Flushing the port with Heparin ?

S

sistercf

New member
Hi !
The last Iv-cures I have been taken, I have been feeling a strange feeling when I flush with Heparin. I wonder if someone more feel like me when they flush their port-a-cath ? And if you Think it´s serious to talk about my doctor about ? 10 seconds after I flushed the heparin, my hearing kind of disappears for e few seconds and it´s kind of ticeling on my lips. Do you Think it´s bad to get this kind of feeling ? It happens everytime I flush my port-a-cath :(
 
G

Gorf

Guest
I will let you know, I got my port cath just under a month ago while in hospital(Veins worn out). The home nurse comes tomorrow to flush. Doesn't sound good, I would tell doctor before your next flush. I don't see that as side effect as you described. Could be interaction with another med your on.
Stop using heparin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

  • sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
  • sudden severe headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
  • chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, fast heart rate;
  • pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs;
  • trouble breathing; or
  • fever, chills, runny nose, or watery eyes.
Less serious side effects may include:

  • mild pain, redness, warmth, or skin changes where the medicine was injected;
  • mild itching of your feet; or
  • bluish-colored skin.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
 
S

sistercf

New member
Gorf...thank´s for your answer. I will call directly to a cf-nurse and tell them. I finished my antibiotics for this time, yesterday.
But it will be used soon again.
 
G

Gorf

Guest
Its been 30 minutes, no problems with the heparin flush that I could tell. Hope you find out what's going on, good luck, God Bless.
 
A

AllthebestforLiam

New member
It might well be due to a heparin induced hypocalcaemia. If you flush the port quite quickly, the heparin that reaches your bloodstream reacts with the calcium in your blood, so that the amount of free calcium ions is decreased. Some people notice this by exactly the symptoms you describe, others notice vertigo, nausea or muscle cramping in the hands.
Try flushing the port more slowly, or drinking a calcium tablet directly after flushing the port. Might possibly solve your problem :)
 
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