Port Pain...

CindyGSD

I just had a Powerport put in last Tuesday, followed by three rounds of chemo and it worked fabulous, however, I continue to have pain where the cathedar was inserted. It feels like a burn or pulling when I stretch my neck and sometimes when I turn my head, but it's not every time and there is no pain at all where the actual port is. I still have surgical tape on the incisions, but nothing looks infected or swollen. Is this normal?

Cindy

Tethys41

Port pain
I've had two ports, and there is pain affiliated with the installation for a couple of weeks. The catheter on my first port really irritated my collar bond where it rubbed against it, the whole time I had it. That one was replaced, for various reasons, after about a year, and I don't have the rubbing problem with the second one.

JoAnnDK

Tethys41 said:

Port pain
I've had two ports, and there is pain affiliated with the installation for a couple of weeks. The catheter on my first port really irritated my collar bond where it rubbed against it, the whole time I had it. That one was replaced, for various reasons, after about a year, and I don't have the rubbing problem with the second one.

port problem
I remember some pain when the port was first inserted....and I think three rounds of chemo right away would be hard on it. I had three rounds in 9 weeks! Just once every three weeks.

JOANN

jazzy1

Tethys41 said:

Port pain
I've had two ports, and there is pain affiliated with the installation for a couple of weeks. The catheter on my first port really irritated my collar bond where it rubbed against it, the whole time I had it. That one was replaced, for various reasons, after about a year, and I don't have the rubbing problem with the second one.

Cindy
I had pain around the area for months, but not so severe I was worried. Just takes time for you to get used to it and know also have some sensitive sensations in that area due to the surgery.

Don't think there's a thing to be concerned about.

Hugs,
Jan

Kaleena

Hi Cindy.
I had my port in
Hi Cindy.

I had my port in for 5 1/2 years. At various times, I would get twinges, etc. Last month I finally got my port out. I did have burning sensation after a couple of days and then found out I had an allergic reaction to the steri-strips which left "little" burn marks, but if you had that you would see it.

I am a stomach sleeper so as my body adjusted to the port, I did keep on getting pulling etc. until eventually I was able to sleep on my stomach with a port.

My best to you,

Kathy

txtrisha55

Power Port Pain
I have had my power port in since then end of April 2011. I have gone through 2 CT scans and 6 rounds of chemo starting in May thru August. When it was first installed in April felt a mid discomfort from the surgery. I forgot it was there and it did not hurt. I started working with 2.5 lb hand weights to tone my arms because of the weight loss I have had. Then sometime in July, it started hurting and now there is not a day that has gone by without me knowing that the port was there. Some days it hurts more than others. I get a pinching feeling when I move certain ways but most it is just a nagging pain that will not go away. The Dr said that it may have shifted and could be rubbing up against a nerve and they will remove it once I am done. Oh and I have stopped working with the weights, I will just wait till it is out to start working out on my arms again, until then I will have wings.

I go back for another CT scan in December so maybe after that I can have it removed next year. Just remember it is all in the attitude so make it a positive one.
Trish

CindyGSD

Problem solved....
I'm sorry to hear that some of you have ongoing pain with your port. Initially I resisted getting it, just one more procedure and one more thing to deal with, but after getting poked seven times during my first round of chemo (3 days worth), it made sense. I think some of the literature I got back from the hospital about it was misleading..."resume normal activity within 48 hours" "slight discomfort" NO PAIN MEDS..., so I sort of panicked when I had real pain for days afterward.

But silly me...I figured out what the problem was. It was the surgical tape. Somehow they affixed it so that it was pulling on my skin or the wound which is exactly what it felt like. Finally, last night I had enough and removed it and now...no pain. Yes I know the port is there and it's still sore, but at least I don't feel that attention getting pain when I turn my head a certain way and last night I slept on my favorite side...the port side...for the first time.

Cindy

lindaprocopio

txtrisha55 said:

Power Port Pain
I have had my power port in since then end of April 2011. I have gone through 2 CT scans and 6 rounds of chemo starting in May thru August. When it was first installed in April felt a mid discomfort from the surgery. I forgot it was there and it did not hurt. I started working with 2.5 lb hand weights to tone my arms because of the weight loss I have had. Then sometime in July, it started hurting and now there is not a day that has gone by without me knowing that the port was there. Some days it hurts more than others. I get a pinching feeling when I move certain ways but most it is just a nagging pain that will not go away. The Dr said that it may have shifted and could be rubbing up against a nerve and they will remove it once I am done. Oh and I have stopped working with the weights, I will just wait till it is out to start working out on my arms again, until then I will have wings.

