getting a port on friday

E

ej0820

New member
hey all!

thanks again so much for the replies to my port post from a while ago. I'm actually excited to be getting one because I won't ever have to deal with a PICC line again. Those things are such a nightmare for me!

I'm actually scheduled to get a port placed on friday because I need to go back in for IVs. What should I expect as far as the actual surgery? I know everyone is different, but did you guys all wake up in agony? Did you just sleep all day after the placement? I'm going to be admitted thursday, so it's not going to be an outpatient thing (if it even is...) for me. Did it hurt to move? I'm worried about anesthesia and my breathing-I've had it before and I tolerate it just fine, but I have a feeling that waking up from it will abruptly prompt some coughing...coughing right after a port placement sounds like something to be afraid of, lol. I know there will be stitches-are they easy to pop from coughing? I imagine I won't be able to use my vest the first night...

How did you guys handle it? Any suggestions for nerves?

Stupid question...has anyone had a port placed and hated the spot they put it in? I know it's not going to be a surprise, but I'm now nervous that they'll put it in and I'll want it 2 more inches to the left or something, lol (I'm a little self conscious about getting it).
 
E

ej0820

New member
hey all!

thanks again so much for the replies to my port post from a while ago. I'm actually excited to be getting one because I won't ever have to deal with a PICC line again. Those things are such a nightmare for me!

I'm actually scheduled to get a port placed on friday because I need to go back in for IVs. What should I expect as far as the actual surgery? I know everyone is different, but did you guys all wake up in agony? Did you just sleep all day after the placement? I'm going to be admitted thursday, so it's not going to be an outpatient thing (if it even is...) for me. Did it hurt to move? I'm worried about anesthesia and my breathing-I've had it before and I tolerate it just fine, but I have a feeling that waking up from it will abruptly prompt some coughing...coughing right after a port placement sounds like something to be afraid of, lol. I know there will be stitches-are they easy to pop from coughing? I imagine I won't be able to use my vest the first night...

How did you guys handle it? Any suggestions for nerves?

Stupid question...has anyone had a port placed and hated the spot they put it in? I know it's not going to be a surprise, but I'm now nervous that they'll put it in and I'll want it 2 more inches to the left or something, lol (I'm a little self conscious about getting it).
 
E

ej0820

New member
hey all!
<br />
<br />thanks again so much for the replies to my port post from a while ago. I'm actually excited to be getting one because I won't ever have to deal with a PICC line again. Those things are such a nightmare for me!
<br />
<br />I'm actually scheduled to get a port placed on friday because I need to go back in for IVs. What should I expect as far as the actual surgery? I know everyone is different, but did you guys all wake up in agony? Did you just sleep all day after the placement? I'm going to be admitted thursday, so it's not going to be an outpatient thing (if it even is...) for me. Did it hurt to move? I'm worried about anesthesia and my breathing-I've had it before and I tolerate it just fine, but I have a feeling that waking up from it will abruptly prompt some coughing...coughing right after a port placement sounds like something to be afraid of, lol. I know there will be stitches-are they easy to pop from coughing? I imagine I won't be able to use my vest the first night...
<br />
<br />How did you guys handle it? Any suggestions for nerves?
<br />
<br />Stupid question...has anyone had a port placed and hated the spot they put it in? I know it's not going to be a surprise, but I'm now nervous that they'll put it in and I'll want it 2 more inches to the left or something, lol (I'm a little self conscious about getting it).
 
L

lilywing

New member
Hey Erin!
I just want to say that I understand how nervous/anxious you are. I was the same, if not worse! I was convinced that I was going to die (I actually wrote a letter to all my loved ones, in case I didn't make it...I tend to catastrophize when I'm worried!), and I was terrified at the concept of conscious sedation. Is that what you are having, or are you going all the way under? (I would definitely recommend conscious sedation btw, no worries about breathing issues then.)
For me, the port placement was seriously the easiest thing EVER. The surgeon told me before hand where he would be placing the port (we discussed things like bra-straps, neck lines, etc.) Everyone talked me through everything, but not in too much detail so that I might freak out, a fine line sometimes! I just like to hear that everything is going as planned, you know! No "Oh my god, I've never seen anything like that before!" lol
From the time they put me on the table, to the time I was wheeled out, under 30 minutes. We were all laughing and joking, it was the best time I've ever had under those kind of circumstances. I was conscious the whole time, and a little loopy. I was an in-patient at the time, so I went back to my room and watched tv/slept, taking pain meds, but not desperate for them, you know. It's uncomfortable, but more like someone punched you in the chest, not like stabbing, throbbing pain. I didn't do the vest for a couple days, I don't remember coughing being too much of a problem. Just remember that it will be more swollen and not so pretty in the beginning, but it will get better.
At the time, I had a PICC line, so my port had 7 days to heal up before they accessed it. Access was fine, though a little intimidating the first time. Again, I tend to freak out about those things. I prefer to blow things completely out of proportion and then be pleasantly surprised, I guess!

