved or stretched my arm or upper body much, I would be in more pain for a week or two!
That, and the fact that I'm likely to need the IV for a year or so (maybe more?) lead me to deciding on a port. BUT, my one concern from springshowers posts is that I may be like spring, and have pain from the port! And it's much more invasive.
Who knows if I'd have the same pain from another PICC, but I'm thinking probably yes. I still feel it where the PICC was when I swim or stretch, and it was taken out in mid-Oct.
With the PICC I could barely use my arm, or it would hurt more. If I got another PICC, it would probably have to be in my other arm, which is my dominant arm---hard! Plus, I do some bodywork in my work (couldn't do that with a PICC).
I'm now wondering if maybe I would have on-going pain and limitation of movement from the port, too. And it is much more invasive. Feedback anyone?
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