I go back for another CT scan in December so maybe after that I can have it removed next year. Just remember it is all in the attitude so make it a positive one.
Trish

I was also advised not to do upper body exercises.
I have always done yoga that involves a lot of positions on my head and a lot of arm flexibility work that really twists the upper torso. I was advised by another woman at the gym I went to who had a port that I needed to really back off of some of that stuff or risk flipping my port. I heeded that advise and haven't had any trouble. Does seem like you could do simple bicep crunches with weights without jiggling your port if you want to work your arms. And I do tricep presses in my pool, (arms supporting behind me, hand on ledge of deep end of pool, up and down lots of reps because the water makes this soooo easy.) It's TWISTING the upper body I try to avoid; I think that's the kep anyway.

I've had my Power Port for around 2 years now with no trouble. But I do notice that if I'm lazy and lounge around in my PJs half the day with no bra on, that I get pain around my port. As long as I wear a supportive bra, it never bothers me. OH: except for the passenger side seat belt that rides directly on my port if I don't remember to tuck it under my arm pit!

txtrisha55

lindaprocopio said:

I was also advised not to do upper body exercises.
I have always done yoga that involves a lot of positions on my head and a lot of arm flexibility work that really twists the upper torso. I was advised by another woman at the gym I went to who had a port that I needed to really back off of some of that stuff or risk flipping my port. I heeded that advise and haven't had any trouble. Does seem like you could do simple bicep crunches with weights without jiggling your port if you want to work your arms. And I do tricep presses in my pool, (arms supporting behind me, hand on ledge of deep end of pool, up and down lots of reps because the water makes this soooo easy.) It's TWISTING the upper body I try to avoid; I think that's the kep anyway.

I've had my Power Port for around 2 years now with no trouble. But I do notice that if I'm lazy and lounge around in my PJs half the day with no bra on, that I get pain around my port. As long as I wear a supportive bra, it never bothers me. OH: except for the passenger side seat belt that rides directly on my port if I don't remember to tuck it under my arm pit!

Thanks for the tip for in the pool even though I do not have one near by me. I will start out with 1 lb weights and just do a few reps of exercising for my arms. I plan on starting walking on the tread mill on 3 October that is when I start my old job routine at work. 9 hour days with 1 hour in the gym at my work with one day off every other week. Schedule I was working before March.

I want to make sure that while it does bother me, a can live though it because I hate needles more. I also do not like nurses that cannot seem to find the middle of the port. The last CT scan the nurse poked and jabbed 4 times before she hit it. I was crying by the time that was over, does not make for a good CT scan when the patient is almost hystical. I can laugh about it now but at the time it was not funny.

I have told the Dr that next time, cancer center first for blood draw and access port put in then go over to the hospital for imaging that way the nurses at the hospital do not have to access the port.

I will keep the port as long as they have a need for blood and CT scans just because it is easier on me.
Trish

daisy366

CindyGSD said:

Problem solved....
I'm sorry to hear that some of you have ongoing pain with your port. Initially I resisted getting it, just one more procedure and one more thing to deal with, but after getting poked seven times during my first round of chemo (3 days worth), it made sense. I think some of the literature I got back from the hospital about it was misleading..."resume normal activity within 48 hours" "slight discomfort" NO PAIN MEDS..., so I sort of panicked when I had real pain for days afterward.

But silly me...I figured out what the problem was. It was the surgical tape. Somehow they affixed it so that it was pulling on my skin or the wound which is exactly what it felt like. Finally, last night I had enough and removed it and now...no pain. Yes I know the port is there and it's still sore, but at least I don't feel that attention getting pain when I turn my head a certain way and last night I slept on my favorite side...the port side...for the first time.

Cindy

Chuckle
Cindy,

I am chuckling after reading the "cure" for your problem.

