Port surgery pain/discomfort

dixiegirl
dixiegirl Member Posts: 1,043 Member
in Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin) #1
How the heck long is this thing uncomfortable? I am hurting tonight. I just took a pain pill a little bit ago and it just hasn't started working yet.

This thing feels HUGE! How the hell do you get used to something like this?

I am a member of ibtc and this thing looks so big and out of place. Lord, so much to get used to..

Forgive me, I'm in a pitty party tonight.

night all,
Beth

Comments

  • allmost60
    allmost60 Member Posts: 3,178 Member
    #2
    Port
    Hi Beth,
    Did you get the purple power port? I didn't experience any discomfort or pain the day mine was put in, but did feel like it looked huge sticking up under the skin. I'm so use to it now that I forget it's there. I'm sorry yours is causing you pain...hopefully your pain pill will kick in and give you some relief. I don't know if a ice pack or heating pad would help???? Hopefully someone else is still up and can suggest something helpful. Take care friend. Love ya...Sue (FNHL-2-3A-6/10)
  • yesyes2
    yesyes2 Member Posts: 591
    #3
    allmost60 said:

    Port
    Hi Beth,
    Did you get the purple power port? I didn't experience any discomfort or pain the day mine was put in, but did feel like it looked huge sticking up under the skin. I'm so use to it now that I forget it's there. I'm sorry yours is causing you pain...hopefully your pain pill will kick in and give you some relief. I don't know if a ice pack or heating pad would help???? Hopefully someone else is still up and can suggest something helpful. Take care friend. Love ya...Sue (FNHL-2-3A-6/10)

    Power Port
    Hi Beth,

    I'm sure your now in bed but thought you might catch my post tomorrow. First up, you can have a pity party any darn day you want, you are entitled. I also have the purple power port, and mine is the smallest one they made at the time, smaller than the pediatric ports. Even small it sticks way out of my boney narrow small breasted chest. I think it took me almost a year to get used to it, but I am so glad I have it. Most of the time I forget it's there. As far as pain, I was fairly uncomfortable for about a week and had pain pills for a day or two. The doctor who installed the port would not let my doctors access the port for a week. Wanted the tissue to heal and that was alright with me.

    In my book beth you are a real trooper. Hang in there only 2 days left for this treatment.

    Sending you love, blessings and prayers,
    Leslie
  • miss maggie
    miss maggie Member Posts: 929
    #4
    Let's Party
    Dear Beth,

    Am I invited to your pity party? I just hope by the time you read this, you
    are feeling better. I am sorry for the pain and discomfort. Stay strong, it will
    get better.

    Love Maggie
  • dixiegirl
    dixiegirl Member Posts: 1,043 Member
    #5
    miss maggie said:

    Let's Party
    Dear Beth,

    Am I invited to your pity party? I just hope by the time you read this, you
    are feeling better. I am sorry for the pain and discomfort. Stay strong, it will
    get better.

    Love Maggie

    Ice
    I was getting a little relief with the ice packs. I did manage to get some sleep but I think it's not the greatest restful sleep, but I'll take any I can get.

    I am very grateful that today is last chemo day! I guess I am lucky they kept my port open so that I can use it. That way I can get a 2 week break to let it heal.

    I AM irritated that the port pretty much is right on the bra strap line though. Oh well, nothing I can do about it, but is sure to be a constant irritant to my beautiful outgoing personality LOL.. NOT

    Thanks for the support guys, you all are GREAT!

    Beth
  • Michele23
    Michele23 Member Posts: 168
    #6
    dixiegirl said:

    Ice
    I was getting a little relief with the ice packs. I did manage to get some sleep but I think it's not the greatest restful sleep, but I'll take any I can get.

    I am very grateful that today is last chemo day! I guess I am lucky they kept my port open so that I can use it. That way I can get a 2 week break to let it heal.

    I AM irritated that the port pretty much is right on the bra strap line though. Oh well, nothing I can do about it, but is sure to be a constant irritant to my beautiful outgoing personality LOL.. NOT

    Thanks for the support guys, you all are GREAT!

    Beth

    Ugly
    Hi Beth,I'm with you, mine stuck way up!It was so ugly but sure loved having it.After keeping it in after a year ask to have it out as summer was coming.Well my tissue adheared to it and surgeon had one hell of a time taking it out.I made sure when it was put in my bra strap wasn't going to rub on it.Wish I had it back though right now.Someone needs to come out with something better looking as they are so unsightly for summer wear.Take care,Michele
  • allmost60
    allmost60 Member Posts: 3,178 Member
    #7
    dixiegirl said:

    Ice
    I was getting a little relief with the ice packs. I did manage to get some sleep but I think it's not the greatest restful sleep, but I'll take any I can get.

    I am very grateful that today is last chemo day! I guess I am lucky they kept my port open so that I can use it. That way I can get a 2 week break to let it heal.

    I AM irritated that the port pretty much is right on the bra strap line though. Oh well, nothing I can do about it, but is sure to be a constant irritant to my beautiful outgoing personality LOL.. NOT

    Thanks for the support guys, you all are GREAT!

