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ports

charelaine
charelaine CSN Member Posts: 36
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Fir those of you who have a port, just out of curiousity, does it hurt when it is accessed when they use freeze-spray? I have only been accessed twice, and both times I had emla (sp?) cream. Just curious about whether I should take that with me. Thanks
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Comments

  • terril
    terril CSN Member Posts: 296
    #2
    HI!
    My onc did not recommend the cream. He said it really does not help. By the way, what is this freeze spray? I haven't heard of it. Does it work? Do you have to get it with a script? Terri
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  • JADot
    JADot CSN Member Posts: 709 Member
    #3
    The access pain is no worse than a mesquito bite - IMHO it's not worth messing with any drugs for it.

    JADot
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  • Allen55555
    Allen55555 CSN Member Posts: 15 Member
    #4
    I had a double port which is a little harded to access. It hurt when I was accessed. I used to hate the needle until they started to use the freeze spray. The spray is not a drug and no pain at all during access.
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  • lfondots63
    lfondots63 CSN Member Posts: 818 Member
    #5
    Hi Charelaine,

    My chemo nurse uses the spray too. It numbs it some so the access is just a pin prick. I never heard of the cream. I was accessed twice too and it only hurts when I bump it sometimes. If you need to know what the spray is called, I can contact my onc.

    Take care.

    Lisa
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  • nanuk
    nanuk CSN Member Posts: 1,358 Member
    #6
    the freeze spray works..unless you have a sadistic nurse who wants to get back at you for that last smart remark..one or two squirts will do.. Bud
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  • markatger
    markatger CSN Member Posts: 314
    #7
    I've never heard of the freeze spray either. I get a lidocaine shot. Just a little sting...then I don't feel the access needle at all.
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  • KathiM
    KathiM CSN Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #8
    nanuk said:

    the freeze spray works..unless you have a sadistic nurse who wants to get back at you for that last smart remark..one or two squirts will do.. Bud

    Love the thought...mine tried a different approach...kinked my line so I had to stay 2 hours longer....LOL
    Kathi
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  • KathiM
    KathiM CSN Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #9
    terril said:

    HI!
    My onc did not recommend the cream. He said it really does not help. By the way, what is this freeze spray? I haven't heard of it. Does it work? Do you have to get it with a script? Terri

    Terri, this is something they have at the infusion center. The nurse sprays right before inserting the needle. I always turn away...got spritzed in the face once. Also, when she puts the needle in, I take a deep breath and hold it...focus somewhere else, just a small pressure.
    Kathi
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  • CAMaura
    CAMaura CSN Member Posts: 719 Member
    #10
    markatger said:

    I've never heard of the freeze spray either. I get a lidocaine shot. Just a little sting...then I don't feel the access needle at all.

    I had a shot of Lidocaine each time as well...I'm glad I had it.
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  • goldfinch
    goldfinch CSN Member Posts: 735
    #11
    I actually find the emla cream very effective. It has to be on for 2 hours or so before you're due to be accessed.
    My nurse has used the freeze spray when i've forgotten my cream, but I don't find that as effective.
    I've also been accessed with neither the cream or the spray. I have to admit, it's not too bad, but the emla cream makes it soo much better, that I continue to use it.
    Mary
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  • Susanbm
    Susanbm CSN Member Posts: 61
    #12
    I was given a prscription for lidocaine cream which I applied about an hour before my port was to be accessed. I never had any pain.
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