I have had my port (regular variety) for 3 years. I have had no problem. I have exercised and participated actively in all kinds of sports, yoga, etc. with no problem. I have not restricted myself in any way (except when something obviously presses heavily on the port). Mine is tucked behind or in a muscle and every nurse that has accessed it raves about it. I consider the vascular surgeon that inserted it a very skilled doc. They talk about horror stories with some patients.

The heparin concern has me baffled. I get mine flushed bi-monthly and I will keep in for now.

I am obviously a grateful fan and "port blessed". I wish you all the best too. Mary Ann

PS. Though I have not needed it, there is a numbing spray that you can get to ease access pain.

JoAnnDK

daisy366 said:

Chuckle
Cindy,

I am chuckling after reading the "cure" for your problem.

I have had my port (regular variety) for 3 years. I have had no problem. I have exercised and participated actively in all kinds of sports, yoga, etc. with no problem. I have not restricted myself in any way (except when something obviously presses heavily on the port). Mine is tucked behind or in a muscle and every nurse that has accessed it raves about it. I consider the vascular surgeon that inserted it a very skilled doc. They talk about horror stories with some patients.

The heparin concern has me baffled. I get mine flushed bi-monthly and I will keep in for now.

I am obviously a grateful fan and "port blessed". I wish you all the best too. Mary Ann

PS. Though I have not needed it, there is a numbing spray that you can get to ease access pain.

Lidocaine
I got a tube of Lidocaine (prescription) prior to having my port accessed the first time. You put on a glob of it (do not rub it in), cover with saran wrap, taped down, an hour before access is done. NO PAIN EVER!

Fayard

Cindy
I had the exact same issue with mine. I had burning pain toward my neck and around the catheter, along with numbness toward my chest. Mine was removed 1 month ago, after finishing treatment, and pain is gone but the numbness toward the chest is still there.

laura25

lindaprocopio said:

I was also advised not to do upper body exercises.
I have always done yoga that involves a lot of positions on my head and a lot of arm flexibility work that really twists the upper torso. I was advised by another woman at the gym I went to who had a port that I needed to really back off of some of that stuff or risk flipping my port. I heeded that advise and haven't had any trouble. Does seem like you could do simple bicep crunches with weights without jiggling your port if you want to work your arms. And I do tricep presses in my pool, (arms supporting behind me, hand on ledge of deep end of pool, up and down lots of reps because the water makes this soooo easy.) It's TWISTING the upper body I try to avoid; I think that's the kep anyway.

I've had my Power Port for around 2 years now with no trouble. But I do notice that if I'm lazy and lounge around in my PJs half the day with no bra on, that I get pain around my port. As long as I wear a supportive bra, it never bothers me. OH: except for the passenger side seat belt that rides directly on my port if I don't remember to tuck it under my arm pit!

port
Hi Linda... I have the power port also and the passenger side seat belt is a problem for me too. I always tuck it under my arm!

CindyGSD

Fayard said:

Cindy
I had the exact same issue with mine. I had burning pain toward my neck and around the catheter, along with numbness toward my chest. Mine was removed 1 month ago, after finishing treatment, and pain is gone but the numbness toward the chest is still there.

still there....
I thought the pain might be from the surgical tape and I think to a big extent it was, but I still feel it. Granted it's been just under two weeks since I had it put in but I'm worried the uncomfortable feeling won't go away especially now that I read posts from others. I guess the jury is still out but after labs on Friday, I do have to admit it was nice not having an arm full of bruises.

I've also noticed that none of my shirts cover it which is just lovely. Looks like I got a big giant boil on my chest. sigh

Cindy

JoAnnDK

CindyGSD said:

still there....
I thought the pain might be from the surgical tape and I think to a big extent it was, but I still feel it. Granted it's been just under two weeks since I had it put in but I'm worried the uncomfortable feeling won't go away especially now that I read posts from others. I guess the jury is still out but after labs on Friday, I do have to admit it was nice not having an arm full of bruises.

I've also noticed that none of my shirts cover it which is just lovely. Looks like I got a big giant boil on my chest. sigh

Cindy

fog
In the fog I was in when having my port "installed", I think I remember being told of the huge number of internal stitches that were used. So pain is not surprising. What does your doctor say?

