1st time with a port. have ?s

[Iamqueenofeverything]

<P>i know i may be parinoid about about having a port but you know why. :-D just dont want to do anything to hurt it since my veins are pretty much messed up in my arms from ivs and meds. read the info about ports but i want to hear the info that comes from a voice of experience.</P>
<P> </P>
<P>one of my concerns is doing weights. i dont want to put pressure around the port area bc i am nervous. what type of weights can you do and how much weight can you do? right now i am hesitant about the weights that you have to use your chest to do the weights.</P>
<P> </P>
<P>what are some id markers that the port is bad? does it hurt?</P>
<P> </P>
<P>when you go in to get ivs, will you get a bruise or feel tenderness again?</P>
<P> </P>
<P>when you are finished with ivs, do you feel a sense of it being there or a sense of tenderness?</P>
<P> </P>
<P> </P>

 

[Iamqueenofeverything]

<P>i know i may be parinoid about about having a port but you know why. :-D just dont want to do anything to hurt it since my veins are pretty much messed up in my arms from ivs and meds. read the info about ports but i want to hear the info that comes from a voice of experience.</P>
<P></P>
<P>one of my concerns is doing weights. i dont want to put pressure around the port area bc i am nervous. what type of weights can you do and how much weight can you do? right now i am hesitant about the weights that you have to use your chest to do the weights.</P>
<P></P>
<P>what are some id markers that the port is bad? does it hurt?</P>
<P></P>
<P>when you go in to get ivs, will you get a bruise or feel tenderness again?</P>
<P></P>
<P>when you are finished with ivs, do you feel a sense of it being there or a sense of tenderness?</P>
<P></P>
<P></P>

 

[Iamqueenofeverything]

<P><BR>i know i may be parinoid about about having a port but you know why. :-D just dont want to do anything to hurt it since my veins are pretty much messed up in my arms from ivs and meds. read the info about ports but i want to hear the info that comes from a voice of experience.</P>
<P></P>
<P>one of my concerns is doing weights. i dont want to put pressure around the port area bc i am nervous. what type of weights can you do and how much weight can you do? right now i am hesitant about the weights that you have to use your chest to do the weights.</P>
<P></P>
<P>what are some id markers that the port is bad? does it hurt?</P>
<P></P>
<P>when you go in to get ivs, will you get a bruise or feel tenderness again?</P>
<P></P>
<P>when you are finished with ivs, do you feel a sense of it being there or a sense of tenderness?</P>
<P></P>
<P></P>

 

[beleache]

Hey, <div><br></div><div> I have had good & bad experience with my port(s)  </div><div><br></div><div>The good,  I dont need peripheral  IV lines or picc lines Ty God !!  I love my port & hopefully it will keep loving me as long as possible !!</div><div><br></div><div> I say that because, The bad,  While I love my port my body does not seem to share me sentiment..  I clot due to ports (it also happened when I had my last picc)  I have had 3 DVT's (Deep vein thrombosis , Blood clots)  I have to do blood thinner shots every day, but to me it is worth it..  Most ppl w/ ports do NOT go through this !  </div><div><br></div><div>Sometimes I feel like it can be a bit achy , especially in rainy weather..  Not terrible though. </div><div><br></div><div>It is very important that who ever accesses me knows exactly what they are doing ..  I get accessed for monthly maintenance & have had some very good nurses ..  Once I find a good home healthcare nurse I always request that nurse..   If someone has a problem accessing you, dont be shy ask for someone else.. </div><div><br></div><div>It is a good idea to know what size your access needle is, that way you can make sure things will go smooth..</div><div><br></div><div> I have gotten to the point of being able to de-access myself (many cfers do this, heck some even access but i dont have any interest in that lol)</div><div><br></div><div>It may be helpful for you to use Emla cream to numb the area..  when they call you for supplies tell them to send the cream too.  Also while you are accessed if you have any problems with the dressing (I am allergic to tegaderm, make sure they give you a covering that you arent allergic to, they exist) </div><div><br></div><div>As far as exercise goes, I think most ppl still do their exercise w/o restrictions but I would check w/ the dr.  that places the port.. </div><div><br></div><div> Hmmmm,  I think I covered most of it lol ..  I hope that all goes well for you & that you love your post..  Let us know..</div><div><div><br></div><div>  <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">  joni</div></div>

 

[beleache]