I think you are going to love your port, and seriously, don't sweat the procedure. If I had any idea how easy it all was, I would have done it years ago and saved myself IV and PICC-hell.
I will be thinking of you on Friday and sending you happy-port-vibes!

Kelly <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
L

lilywing

New member
Hey Erin!
I just want to say that I understand how nervous/anxious you are. I was the same, if not worse! I was convinced that I was going to die (I actually wrote a letter to all my loved ones, in case I didn't make it...I tend to catastrophize when I'm worried!), and I was terrified at the concept of conscious sedation. Is that what you are having, or are you going all the way under? (I would definitely recommend conscious sedation btw, no worries about breathing issues then.)
For me, the port placement was seriously the easiest thing EVER. The surgeon told me before hand where he would be placing the port (we discussed things like bra-straps, neck lines, etc.) Everyone talked me through everything, but not in too much detail so that I might freak out, a fine line sometimes! I just like to hear that everything is going as planned, you know! No "Oh my god, I've never seen anything like that before!" lol
From the time they put me on the table, to the time I was wheeled out, under 30 minutes. We were all laughing and joking, it was the best time I've ever had under those kind of circumstances. I was conscious the whole time, and a little loopy. I was an in-patient at the time, so I went back to my room and watched tv/slept, taking pain meds, but not desperate for them, you know. It's uncomfortable, but more like someone punched you in the chest, not like stabbing, throbbing pain. I didn't do the vest for a couple days, I don't remember coughing being too much of a problem. Just remember that it will be more swollen and not so pretty in the beginning, but it will get better.
At the time, I had a PICC line, so my port had 7 days to heal up before they accessed it. Access was fine, though a little intimidating the first time. Again, I tend to freak out about those things. I prefer to blow things completely out of proportion and then be pleasantly surprised, I guess!

I think you are going to love your port, and seriously, don't sweat the procedure. If I had any idea how easy it all was, I would have done it years ago and saved myself IV and PICC-hell.
I will be thinking of you on Friday and sending you happy-port-vibes!

Kelly <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
L

lilywing

New member
Hey Erin!
<br />I just want to say that I understand how nervous/anxious you are. I was the same, if not worse! I was convinced that I was going to die (I actually wrote a letter to all my loved ones, in case I didn't make it...I tend to catastrophize when I'm worried!), and I was terrified at the concept of conscious sedation. Is that what you are having, or are you going all the way under? (I would definitely recommend conscious sedation btw, no worries about breathing issues then.)
<br />For me, the port placement was seriously the easiest thing EVER. The surgeon told me before hand where he would be placing the port (we discussed things like bra-straps, neck lines, etc.) Everyone talked me through everything, but not in too much detail so that I might freak out, a fine line sometimes! I just like to hear that everything is going as planned, you know! No "Oh my god, I've never seen anything like that before!" lol
<br />From the time they put me on the table, to the time I was wheeled out, under 30 minutes. We were all laughing and joking, it was the best time I've ever had under those kind of circumstances. I was conscious the whole time, and a little loopy. I was an in-patient at the time, so I went back to my room and watched tv/slept, taking pain meds, but not desperate for them, you know. It's uncomfortable, but more like someone punched you in the chest, not like stabbing, throbbing pain. I didn't do the vest for a couple days, I don't remember coughing being too much of a problem. Just remember that it will be more swollen and not so pretty in the beginning, but it will get better.
<br />At the time, I had a PICC line, so my port had 7 days to heal up before they accessed it. Access was fine, though a little intimidating the first time. Again, I tend to freak out about those things. I prefer to blow things completely out of proportion and then be pleasantly surprised, I guess!
<br />
<br />I think you are going to love your port, and seriously, don't sweat the procedure. If I had any idea how easy it all was, I would have done it years ago and saved myself IV and PICC-hell.
<br />I will be thinking of you on Friday and sending you happy-port-vibes!
<br />
<br />Kelly <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
M

mag6125

New member
For me the placement wasn't bad at all I was put under general anesthesia and woke up a little sore. They sent me home with Vicodin which I did take for about a week. My case is a litte different because I have my port just under my bra line in my rib area so I couldn't wear a bra for a while until it healed and after that it was sore until scar tissue developed over the site. Honestly the whole thing isn't anywhere as bad as I had imagined it to be. You'll do great, good luck on Friday!
 
M

mag6125

New member
For me the placement wasn't bad at all I was put under general anesthesia and woke up a little sore. They sent me home with Vicodin which I did take for about a week. My case is a litte different because I have my port just under my bra line in my rib area so I couldn't wear a bra for a while until it healed and after that it was sore until scar tissue developed over the site. Honestly the whole thing isn't anywhere as bad as I had imagined it to be. You'll do great, good luck on Friday!
 
M

mag6125

New member
For me the placement wasn't bad at all I was put under general anesthesia and woke up a little sore. They sent me home with Vicodin which I did take for about a week. My case is a litte different because I have my port just under my bra line in my rib area so I couldn't wear a bra for a while until it healed and after that it was sore until scar tissue developed over the site. Honestly the whole thing isn't anywhere as bad as I had imagined it to be. You'll do great, good luck on Friday!
 