Fayard

CindyGSD said:

still there....
I thought the pain might be from the surgical tape and I think to a big extent it was, but I still feel it. Granted it's been just under two weeks since I had it put in but I'm worried the uncomfortable feeling won't go away especially now that I read posts from others. I guess the jury is still out but after labs on Friday, I do have to admit it was nice not having an arm full of bruises.

I've also noticed that none of my shirts cover it which is just lovely. Looks like I got a big giant boil on my chest. sigh

Cindy

Cindy
Make sure that when you treatment the nurse does not use but paper tape to hold the needle in your port. I also developed an allergy to the regular tape, including the clear one, to the point that one time it almost bursts the wound.

I hope the pain goes away soon.

cindy donelle

port pain

It does seem that where my front deltoid and pectorial muscles meet there is sharp pinch when ever these 2 muscles are both used in an arm movement. I have only had my port in for 5 days, but I Hate that it has been such a bother. I do have the laticane to apply before my first chemo tomorrow. I am just dragging... I am recovering from a right mastectomy done Jan 18th and now the Axillary cording that has developed from the removal of 26 lymph nodes. I had to wait to get the drain out until the port was put in and NOW I have a sack of fluid building up under my skin by the armpit. The surgen has already asperated 20 ml out on friday and I'm sure there is more than that now.

FRUSTRATED,

Cindy Donelle

Lol26

cindy donelle said:

port pain

It does seem that where my front deltoid and pectorial muscles meet there is sharp pinch when ever these 2 muscles are both used in an arm movement. I have only had my port in for 5 days, but I Hate that it has been such a bother. I do have the laticane to apply before my first chemo tomorrow. I am just dragging... I am recovering from a right mastectomy done Jan 18th and now the Axillary cording that has developed from the removal of 26 lymph nodes. I had to wait to get the drain out until the port was put in and NOW I have a sack of fluid building up under my skin by the armpit. The surgen has already asperated 20 ml out on friday and I'm sure there is more than that now.

FRUSTRATED,

Cindy Donelle

Port pain/DVT..deep vein thrombosis

I had my power port placed in June 2012 going into jugular in neck. From the time it was placed I felt that I didn't have complete maneuverability of the neck and was slightly swollen and uncomfortable. I put this down to,the pummeling of the neck area when the port was being placed. However, after a few days decided to call the medical team who performed the procedure. They were unconcerned but said if it still.continued to be a problem to call them back. However, I saw my oncologist a couple of days later and he was surprised they didn't recommend an ultra sound just to be certain a DVD hadn't developed. I had the ultra sound and yes, my oncologist was correct, there was a DVT. The radiographer said it was a very good call by my oncologist because if it had travelled I could have been in very serious trouble.

i had to self inject twice a day for two weeks then spent the rest of the year on warfarin until they were sure the levels had remained stable. The cancer centre would not use the port for the chemo infusions until the doctors were happy the levels had stabelized. I experienced chemo burn on one occasion to the veins but was ok once the infusions were put into the portI 

I had 3 rounds of chemo initially then 5 weeks of radiation therapy then radiation implants (I was hospitalized for two days for this procedure) then another three rounds of chemo. My treatment came to an end in January 2013. I had my first three month follow up this week and things are looking good far far. A PAP was taken, but still yet to hear results of this. Before the treatment commenced I had a complete hysterectomy with 44 lymph nodes taken for staging, 3 of which were positive. Was diagnosed with endometrial carcinosarcoma. The surgery was done using the da Vinci robotic method.  This is another story.

i have rambled on a little given the post is about port placements and hope this helps  Just be certain to follow up any type of pain or swelling. I was lucky my oncologist took it seriously.

I am due to have the port removed on Monday. I am a little anxious, but have been told the removal is much easier than having it placed.

Best wishes.

Lol26

cindy donelle said:

port pain

It does seem that where my front deltoid and pectorial muscles meet there is sharp pinch when ever these 2 muscles are both used in an arm movement. I have only had my port in for 5 days, but I Hate that it has been such a bother. I do have the laticane to apply before my first chemo tomorrow. I am just dragging... I am recovering from a right mastectomy done Jan 18th and now the Axillary cording that has developed from the removal of 26 lymph nodes. I had to wait to get the drain out until the port was put in and NOW I have a sack of fluid building up under my skin by the armpit. The surgen has already asperated 20 ml out on friday and I'm sure there is more than that now.

