I have one that has been in for 18 months and other than a mild site infection I have had no other problems with it. This is my 3rd one, the other two did not last quite as long.

As far as getting them put in, what they gave me along with a local was Versed which is suppose to give you a twilite sleep so you don't remember anything, unfortunatly I am allergic or at least had a bad reaction to it. The last two I went to the Cath lab at the hospital to have them put in. They really know what they are doing there and were able adjust pain meds as they went along for my comfort.

My arm and chest were a little uncomfortable for a couple of days after, like I had been pitching a ball to hard.

For me, having it taken out was far more uncomfortable than having it put in, and now I demand that I am put out for this.

Also I have read on here some Drs. don't want blood draws done through the line, but not in my case and maybe it does not matter with a Groshong, mine is a dual lumen, so one side is ment for drawing blood, I can use them both to infuse, a big part of the reason I have it in is because my veins have faied so often with a regular IV and this just makes it so much easier, except a RN has to draw the blood not just any lab.

He was anesthetized but concious -- I don't know the technical term. He could hear them talking, but couldn't feel anything-- if you do that, be sure to talk to the anesthesioligist (sp) about LD. Some mixes seem to work better than others.

The groshong took a lot of care, but he wore it for 8 months with no problems.

The major disappointment we had was that we didn't know about coinfections at the time, so his babs and bart weren't treated, and relapse followed after the groshong was removed and abx stopped. Despite follow up with Dr. Zhang's herbs. So -- be sure you get your coinfections dealt with effectively.

Good luck.

Just editing to add that he had a dual line put in, so that if one failed he'd have a backup.

I had a line put in my chest too!

And unlike you.. I had a couple of things in the way!

The worst part for me was the anxiety PRIOR to having it put in... and the things my mind made up to worry me about.

Don't let it get to you.

The actual procedure is short.. and no pain.

It was a touch sore afterwards for a few days.. but not bad compared to what all we have been through.

After a few days I was ok... my only problem was mental. I didn't WANT one!

Guess I lost THAT battle... huh?

You'll be fine.

Check in here once you have it done... ok?

Let us know how you are doing.

I will be thinking about you!!!