arm port-o-cath

rechelle1000
rechelle1000 Member Posts: 3
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I'm looking for anyone with experience with a port-o-cath placed in the arm. I have read that there is less pain with the arm placement, versus the chest placement. Is this true? Has anyone had movement problems associated with a port located in the arm? Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks,

Rechelle

Comments

  • mc2001
    mc2001 Member Posts: 343
    #2
    I think a Hickman is the arm catheter and the Port-A-Cath is the chest catheter. Both are common, but if you have one in you chest, there is a medicine called Emla. It is applied on the port about one hour before accessing it. It should numb the site pretty good. Hope this helps.
    -Michael
  • auzigal
    auzigal Member Posts: 20
    #3
    I had the port placed on the inside of my arm instead of my chest. It was great there. No one could see it and they were still able to access it without my having to worry about flushing anything. They just flushed it once a week when they did my bloodwork. I would rub novacaine creme on it about and hour before I went to get anything done, but it wasnt nearly as bad as when they had to access my veins. Good luck and I hope it works out well for you!

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