Port is not working properly

kayandok
kayandok Member Posts: 1,202 Member
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
I went in yesterday for my chemo infusion. I have had my power port for 3 years and never ever had a problem. In fact my drip is always a bit faster than they expect and sometimes they have to slow it down.

Yesterday, they plugged me in as usual, and although the drip goes through, it is way too slow. But, when I stretch my neck all the way back and arch my back just right, it goes through just fine. So, the chemo nurse took the needle out and stated over. No luck. Just to be safe, she did that once more. After that didn't work, she called over the chemo room doctor who also did the same thing. The port itsef seems to be fine and not dislodged, but he thinks it is possible that the tubing is dislodged or wearing out.

The nurse ran an IV, and I received my chemo in my vein for the first time in 3 years. Kind of a strange feeling, but all was well.

Next week, I will go see my gyn/onc and I assume he will send me in for an x-ray or CT to see what is going on.
Anyone else with this problem?

k❧

Comments

  • lindaprocopio
    lindaprocopio Member Posts: 1,980 Member
    #2
    That would make me cry. It's always something. HUGS
    That really bites. I'm so sorry you have this added complication.
  • clamryn
    clamryn Member Posts: 508
    #3
    Oh no
    I am so sorry to hear that. I am praying they find out what is wrong and can fix it or replace it for you. As others have said.... it is always something. Why can't everything just go smoothly.

    Hang in there and keep us posted.

    Hugs,
    Linda
  • srwruns
    srwruns Member Posts: 343
    #4
    I am sorry about that. I'm
    I am sorry about that. I'm new to this OVCA and haven't started chemo yet so I don't know if I will be having a port or not. Take care...
  • Lisa13Q
    Lisa13Q Member Posts: 677
    #5
    Hi Kathleen
    Hissy had some issues with her port recently..and I think she had to have it replaced. I think it makes sense that they may need to be replaced every once in awhile like tires on a car. They may wear down. I don't think it would be more than that...a mechanical failure...but a nuisance and irritating (literally). Sorry you have to deal with it.
  • nancy591
    nancy591 Member Posts: 1,027 Member
    #6
    port
    My port is fairly new, 1yr old. I haven't had problems yet.

    Good luck!
  • Barbara53
    Barbara53 Member Posts: 652
    #7
    scan of port
    Mom's port will almost never give blood when they flush it, so they had her get it scanned (ultrasound, I think). The scan showed it functioning properly, but apparently some older models have a loop near the top that can almost kink sometimes. It functions fine for infusion purposes.

    The chemo lounge nurse told us that as long as they have a current scan in her file that shows it functioning properly, they can continue to use it.

    Good luck!

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