Is a pic line and a port similar?

musiclover
musiclover Member Posts: 242
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Thanks so much once again for all the great posts regarding the port. I think I misunderstood - I thought the port and and pic line were the same thing. Has anyone had the pic line out there and were there any complications, discomforts or anything else I can tell my friend to relieve some of his anxiety? Someone mentioned in a post that they go bad and need to be replaced more often that the port. If that is the case, what is the advantage of using them? I wonder if I can strongly suggest they use the port instead. Would love to hear more from everyone out there. Thanks!
Kathryn

Comments

  • goldfinch
    goldfinch Member Posts: 735
    #2
    Kathryn,
    I've had both. A pic line is inserted in the antecubital space (inside elbow). It's essentially just a super long IV, so getting it place is not too difficult. It's disadvantages are...You have to keep it dry, so showering is a pain in the butt, and bending your elbow can be a bit uncomfortable.
    I strongly recommend the port. It's done as a outpatient procedure. Healed quickly for me and is a lifesafer as far as i'm concerned. I waited til my veins were shot before i got one, and now i'm kicking myself for waiting so long.
    Regarding the risks...
    There are risks in everything we do. The risk for a stroke are small. I've been a nurse for 20 something years and I have yet to see someone have a stroke related to their port. Not to say it can't happen, just to say the risk is small.
    Mary
  • musiclover
    musiclover Member Posts: 242
    #3
    goldfinch said:

    Kathryn,
    I've had both. A pic line is inserted in the antecubital space (inside elbow). It's essentially just a super long IV, so getting it place is not too difficult. It's disadvantages are...You have to keep it dry, so showering is a pain in the butt, and bending your elbow can be a bit uncomfortable.
    I strongly recommend the port. It's done as a outpatient procedure. Healed quickly for me and is a lifesafer as far as i'm concerned. I waited til my veins were shot before i got one, and now i'm kicking myself for waiting so long.
    Regarding the risks...
    There are risks in everything we do. The risk for a stroke are small. I've been a nurse for 20 something years and I have yet to see someone have a stroke related to their port. Not to say it can't happen, just to say the risk is small.
    Mary

    Thanks Mary. Is this negotiable with a doctor? He's got Mark scheduled tomorrow morning for a pic line. I'd much rather have him get the port. Should I just refuse to have him get this (I'm his power of attorney)? Is there any advantage whatsoever to him having a pic line or is it just less expensive and/or more convenient for them to do this? Does the port require anesthesia? Is the pic line more painful? Thanks and looking forward to hearing more from all of you. Kathryn
  • aussiecrawl
    aussiecrawl Member Posts: 15
    #4
    Hi Kathryn,

    My husband had both the pic line and the port. He had all sorts of problems with the pic line and had to have 3 pic lines put in(they kept coming out) but eventually had a port implanted. I wish he had gone with the port in the first place as it is much easier to shower etc.

    Everyone is different but I would certainly strongly suggest that they put in the port.

    Take Care
    Maria
  • Moesimo
    Moesimo Member Posts: 1,072 Member
    #5
    I work were they put the picc lines and ports in. A picc is higher maintainence to care for. I had a picc line, but I knew how to care for it. If he wants a port, perhaps the doc doing the procedure can call his doc so he can get a port instead. A port is completely under the skin and can stay in longer. We have patients that are sometimes booked for a picc and get a port instead of vice versa.
    We don't use anesthesia, but give IV sedation for a port. A picc justs gets local, like lidocaine.
  • jerseysue
    jerseysue Member Posts: 624 Member
    #6
    I had a port and it was fine after a few days. Also if Mark is a bass player then I would say a port would be much better then a pic line. The pic line would get in the way of playing. Ask why they are advising a pic line instead of a port for him?
  • Kanort
    Kanort Member Posts: 1,272 Member
    #7
    Kathryn,

    I had a Groshong catheter placed in me and never had any trouble with it at all. Most of the other patients at my oncology center had ports rather than pics.

    I just wanted to add how lucky Mark is to have you as his advocate. Your dedication and concern must be very comforting to him.

    Hugs,

    Kay
  • lfondots63
    lfondots63 Member Posts: 818 Member
    #8
    Hi Kathyrn,

    I would also recommend a port. Maybe the county hospital does the pic by default if you don't ask for the port? The port is so much better and not visible under cloths since it is under the skin. Like someone else said there is no maint. to a port and if Mark plays the base this will be the best for him. Good Luck and Mark is so lucky to have you. HUGS!!! to both you and him.

    Lisa
  • shmurciakova
    shmurciakova Member Posts: 906 Member
    #9
    I never had a port, I just suffered through all of the multiple attempts to start an IV every time I went in! Stubborn I guess.....However, I did have a PIC line after my surgery on my liver. It was used to feed me intravenously because I developed this strange complication where I had a hematoma (blood blister) that was pushing down on my duodenum (where the stomach empties into the small intestine)....Anyway, sorry for digressing. The PIC line was for intravenous food. That is the only reason I can think they would want to give a PIC line, but if he is not having this problem I have no idea why a port would not be the way to go. Definitely ask!
    Good luck,
    Susan
  • shmurciakova
    shmurciakova Member Posts: 906 Member
    #10
    shmurciakova said:

    I never had a port, I just suffered through all of the multiple attempts to start an IV every time I went in! Stubborn I guess.....However, I did have a PIC line after my surgery on my liver. It was used to feed me intravenously because I developed this strange complication where I had a hematoma (blood blister) that was pushing down on my duodenum (where the stomach empties into the small intestine)....Anyway, sorry for digressing. The PIC line was for intravenous food. That is the only reason I can think they would want to give a PIC line, but if he is not having this problem I have no idea why a port would not be the way to go. Definitely ask!
    Good luck,
    Susan

    I guess you cannot edit a post once you have "posted" it, so I will just add on here. Since your friend was having trouble keeping his weight up, maybe that is the reason. I am not sure if food can be given through a port. However, can't they try the port and if necessary install a pic line at a later time? That is what I would ask and basically insist on.
  • marym29
    marym29 Member Posts: 71 Member
    #11
    I'm, Mary from Wisconsin, and wanted to say that my mom was just dx with stage IV cc in Jan 06. And during her colon resection surgery they also inserted a chest port for her chemo to run through.

    Probably, the best thing she could have ever done; as far as that all goes. It causes her no pain; and half the time she forgets it's even there. Also, from what I have read on this site; your veins can really take a beating with chemo so...

    You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers always!

    Much Love,
    Mary from Wisconsin
  • terril
    terril Member Posts: 296
    #12
    My vote...the port. I have one. Some pain after the putting it in, but now it is fine. You can even swim with a port. That pic business sounds too risky for complications. Terri

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