Port

Those that have a port, does it bother you or hurt when you sleep.  I'm now 5 yrs out but weekly IVs from being over Chemoed caused a sodium issue that I need a hydration bag weekly.  Chemo destroyed My arm veins so very hard to manage & a port was suggested.  My niece just DX by Cancer on 4 drugs had a port installed before starting is very tiny &=115 lbs, I'm 5'6" at 103-105.  No fat or muscle on anywhere.  Any info greatly appreciate.  Surgery Tuesday, a bit nervous.  Feeding tube didn't go well during Cancer & heavier not till developed hypothyroidism which you would think I'd gain not an oz & they can't regulate it.  Help!!," Lisa

Comments

  • wbcgaruss
    wbcgaruss Member Posts: 2,260 Member
    edited July 2021 #2
    Lisa You Will Be Good

    To Go.
    After the ports in you will hardly know it's there.

    I just know from having a port myself that it is such a blessing.

    They will not have to use your veins anymore and they will now be safe.

    So just relax this is a good step for your situation.

    So prayers your way that all goes smoothly-Take care-God Bless-Russ
  • motorcycleguy
    motorcycleguy Member Posts: 478 Member
    daisy,

    I found the chest port to be a relatively minor issue, in the Cancer treatment realm.

    I don't recall much pain from it, and I kind of forgot about it, after a couple weeks. I don't remember any issue sleeping, because of it.

    I know everyone is different, but to me, it's nothing to get too fearful about.

    I hope this helps and you continue to have a good recovery!

    MG

  • motorcycleguy
    motorcycleguy Member Posts: 478 Member
    edited July 2021 #4
    daisy,

    Oops - hit "send" twice.

    So, I'll just change this message to, "Have a great day"!

    MG

  • Drivingdaisy
    Drivingdaisy Member Posts: 263
    edited July 2021 #5
    wbcgaruss said:

    Lisa You Will Be Good

    To Go.
    After the ports in you will hardly know it's there.

    I just know from having a port myself that it is such a blessing.

    They will not have to use your veins anymore and they will now be safe.

    So just relax this is a good step for your situation.

    So prayers your way that all goes smoothly-Take care-God Bless-Russ
    Russ & Port

    Had it done today.  The hardest part was zip water after Midnight & waiting to walk down to hospital.  Dr funny & all went well.  Will stick out more got something called. Baird Power port.  Don't really understand why that is so special I have to carry a card, f wear wrist band. No pain but had to be put on side I sleep on.......right easier access to Einstein's he needed.  Worst was 4 IV need sticks to get a good 1 in goes bad now put another 4 total in arm but only 1 really OK.  Guess they can see why need.  Everytime they found what they thought good 1 I laughed nope hard & will roll on you, of course did.  Treated Me like stupid trying to direct them.  My body know better than you. 1 Nurse but senior 1 would be a good Nurse for Cuckoo nest.  Worse than one in movie, this one lectured constantly on my high BP.  Explained nerves & pain from being stuck will go higher always high in morning & throat and mouth desert dry. So uncomfortable I'd be crying if could.  Didn't let **** back by Me never with a surgery have they not allowed spouse to come withheld can calm Me down, hold my hand.  I've had back, feeding tube, gall bladder never restricted from water just gave limit but nothing with no saliva is cruel.  At least suck on ice cube.  Could with some have blk coffee.  Was & have been off on hydration will probably be peeing all night.  But no pain installing port just some Lidocaine what ever else gave Me nothing no twilight sleep so Dr to works to not think what he was doing.  But Nurse Disel never stopped should be on BP pills.  Never done anything for Me & told her that over & over.  Your going to have a stroke or kidney issues, honey least of My problems.  Very annoying & no smoking been trying & trying to stop again stressed to max wanted to say your not helping shut up.  Now getting a bit sore.  Took some Motrin earlier.  Only things that works.  Have you heard of My brand new port?  Hope I can go to usual lab & they understand takes special needle.  Plus My IV lab since so far After insurance tells My husband they have a list that cover a registered Nurse to come to my home & give IV & clean.  This port has to be cleaned if not used every 4-6 weeks.  So far **** getting nowhere with insurance or company.  Told ****. call a hospice here by the house, they may be able to help?  So get a brand new that takes extra.  Now Cancer Dr wants a Nurse to come to Me to show ME how to clean?  Why always dumps on Me to learn.  Same with FT manual. Not like I have a lot already with zero energy & mush brain.  Just bring Me into your lab & infusion?   Can't sue you get over that.

