arm vs chest port

[PinkPigg]

Similar to breatheforher's daughter, I also have an underarm port. I love it because it can't really be seen unless you have a really low cut tank on and also have your arms lifted. Access is easy as long as you get an extension on the IV line when it's accessed.

I've only found one negative so far. If you are a side sleeper then sleeping when it is accessed can be tricky. Mine is on my left and I sleep on both my left and right sides. So when it is accessed I just sleep on my right side. Or I can sleep on my left if I tape a piece of dense foam with a hole cut out around it.

You may need the foam block stuff to do the vest anyhow if you choose a chest or underarm port. Hill Rom will ship you the foam free if you call them.

Here is a link to my blog that has photos of my port: http://www.ifpigshadwings.blogspot.com/2010/09/port-o-call.html

Good luck with your decision <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Peace,
Steph

 

[PinkPigg]

Similar to breatheforher's daughter, I also have an underarm port. I love it because it can't really be seen unless you have a really low cut tank on and also have your arms lifted. Access is easy as long as you get an extension on the IV line when it's accessed.

I've only found one negative so far. If you are a side sleeper then sleeping when it is accessed can be tricky. Mine is on my left and I sleep on both my left and right sides. So when it is accessed I just sleep on my right side. Or I can sleep on my left if I tape a piece of dense foam with a hole cut out around it.

You may need the foam block stuff to do the vest anyhow if you choose a chest or underarm port. Hill Rom will ship you the foam free if you call them.

Here is a link to my blog that has photos of my port: http://www.ifpigshadwings.blogspot.com/2010/09/port-o-call.html

Good luck with your decision <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Peace,
Steph

 

[semnle34]

I initially had my first port in my arm but it got infected so I decided to put the new one in my chest. I've had it going on 5 years now and think its great. I can wear a regular shirt and you can't even see it. Plus I find it to be easier to access there too. The port is a great thing to have. No more PICC lines In me.

 

[semnle34]

I initially had my first port in my arm but it got infected so I decided to put the new one in my chest. I've had it going on 5 years now and think its great. I can wear a regular shirt and you can't even see it. Plus I find it to be easier to access there too. The port is a great thing to have. No more PICC lines In me.

 

[laurana2012]

I have a chest port but mine is placed below my right breast. It is pretty much right underneath it but far enough down so that it is not affected by my bra. I absolutely LOVE my port. I had one for a little over 6 years and then i grew out of it. I had to get it replaced about 2.5 years ago and they were able to put it in the same spot. I find this spot not as sensitive as the spot by the clavicle. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> When you first get your port getting it accessed does hurt however over time scar tissue builds up and it gets to the point where it really doesn't hurt much at all. Good luck and you will love it!

 

[laurana2012]

I have a chest port but mine is placed below my right breast. It is pretty much right underneath it but far enough down so that it is not affected by my bra. I absolutely LOVE my port. I had one for a little over 6 years and then i grew out of it. I had to get it replaced about 2.5 years ago and they were able to put it in the same spot. I find this spot not as sensitive as the spot by the clavicle. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> When you first get your port getting it accessed does hurt however over time scar tissue builds up and it gets to the point where it really doesn't hurt much at all. Good luck and you will love it!

 

[Gorf]

I had 3 Piccs last year nad 2 this year so far(I have had about 25 in my lfe span so far.), to me the chest port would be more of a problem I would think, I still am very active and work 40 hours a week when not in hospital. Does this intefere with any activities that you do, swimming(or showering), playing sports, taking trips out of state or country, bedroom excersises?

 

[Gorf]

I had 3 Piccs last year nad 2 this year so far(I have had about 25 in my lfe span so far.), to me the chest port would be more of a problem I would think, I still am very active and work 40 hours a week when not in hospital. Does this intefere with any activities that you do, swimming(or showering), playing sports, taking trips out of state or country, bedroom excersises?

 

[trigueros79]

Its good your doing research...I didnt when my daughter got hers...When she came out of surgery it was about at her ribcage...and the major problem was how do we do the vest whan your accessed?..She flat refused...said it hurt and was uncomfortable...So maybe consider that...pressure and shaking how does that feel on an accessed port? RTs will give you foam and you cut a circle in the middle...and your not suppose to feel anything....or cover with towels when doin the vest..
The first one was down low by the ribcage...and we had clotting issues...many clots...so they replaced with a shorter line which is higher up on the chest and its runs very smooth when flushin and drawing.

 

[trigueros79]

Its good your doing research...I didnt when my daughter got hers...When she came out of surgery it was about at her ribcage...and the major problem was how do we do the vest whan your accessed?..She flat refused...said it hurt and was uncomfortable...So maybe consider that...pressure and shaking how does that feel on an accessed port? RTs will give you foam and you cut a circle in the middle...and your not suppose to feel anything....or cover with towels when doin the vest..
The first one was down low by the ribcage...and we had clotting issues...many clots...so they replaced with a shorter line which is higher up on the chest and its runs very smooth when flushin and drawing.

 

[giantsfan91]

Just wanted to thank everyone here for their input you guys are great =) I initially wanted to go with a port on the side of the chest almost under the arm trying to reduce its visibilty because I'm a pretty skinny guy but my radiologist said that he didn't recommend that for me so what he did was use a pretty low profile port that they usually place in the inside of the bicep on my chest under my left clavicle. I just got it done today and I'm pretty sore and bruised but even now it looks pretty hidden so I'm hoping once the swelling is down it'll be even smaller. Thanks again everyone.

 

[giantsfan91]

Just wanted to thank everyone here for their input you guys are great =) I initially wanted to go with a port on the side of the chest almost under the arm trying to reduce its visibilty because I'm a pretty skinny guy but my radiologist said that he didn't recommend that for me so what he did was use a pretty low profile port that they usually place in the inside of the bicep on my chest under my left clavicle. I just got it done today and I'm pretty sore and bruised but even now it looks pretty hidden so I'm hoping once the swelling is down it'll be even smaller. Thanks again everyone.