Hey,<br>I have had good & bad experience with my port(s) <br>The good, I dont need peripheral IV lines or picc lines Ty God !! I love my port & hopefully it will keep loving me as long as possible !!<br>I say that because, The bad, While I love my port my body does not seem to share me sentiment.. I clot due to ports (it also happened when I had my last picc) I have had 3 DVT's (Deep vein thrombosis , Blood clots) I have to do blood thinner shots every day, but to me it is worth it.. Most ppl w/ ports do NOT go through this ! <br>Sometimes I feel like it can be a bit achy , especially in rainy weather.. Not terrible though.<br>It is very important that who ever accesses me knows exactly what they are doing .. I get accessed for monthly maintenance & have had some very good nurses .. Once I find a good home healthcare nurse I always request that nurse.. If someone has a problem accessing you, dont be shy ask for someone else..<br>It is a good idea to know what size your access needle is, that way you can make sure things will go smooth..<br>I have gotten to the point of being able to de-access myself (many cfers do this, heck some even access but i dont have any interest in that lol)<br>It may be helpful for you to use Emla cream to numb the area.. when they call you for supplies tell them to send the cream too. Also while you are accessed if you have any problems with the dressing (I am allergic to tegaderm, make sure they give you a covering that you arent allergic to, they exist)<br>As far as exercise goes, I think most ppl still do their exercise w/o restrictions but I would check w/ the dr. that places the port..<br>Hmmmm, I think I covered most of it lol .. I hope that all goes well for you & that you love your post.. Let us know..<br><img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> joni

 

[beleache]

Hey,<br>I have had good & bad experience with my port(s) <br>The good, I dont need peripheral IV lines or picc lines Ty God !! I love my port & hopefully it will keep loving me as long as possible !!<br>I say that because, The bad, While I love my port my body does not seem to share me sentiment.. I clot due to ports (it also happened when I had my last picc) I have had 3 DVT's (Deep vein thrombosis , Blood clots) I have to do blood thinner shots every day, but to me it is worth it.. Most ppl w/ ports do NOT go through this ! <br>Sometimes I feel like it can be a bit achy , especially in rainy weather.. Not terrible though.<br>It is very important that who ever accesses me knows exactly what they are doing .. I get accessed for monthly maintenance & have had some very good nurses .. Once I find a good home healthcare nurse I always request that nurse.. If someone has a problem accessing you, dont be shy ask for someone else..<br>It is a good idea to know what size your access needle is, that way you can make sure things will go smooth..<br>I have gotten to the point of being able to de-access myself (many cfers do this, heck some even access but i dont have any interest in that lol)<br>It may be helpful for you to use Emla cream to numb the area.. when they call you for supplies tell them to send the cream too. Also while you are accessed if you have any problems with the dressing (I am allergic to tegaderm, make sure they give you a covering that you arent allergic to, they exist)<br>As far as exercise goes, I think most ppl still do their exercise w/o restrictions but I would check w/ the dr. that places the port..<br>Hmmmm, I think I covered most of it lol .. I hope that all goes well for you & that you love your post.. Let us know..<br><img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> joni

 

[JustDucky]

Love my port....I have had two, my first one developed line sepsis, my second one is going on 3 years and still has a wonderful blood return. Joni pretty much said it....port care is pretty easy, you can shower with it, but make sure you cover the area to keep the dressing dry. I use saran wrap and a hand held shower to keep things dry.

I am one of those CF'ers who accesses my own port, have done so as soon as I could. I am a RN (not practicing currently, I guess you could say I am my own full time nurse lol) so doing this wasn't too bad, it was odd to do it to myself. I have accessed other's ports many times and never once thought I would be doing this to myself one day. It really is a snap, just need to use sterile technique to access. I wear a mask, use sterile gloves and cleanse my skin according to protocol. In the hospital, the nurses let me do it....I get pretty apprehensive when others touch my port. Luckily, my doc is okay with this <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

I have used my port so much that scar tissue has formed and I rarely feel the needle as a result. Even when my port was fresh, the stick was not much worse than getting a peripheral IV, once it is in, you don't feel it. The whole needle needs to be changed out every week when you are getting IV's. When it isn't accessed, it needs to be flushed monthly.