  • wbcgaruss
    wbcgaruss Member Posts: 2,260 Member

    Russ & Port

    Had it done today.  The hardest part was zip water after Midnight & waiting to walk down to hospital.  Dr funny & all went well.  Will stick out more got something called. Baird Power port.  Don't really understand why that is so special I have to carry a card, f wear wrist band. No pain but had to be put on side I sleep on.......right easier access to Einstein's he needed.  Worst was 4 IV need sticks to get a good 1 in goes bad now put another 4 total in arm but only 1 really OK.  Guess they can see why need.  Everytime they found what they thought good 1 I laughed nope hard & will roll on you, of course did.  Treated Me like stupid trying to direct them.  My body know better than you. 1 Nurse but senior 1 would be a good Nurse for Cuckoo nest.  Worse than one in movie, this one lectured constantly on my high BP.  Explained nerves & pain from being stuck will go higher always high in morning & throat and mouth desert dry. So uncomfortable I'd be crying if could.  Didn't let **** back by Me never with a surgery have they not allowed spouse to come withheld can calm Me down, hold my hand.  I've had back, feeding tube, gall bladder never restricted from water just gave limit but nothing with no saliva is cruel.  At least suck on ice cube.  Could with some have blk coffee.  Was & have been off on hydration will probably be peeing all night.  But no pain installing port just some Lidocaine what ever else gave Me nothing no twilight sleep so Dr to works to not think what he was doing.  But Nurse Disel never stopped should be on BP pills.  Never done anything for Me & told her that over & over.  Your going to have a stroke or kidney issues, honey least of My problems.  Very annoying & no smoking been trying & trying to stop again stressed to max wanted to say your not helping shut up.  Now getting a bit sore.  Took some Motrin earlier.  Only things that works.  Have you heard of My brand new port?  Hope I can go to usual lab & they understand takes special needle.  Plus My IV lab since so far After insurance tells My husband they have a list that cover a registered Nurse to come to my home & give IV & clean.  This port has to be cleaned if not used every 4-6 weeks.  So far **** getting nowhere with insurance or company.  Told ****. call a hospice here by the house, they may be able to help?  So get a brand new that takes extra.  Now Cancer Dr wants a Nurse to come to Me to show ME how to clean?  Why always dumps on Me to learn.  Same with FT manual. Not like I have a lot already with zero energy & mush brain.  Just bring Me into your lab & infusion?   Can't sue you get over that.

    Lisa Congrats On

    Getting your power port with no problems that's great.
    I too had a card to carry and a wristband.
    Sounds like the one nurse really made an impression on you.
    I don't know about the in-home services available and that may depend on where you live.
    You know when you go for liquids or chemo it is pumped in or called an infusion.
    So I didn't know if that could be done at your house as it would require a nurse to bring a pump and accessories.
    I just figure that you will go to wherever you used to go for weekly infusions and get it done there.
    I figgered they would take care of you as usual but at least now your vein problem is over your veins will be saved now from poking and scarring.
    Lisa nothing should change now except you have the port.
    As far as cleaning there is nothing you need to do the port is under your skin so there is no maintenance on your part.
    And yes if it is not used you will have to go and have it flushed.
    After I was done with treatment for a while I kept mine for a bit just in case I did need it.
    I would go in as you say every 4 to 6 weeks and they put a needle through your skin into the port and flush the port using salt solution followed by heparin if needed.
    Things are different and changing nowadays though maybe a lot of this is done at home which is actually convenient.
    Been a while since I had my port it was in for my treatment in 2013.
    Just follow what your doctors tell you they will guide you and if you have any questions call the office.
    Glad for you Lisa no more vein worries-congrats-Take Care-God Bless-Russ

     

     

     