FRUSTRATED,

Cindy Donelle

Port pain/DVT..deep vein thrombosis

I had my power port placed in June 2012 going into jugular in neck. From the time it was placed I felt that I didn't have complete maneuverability of the neck and was slightly swollen and uncomfortable. I put this down to,the pummeling of the neck area when the port was being placed. However, after a few days decided to call the medical team who performed the procedure. They were unconcerned but said if it still.continued to be a problem to call them back. However, I saw my oncologist a couple of days later and he was surprised they didn't recommend an ultra sound just to be certain a DVD hadn't developed. I had the ultra sound and yes, my oncologist was correct, there was a DVT. The radiographer said it was a very good call by my oncologist because if it had travelled I could have been in very serious trouble.

i had to self inject twice a day for two weeks then spent the rest of the year on warfarin until they were sure the levels had remained stable. The cancer centre would not use the port for the chemo infusions until the doctors were happy the levels had stabelized. I experienced chemo burn on one occasion to the veins but was ok once the infusions were put into the portI 

I had 3 rounds of chemo initially then 5 weeks of radiation therapy then radiation implants (I was hospitalized for two days for this procedure) then another three rounds of chemo. My treatment came to an end in January 2013. I had my first three month follow up this week and things are looking good far far. A PAP was taken, but still yet to hear results of this. Before the treatment commenced I had a complete hysterectomy with 44 lymph nodes taken for staging, 3 of which were positive. Was diagnosed with endometrial carcinosarcoma. The surgery was done using the da Vinci robotic method.  This is another story.

i have rambled on a little given the post is about port placements and hope this helps  Just be certain to follow up any type of pain or swelling. I was lucky my oncologist took it seriously.

I am due to have the port removed on Monday. I am a little anxious, but have been told the removal is much easier than having it placed.

Best wishes.

ConnieSW

Lol26 said:

Port pain/DVT..deep vein thrombosis

I had my power port placed in June 2012 going into jugular in neck. From the time it was placed I felt that I didn't have complete maneuverability of the neck and was slightly swollen and uncomfortable. I put this down to,the pummeling of the neck area when the port was being placed. However, after a few days decided to call the medical team who performed the procedure. They were unconcerned but said if it still.continued to be a problem to call them back. However, I saw my oncologist a couple of days later and he was surprised they didn't recommend an ultra sound just to be certain a DVD hadn't developed. I had the ultra sound and yes, my oncologist was correct, there was a DVT. The radiographer said it was a very good call by my oncologist because if it had travelled I could have been in very serious trouble.

i had to self inject twice a day for two weeks then spent the rest of the year on warfarin until they were sure the levels had remained stable. The cancer centre would not use the port for the chemo infusions until the doctors were happy the levels had stabelized. I experienced chemo burn on one occasion to the veins but was ok once the infusions were put into the portI 

I had 3 rounds of chemo initially then 5 weeks of radiation therapy then radiation implants (I was hospitalized for two days for this procedure) then another three rounds of chemo. My treatment came to an end in January 2013. I had my first three month follow up this week and things are looking good far far. A PAP was taken, but still yet to hear results of this. Before the treatment commenced I had a complete hysterectomy with 44 lymph nodes taken for staging, 3 of which were positive. Was diagnosed with endometrial carcinosarcoma. The surgery was done using the da Vinci robotic method.  This is another story.

i have rambled on a little given the post is about port placements and hope this helps  Just be certain to follow up any type of pain or swelling. I was lucky my oncologist took it seriously.

I am due to have the port removed on Monday. I am a little anxious, but have been told the removal is much easier than having it placed.

Best wishes.

Port removal

I just had mine out.  Piece of cake.  The only part that was the least uncomfortable were the injections to numb the area.  My appt was 2:30 and I was walking out the door by 3:15.  I don't think the dr was with me more than 15 minutes.

I had an IV with some very light sedation, oxygen, and a pulse oximetry.

AAS

Okay so I have been cancer

Okay so I have been cancer free for over two years and I have had my port out for over a year and I still have pain where it was which is sometimes unbearable and I play softball in school and most of the time it just makes it feel worse. Is there some kind of treatment out there that would stop this when I do any kind of activity