I know many CF'ers who do just about anything with their port, some weightlift I believe but I am not sure. I guess it depends on where your placement is. Mine is in my left upper chest, easiest for me to get to and access myself. Your doctor will be the best guide as far as activities go. I love that I can just access and go whenever I need IV's...no more PICC teams for me <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Even when this port goes kaput, I will get another one, no doubt about it. The surgery itself is not bad, I don't remember mine at all. The pain isn't bad, kind of feels bruised over the port...that goes away fairly quickly. I took Ibuprofen for pain control, maybe a few percocet tabs the first day.

I guess that's it as far as I can remember, if you have any more questions, ask away <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Jenn 39 w/CF

 

[JustDucky]

Love my port....I have had two, my first one developed line sepsis, my second one is going on 3 years and still has a wonderful blood return. Joni pretty much said it....port care is pretty easy, you can shower with it, but make sure you cover the area to keep the dressing dry. I use saran wrap and a hand held shower to keep things dry.

I am one of those CF'ers who accesses my own port, have done so as soon as I could. I am a RN (not practicing currently, I guess you could say I am my own full time nurse lol) so doing this wasn't too bad, it was odd to do it to myself. I have accessed other's ports many times and never once thought I would be doing this to myself one day. It really is a snap, just need to use sterile technique to access. I wear a mask, use sterile gloves and cleanse my skin according to protocol. In the hospital, the nurses let me do it....I get pretty apprehensive when others touch my port. Luckily, my doc is okay with this <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

I have used my port so much that scar tissue has formed and I rarely feel the needle as a result. Even when my port was fresh, the stick was not much worse than getting a peripheral IV, once it is in, you don't feel it. The whole needle needs to be changed out every week when you are getting IV's. When it isn't accessed, it needs to be flushed monthly.

I know many CF'ers who do just about anything with their port, some weightlift I believe but I am not sure. I guess it depends on where your placement is. Mine is in my left upper chest, easiest for me to get to and access myself. Your doctor will be the best guide as far as activities go. I love that I can just access and go whenever I need IV's...no more PICC teams for me <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Even when this port goes kaput, I will get another one, no doubt about it. The surgery itself is not bad, I don't remember mine at all. The pain isn't bad, kind of feels bruised over the port...that goes away fairly quickly. I took Ibuprofen for pain control, maybe a few percocet tabs the first day.

I guess that's it as far as I can remember, if you have any more questions, ask away <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Jenn 39 w/CF

 

[JustDucky]

Love my port....I have had two, my first one developed line sepsis, my second one is going on 3 years and still has a wonderful blood return. Joni pretty much said it....port care is pretty easy, you can shower with it, but make sure you cover the area to keep the dressing dry. I use saran wrap and a hand held shower to keep things dry.
<br />
<br />I am one of those CF'ers who accesses my own port, have done so as soon as I could. I am a RN (not practicing currently, I guess you could say I am my own full time nurse lol) so doing this wasn't too bad, it was odd to do it to myself. I have accessed other's ports many times and never once thought I would be doing this to myself one day. It really is a snap, just need to use sterile technique to access. I wear a mask, use sterile gloves and cleanse my skin according to protocol. In the hospital, the nurses let me do it....I get pretty apprehensive when others touch my port. Luckily, my doc is okay with this <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
<br />
<br />I have used my port so much that scar tissue has formed and I rarely feel the needle as a result. Even when my port was fresh, the stick was not much worse than getting a peripheral IV, once it is in, you don't feel it. The whole needle needs to be changed out every week when you are getting IV's. When it isn't accessed, it needs to be flushed monthly.
<br />
<br />I know many CF'ers who do just about anything with their port, some weightlift I believe but I am not sure. I guess it depends on where your placement is. Mine is in my left upper chest, easiest for me to get to and access myself. Your doctor will be the best guide as far as activities go. I love that I can just access and go whenever I need IV's...no more PICC teams for me <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Even when this port goes kaput, I will get another one, no doubt about it. The surgery itself is not bad, I don't remember mine at all. The pain isn't bad, kind of feels bruised over the port...that goes away fairly quickly. I took Ibuprofen for pain control, maybe a few percocet tabs the first day.
<br />
<br />I guess that's it as far as I can remember, if you have any more questions, ask away <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
<br />
<br />Jenn 39 w/CF

 

[Tisha]

I love my port! I've had two (one 1994-1998, got removed because I grew up and wasn't using it anymore, the second once since 2010).
It feels tender once inserted, maybe one or two months.
After inserting IVs, it generally doesn't hurt at all - you do get a mark in the place, and I have a little discomfort with using adhesive in the same area all the time.
Don't kick it because it will hurt and you could get damaged, but I don't see a problem with weightlifting...
Go for it! It's the best thing since sliced bread!