    Beth

    Didn't know for sure...
    Hi Beth,
    I'm glad the ice pack helped a bit...I didn't know which would be best...cold or heat. My port is located far enough in that my bra strap doesn't hit it. What bugs me is the seat belt strap on the passenger side when I'm not driving..UGH! I finally got a small square of lambs wool 1/2" thick to place under the strap where it hits my port...REALLY helped! Hope your last day of chemo goes well today...will have you in my prayers and good thoughts.
    Love...Sue (FNHL-2-3A-6/10)
  • dixiegirl
    dixiegirl Member Posts: 1,043 Member
    #8
    allmost60 said:

    Didn't know for sure...
    Hi Beth,
    I'm glad the ice pack helped a bit...I didn't know which would be best...cold or heat. My port is located far enough in that my bra strap doesn't hit it. What bugs me is the seat belt strap on the passenger side when I'm not driving..UGH! I finally got a small square of lambs wool 1/2" thick to place under the strap where it hits my port...REALLY helped! Hope your last day of chemo goes well today...will have you in my prayers and good thoughts.
    Love...Sue (FNHL-2-3A-6/10)

    It got me today
    Major nausea and puking when trying to leave the doctors office. I feel like crap. Never been sick from chemo before and I don't like it one bit.

    So now that I threw up the nausea med about 30 min after taking it they wouldn't let me take another one. So now I have suppositories for compazine, pepcid, and zanax. So let me just say I ain't staying on here long tonight.

    Just wanted to give an update on day 3. The port still hurts, :) and my chemo nurse changed the bandage and reduced the size of bandage, talk about bruised chest? Good grief.
    I am ready for my 2 week break guys.

    Sorry for the whining everyone.
    Beth
  • forme
    forme Member Posts: 1,161 Member
    #9
    dixiegirl said:

    It got me today
    Major nausea and puking when trying to leave the doctors office. I feel like crap. Never been sick from chemo before and I don't like it one bit.

    So now that I threw up the nausea med about 30 min after taking it they wouldn't let me take another one. So now I have suppositories for compazine, pepcid, and zanax. So let me just say I ain't staying on here long tonight.

    Just wanted to give an update on day 3. The port still hurts, :) and my chemo nurse changed the bandage and reduced the size of bandage, talk about bruised chest? Good grief.
    I am ready for my 2 week break guys.

    Sorry for the whining everyone.
    Beth

    So sorry
    Hi Beth,
    I am so sorry that your feeling so crappy today. I hope that you will start to feel much better as the week goes on. Maybe on your next round the nurse can give you stronger iv nausea meds. There are so many, I'm sure they will be able to find a good combo for you.
    Hang in, I think of you daily.
    Peaceful healing
    Lisha
  • allmost60
    allmost60 Member Posts: 3,178 Member
    #10
    dixiegirl said:

    It got me today
    Major nausea and puking when trying to leave the doctors office. I feel like crap. Never been sick from chemo before and I don't like it one bit.

    So now that I threw up the nausea med about 30 min after taking it they wouldn't let me take another one. So now I have suppositories for compazine, pepcid, and zanax. So let me just say I ain't staying on here long tonight.

    Just wanted to give an update on day 3. The port still hurts, :) and my chemo nurse changed the bandage and reduced the size of bandage, talk about bruised chest? Good grief.
    I am ready for my 2 week break guys.

    Sorry for the whining everyone.
    Beth

    Sorry...
    Hi Beth,
    I'm so sorry about the nausea. Hopefully they will find something better for you to take. I remember how bruised my chest was after the port implant...I had forgotten until you mentioned about your bruising. It will turn green and yellow in the days to come, and then clear up. Yes... you sooooo deserve a break! I take Zanax/alprazolam at night before bed and it truely helps me sleep. Sweet dreams my friend, and thanks for checking in...your amazing!
    Love...Sue (FNHL-2-3a-6/10)
  • JoanieP
    JoanieP Member Posts: 573
    #11
    dixiegirl said:

    It got me today
    Major nausea and puking when trying to leave the doctors office. I feel like crap. Never been sick from chemo before and I don't like it one bit.

    So now that I threw up the nausea med about 30 min after taking it they wouldn't let me take another one. So now I have suppositories for compazine, pepcid, and zanax. So let me just say I ain't staying on here long tonight.

    Just wanted to give an update on day 3. The port still hurts, :) and my chemo nurse changed the bandage and reduced the size of bandage, talk about bruised chest? Good grief.
    I am ready for my 2 week break guys.

    Sorry for the whining everyone.
    Beth

    So sorry
    Hi Beth, So sorry you are feeling so bad. I finally had my port out after a year because my veins were good. I hope you get through this rough time soon. The port site will feel better and after awhile you almost and I repeat almost forget it it there. You are in my thoughts and I prayed for you this morning. Joanie
  • miss maggie
    miss maggie Member Posts: 929
    #12
    dixiegirl said:

    It got me today
    Major nausea and puking when trying to leave the doctors office. I feel like crap. Never been sick from chemo before and I don't like it one bit.

    So now that I threw up the nausea med about 30 min after taking it they wouldn't let me take another one. So now I have suppositories for compazine, pepcid, and zanax. So let me just say I ain't staying on here long tonight.

    Just wanted to give an update on day 3. The port still hurts, :) and my chemo nurse changed the bandage and reduced the size of bandage, talk about bruised chest? Good grief.
    I am ready for my 2 week break guys.

    Sorry for the whining everyone.
    Beth

    Not whining
    Oh Beth,

    So sorry for the nausea, puking, and pain. If you don't mind me saying? I know whenever I get a stomach virus, I hate the nausea. What I hate most, if I can't throw up and the nausea stays. When I do throw up, I do feel better. Do you at least feel better after throwing up?

    You are wonderful, feeling as bad as you do, to still post. Thank you. Enjoy the 2 week reprieve.

    And you are not whining. Love Maggie

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