  • LitlCJdoll
    LitlCJdoll Member Posts: 245 Member

    Russ & Port

    Had it done today.  The hardest part was zip water after Midnight & waiting to walk down to hospital.  Dr funny & all went well.  Will stick out more got something called. Baird Power port.  Don't really understand why that is so special I have to carry a card, f wear wrist band. No pain but had to be put on side I sleep on.......right easier access to Einstein's he needed.  Worst was 4 IV need sticks to get a good 1 in goes bad now put another 4 total in arm but only 1 really OK.  Guess they can see why need.  Everytime they found what they thought good 1 I laughed nope hard & will roll on you, of course did.  Treated Me like stupid trying to direct them.  My body know better than you. 1 Nurse but senior 1 would be a good Nurse for Cuckoo nest.  Worse than one in movie, this one lectured constantly on my high BP.  Explained nerves & pain from being stuck will go higher always high in morning & throat and mouth desert dry. So uncomfortable I'd be crying if could.  Didn't let **** back by Me never with a surgery have they not allowed spouse to come withheld can calm Me down, hold my hand.  I've had back, feeding tube, gall bladder never restricted from water just gave limit but nothing with no saliva is cruel.  At least suck on ice cube.  Could with some have blk coffee.  Was & have been off on hydration will probably be peeing all night.  But no pain installing port just some Lidocaine what ever else gave Me nothing no twilight sleep so Dr to works to not think what he was doing.  But Nurse Disel never stopped should be on BP pills.  Never done anything for Me & told her that over & over.  Your going to have a stroke or kidney issues, honey least of My problems.  Very annoying & no smoking been trying & trying to stop again stressed to max wanted to say your not helping shut up.  Now getting a bit sore.  Took some Motrin earlier.  Only things that works.  Have you heard of My brand new port?  Hope I can go to usual lab & they understand takes special needle.  Plus My IV lab since so far After insurance tells My husband they have a list that cover a registered Nurse to come to my home & give IV & clean.  This port has to be cleaned if not used every 4-6 weeks.  So far **** getting nowhere with insurance or company.  Told ****. call a hospice here by the house, they may be able to help?  So get a brand new that takes extra.  Now Cancer Dr wants a Nurse to come to Me to show ME how to clean?  Why always dumps on Me to learn.  Same with FT manual. Not like I have a lot already with zero energy & mush brain.  Just bring Me into your lab & infusion?   Can't sue you get over that.

    Yes, I had my first Port-a

    Yes, I had my first Port-a-cath in 1991, when I was 23 years old and it was made by Cook Medical.

    In 2000, I had a second Port and it was made by Bard ( as yours is)  Its an old brand.

    Then 2017 to present I am going through Cancer, multiple surgeries and hospitalizations with No Port whatsoever. Go figure. 

    But I need one. Problem is I'm so thin at 70-71 pounds.  

    I see a third one in my future though. No hardship, really.  

    When I was 23 years old with my first one, I merely switched to a one piece swim suit that summer... ?