 

[Tisha]

I love my port! I've had two (one 1994-1998, got removed because I grew up and wasn't using it anymore, the second once since 2010).
It feels tender once inserted, maybe one or two months.
After inserting IVs, it generally doesn't hurt at all - you do get a mark in the place, and I have a little discomfort with using adhesive in the same area all the time.
Don't kick it because it will hurt and you could get damaged, but I don't see a problem with weightlifting...
Go for it! It's the best thing since sliced bread!

 

[Tisha]

I love my port! I've had two (one 1994-1998, got removed because I grew up and wasn't using it anymore, the second once since 2010).
<br />It feels tender once inserted, maybe one or two months.
<br />After inserting IVs, it generally doesn't hurt at all - you do get a mark in the place, and I have a little discomfort with using adhesive in the same area all the time.
<br />Don't kick it because it will hurt and you could get damaged, but I don't see a problem with weightlifting...
<br />Go for it! It's the best thing since sliced bread!

 

[mmmtat]

My first port went bad after a year, there was no pain, it just simply wouldn't flush anymore so they gave me the one I have now. I do all kinds of exercise with it, even when it is accessed. The only pain I get from it is the tegaderm irritating my skin when it is accessed for IVs. I access it myself, and there is no pain with that. I don't even notice it if it is not accessed, but if it is, mine is right under where my seatbelt in the car goes, so the seatbelt irritates it (but only when accessed). It's over 5 years old now, and I love it.

 

[mmmtat]

My first port went bad after a year, there was no pain, it just simply wouldn't flush anymore so they gave me the one I have now. I do all kinds of exercise with it, even when it is accessed. The only pain I get from it is the tegaderm irritating my skin when it is accessed for IVs. I access it myself, and there is no pain with that. I don't even notice it if it is not accessed, but if it is, mine is right under where my seatbelt in the car goes, so the seatbelt irritates it (but only when accessed). It's over 5 years old now, and I love it.

 

[mmmtat]

My first port went bad after a year, there was no pain, it just simply wouldn't flush anymore so they gave me the one I have now. I do all kinds of exercise with it, even when it is accessed. The only pain I get from it is the tegaderm irritating my skin when it is accessed for IVs. I access it myself, and there is no pain with that. I don't even notice it if it is not accessed, but if it is, mine is right under where my seatbelt in the car goes, so the seatbelt irritates it (but only when accessed). It's over 5 years old now, and I love it.

 

[jaimers]

I've had my port for almost 5 years and have had a couple clots in it here and there but they were able to put tpn in it and dissolve the clot and save the port which is great!
i do work out and lift weights with my port on a regular basis and continue to do so when it's accessed but i'm just a little more careful when the needle is in and if i feel it start to hurt or something i'll slack off. the pain with the weights isn't really pain so to speak, it's more just a tugging on the muscle where the port is sewn onto my chest muscle and then the scar tissue has formed over it a little to hold it in place.
but to answer your original question, yes you can do weights with it. just stop or lighten the weights if you feel it's uncomfortable.

 

[jaimers]

I've had my port for almost 5 years and have had a couple clots in it here and there but they were able to put tpn in it and dissolve the clot and save the port which is great!
i do work out and lift weights with my port on a regular basis and continue to do so when it's accessed but i'm just a little more careful when the needle is in and if i feel it start to hurt or something i'll slack off. the pain with the weights isn't really pain so to speak, it's more just a tugging on the muscle where the port is sewn onto my chest muscle and then the scar tissue has formed over it a little to hold it in place.
but to answer your original question, yes you can do weights with it. just stop or lighten the weights if you feel it's uncomfortable.

 

[jaimers]

I've had my port for almost 5 years and have had a couple clots in it here and there but they were able to put tpn in it and dissolve the clot and save the port which is great!
<br />i do work out and lift weights with my port on a regular basis and continue to do so when it's accessed but i'm just a little more careful when the needle is in and if i feel it start to hurt or something i'll slack off. the pain with the weights isn't really pain so to speak, it's more just a tugging on the muscle where the port is sewn onto my chest muscle and then the scar tissue has formed over it a little to hold it in place.
<br />but to answer your original question, yes you can do weights with it. just stop or lighten the weights if you feel it's uncomfortable.