    LitlCJdoll

  • wbcgaruss
    wbcgaruss Member Posts: 2,260 Member

    Russ & Port

    Had it done today.  The hardest part was zip water after Midnight & waiting to walk down to hospital.  Dr funny & all went well.  Will stick out more got something called. Baird Power port.  Don't really understand why that is so special I have to carry a card, f wear wrist band. No pain but had to be put on side I sleep on.......right easier access to Einstein's he needed.  Worst was 4 IV need sticks to get a good 1 in goes bad now put another 4 total in arm but only 1 really OK.  Guess they can see why need.  Everytime they found what they thought good 1 I laughed nope hard & will roll on you, of course did.  Treated Me like stupid trying to direct them.  My body know better than you. 1 Nurse but senior 1 would be a good Nurse for Cuckoo nest.  Worse than one in movie, this one lectured constantly on my high BP.  Explained nerves & pain from being stuck will go higher always high in morning & throat and mouth desert dry. So uncomfortable I'd be crying if could.  Didn't let **** back by Me never with a surgery have they not allowed spouse to come withheld can calm Me down, hold my hand.  I've had back, feeding tube, gall bladder never restricted from water just gave limit but nothing with no saliva is cruel.  At least suck on ice cube.  Could with some have blk coffee.  Was & have been off on hydration will probably be peeing all night.  But no pain installing port just some Lidocaine what ever else gave Me nothing no twilight sleep so Dr to works to not think what he was doing.  But Nurse Disel never stopped should be on BP pills.  Never done anything for Me & told her that over & over.  Your going to have a stroke or kidney issues, honey least of My problems.  Very annoying & no smoking been trying & trying to stop again stressed to max wanted to say your not helping shut up.  Now getting a bit sore.  Took some Motrin earlier.  Only things that works.  Have you heard of My brand new port?  Hope I can go to usual lab & they understand takes special needle.  Plus My IV lab since so far After insurance tells My husband they have a list that cover a registered Nurse to come to my home & give IV & clean.  This port has to be cleaned if not used every 4-6 weeks.  So far **** getting nowhere with insurance or company.  Told ****. call a hospice here by the house, they may be able to help?  So get a brand new that takes extra.  Now Cancer Dr wants a Nurse to come to Me to show ME how to clean?  Why always dumps on Me to learn.  Same with FT manual. Not like I have a lot already with zero energy & mush brain.  Just bring Me into your lab & infusion?   Can't sue you get over that.

    Lisa Below Is A Link

    To a search of youtube for Bard Power Port and there is a bunch of videos to get info from  https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Bard+Power+Port

    Take Care-God Bless-Russ

  • Drivingdaisy
    Drivingdaisy Member Posts: 263
    wbcgaruss said:

    Lisa Congrats On

    Getting your power port with no problems that's great.
    I too had a card to carry and a wristband.
    Sounds like the one nurse really made an impression on you.
    I don't know about the in-home services available and that may depend on where you live.
    You know when you go for liquids or chemo it is pumped in or called an infusion.
    So I didn't know if that could be done at your house as it would require a nurse to bring a pump and accessories.
    I just figure that you will go to wherever you used to go for weekly infusions and get it done there.
    I figgered they would take care of you as usual but at least now your vein problem is over your veins will be saved now from poking and scarring.
    Lisa nothing should change now except you have the port.
    As far as cleaning there is nothing you need to do the port is under your skin so there is no maintenance on your part.
    And yes if it is not used you will have to go and have it flushed.
    After I was done with treatment for a while I kept mine for a bit just in case I did need it.
    I would go in as you say every 4 to 6 weeks and they put a needle through your skin into the port and flush the port using salt solution followed by heparin if needed.
    Things are different and changing nowadays though maybe a lot of this is done at home which is actually convenient.
    Been a while since I had my port it was in for my treatment in 2013.
    Just follow what your doctors tell you they will guide you and if you have any questions call the office.
    Glad for you Lisa no more vein worries-congrats-Take Care-God Bless-Russ

     

     

     

    Russ

    Don't trust my Drs put Me  in this miserable condition.  Called Cancer Dr to get surgeons number never returned called & called him on his cell?  Don't trust, they screwed Me up rest of life.  Hospital worthless here yes Nurse made impression should be talking care of port & other questions but No only wanted to lecture Me on high BP like I was stupid & didn't know.  I know why so drop it & can We talk about my surgery please would not shut up.  Your not a Dr, don't know Me so back off or go back to school if you want to be a Dr.  my daughter was even a bit confused by info.  She just graduated on Deans list Sum **** Laude? With a medal.  So not alone. It hurts in worse spot & nobody cares I'm in pain so hell with them all.  Such good care in St Louis My daughter too. Drs caring, compassionate & listened, not here total opposites.  I'm hurting & on 4th day..?

  • Drivingdaisy
    Drivingdaisy Member Posts: 263
    edited July 2021 #10
    wbcgaruss said:

    Lisa Congrats On

    Getting your power port with no problems that's great.
    I too had a card to carry and a wristband.
    Sounds like the one nurse really made an impression on you.
    I don't know about the in-home services available and that may depend on where you live.
    You know when you go for liquids or chemo it is pumped in or called an infusion.
    So I didn't know if that could be done at your house as it would require a nurse to bring a pump and accessories.
    I just figure that you will go to wherever you used to go for weekly infusions and get it done there.
    I figgered they would take care of you as usual but at least now your vein problem is over your veins will be saved now from poking and scarring.
    Lisa nothing should change now except you have the port.
    As far as cleaning there is nothing you need to do the port is under your skin so there is no maintenance on your part.
    And yes if it is not used you will have to go and have it flushed.
    After I was done with treatment for a while I kept mine for a bit just in case I did need it.
    I would go in as you say every 4 to 6 weeks and they put a needle through your skin into the port and flush the port using salt solution followed by heparin if needed.
    Things are different and changing nowadays though maybe a lot of this is done at home which is actually convenient.
    Been a while since I had my port it was in for my treatment in 2013.
    Just follow what your doctors tell you they will guide you and if you have any questions call the office.
    Glad for you Lisa no more vein worries-congrats-Take Care-God Bless-Russ

     

     

     

    Russ

    Don't trust my Drs put Me  in this miserable condition.  Called Cancer Dr to get surgeons number never returned called & called him on his cell?  Don't trust, they screwed Me up rest of life.  Hospital worthless here yes Nurse made impression should be talking care of port & other questions but No only wanted to lecture Me on high BP like I was stupid & didn't know.  I know why so drop it & can We talk about my surgery please would not shut up.  Your not a Dr, don't know Me so back off or go back to school if you want to be a Dr.  my daughter was even a bit confused by info.  She just graduated on Deans list Sum **** Laude? With a medal.  So not alone. It hurts in worse spot & nobody cares I'm in pain so hell with them all.  Such good care in St Louis My daughter too. Drs caring, compassionate & listened, not here total opposites.  I'm hurting & on 4th day..?

  • wbcgaruss
    wbcgaruss Member Posts: 2,260 Member

    Russ

    Don't trust my Drs put Me  in this miserable condition.  Called Cancer Dr to get surgeons number never returned called & called him on his cell?  Don't trust, they screwed Me up rest of life.  Hospital worthless here yes Nurse made impression should be talking care of port & other questions but No only wanted to lecture Me on high BP like I was stupid & didn't know.  I know why so drop it & can We talk about my surgery please would not shut up.  Your not a Dr, don't know Me so back off or go back to school if you want to be a Dr.  my daughter was even a bit confused by info.  She just graduated on Deans list Sum **** Laude? With a medal.  So not alone. It hurts in worse spot & nobody cares I'm in pain so hell with them all.  Such good care in St Louis My daughter too. Drs caring, compassionate & listened, not here total opposites.  I'm hurting & on 4th day..?

    Lisa Are You Saying

    The area they put your port in at is just sore or are you in pain?
    Any operation may leave you sore for a bit till you heal up completely.
    But if you are in severe pain something is wrong and if nobody is responding I don't understand why.
    Worst comes to worst don't put up with it go to the emergency room then you can get it addressed there.
    Wishing You The Best-Take Care-God Bless-Russ

  • shawnmcc
    shawnmcc Member Posts: 39
    I have a port and it does

    I have a port and it does bother me when I sleep. Also when it was in use it caused me pain when they injected the meds they were using. If I mess with it now it does the same thing. So  just leave it alone.

  • SuzJ
    SuzJ Member Posts: 427 Member
    I felt like I had been kicked

    I felt like I had been kicked in the chest when it was first inserted  and removal wasn't a piece of cake either, but compared to being stuck over n over...

    Ask Doctor if there is a pill you can take. My magnessium and Potassium are always low, I take a pill of each a day, small price to not have a bag!

  • Robbie Lowery
    Robbie Lowery Member Posts: 24 Member
    Port

    To be honest, I was terrified of the port. But, I got it, and am very glad I did. All Blood draws are from it and it does not hurt. I use a Lidicane cream an hour brfore any procedure and they always give me a little Lidicane injection as well at port site and all is well...I am sorry you are experiencing troubles with yours DrivingDaisy. Your post is a little older now, so I hope all has been addressed by now.

     

    Robbie

  • wbcgaruss
    wbcgaruss Member Posts: 2,260 Member
    edited September 2021 #15
    Agreed Robbie

    Ports are where it's at.
    They save your veins.
    Take Care-God Bless-Russ