E

ej0820

New member
Thanks kelly and mag...

You guys are making me feel a lot easier about it. I am getting general anesthesia-no consciousness for me, thanks! lol. Even loopy, I don't think I could handle being awake for this procedure. When I get PICC lines, I require a ton of anti-anxiety drugs because I'm such a mess-this would be MAJOR. And they only help half the time.

*fingers crossed*
 
E

ej0820

New member
Thanks kelly and mag...

You guys are making me feel a lot easier about it. I am getting general anesthesia-no consciousness for me, thanks! lol. Even loopy, I don't think I could handle being awake for this procedure. When I get PICC lines, I require a ton of anti-anxiety drugs because I'm such a mess-this would be MAJOR. And they only help half the time.

*fingers crossed*
 
E

ej0820

New member
Thanks kelly and mag...
<br />
<br />You guys are making me feel a lot easier about it. I am getting general anesthesia-no consciousness for me, thanks! lol. Even loopy, I don't think I could handle being awake for this procedure. When I get PICC lines, I require a ton of anti-anxiety drugs because I'm such a mess-this would be MAJOR. And they only help half the time.
<br />
<br />*fingers crossed*
 
W

windex125

Guest
Hi I'm Pat woman/55 CF got my port 9yrs ago I cried as well thought, that's it death now. But it was the oppossite. I hate needles and was put semi-under. Given valium ro calm me as well I felt a little pressue but it was a quick procedure, mine is in my right shoulder blade under my collarbone. I can't remember that far back abt pain but know I did not use my vest for abt a week and then they gave me a square strofoam with a hole cut out it looks like a square donut and that gets placed between yr.chest and yr. buttons (I have a dobule meiport but it is rather small) that is what I call mine and it helps alot. It is the best thing I ever did for home IV's when and if you have to infuse yr. nurse will put a needle in but make sure to nume the area prior for abt 20mins their is a cream or a spray and then the needle gets changed weekly. When you are not using it open and no clotting takes place. You will do great and I am sure we all worried in the beg. and then had it all worked out for the best. Take Care, Be Well
 
W

windex125

Guest
Hi I'm Pat woman/55 CF got my port 9yrs ago I cried as well thought, that's it death now. But it was the oppossite. I hate needles and was put semi-under. Given valium ro calm me as well I felt a little pressue but it was a quick procedure, mine is in my right shoulder blade under my collarbone. I can't remember that far back abt pain but know I did not use my vest for abt a week and then they gave me a square strofoam with a hole cut out it looks like a square donut and that gets placed between yr.chest and yr. buttons (I have a dobule meiport but it is rather small) that is what I call mine and it helps alot. It is the best thing I ever did for home IV's when and if you have to infuse yr. nurse will put a needle in but make sure to nume the area prior for abt 20mins their is a cream or a spray and then the needle gets changed weekly. When you are not using it open and no clotting takes place. You will do great and I am sure we all worried in the beg. and then had it all worked out for the best. Take Care, Be Well
 
W

windex125

Guest
Hi I'm Pat woman/55 CF got my port 9yrs ago I cried as well thought, that's it death now. But it was the oppossite. I hate needles and was put semi-under. Given valium ro calm me as well I felt a little pressue but it was a quick procedure, mine is in my right shoulder blade under my collarbone. I can't remember that far back abt pain but know I did not use my vest for abt a week and then they gave me a square strofoam with a hole cut out it looks like a square donut and that gets placed between yr.chest and yr. buttons (I have a dobule meiport but it is rather small) that is what I call mine and it helps alot. It is the best thing I ever did for home IV's when and if you have to infuse yr. nurse will put a needle in but make sure to nume the area prior for abt 20mins their is a cream or a spray and then the needle gets changed weekly. When you are not using it open and no clotting takes place. You will do great and I am sure we all worried in the beg. and then had it all worked out for the best. Take Care, Be Well
 
J

just4fun

New member
Personally I love my port and it was the best thing I ever did. My last one was placed 9 years ago, but I have had 4 total. Since I have blood clotting issues, I was sometimes surprised by the location when I woke up. So I have had one in my thigh, my forearm and both sides of my chest. The one in my thigh was my favorite because it was so easy to access, which is something you will learn all about. I actually access mine myself, but that is by personal choice. I have had different levels of sedation, but all went well each time. If they are going to use it immediately the only thing I would recommend is that they access it while you are under/sedated. My first one I was not and that was the last time I let that mistake happen. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0"> Someone else mentioned using Emla cream, but I do not use it. The pressure you feel when it is accessed, which is the one thing I do not care for, would not be resolved with a topical cream. Overall like I said my port is my best friend. I am sure your placement will go great. Good luck!
 
J

just4fun

New member
Personally I love my port and it was the best thing I ever did. My last one was placed 9 years ago, but I have had 4 total. Since I have blood clotting issues, I was sometimes surprised by the location when I woke up. So I have had one in my thigh, my forearm and both sides of my chest. The one in my thigh was my favorite because it was so easy to access, which is something you will learn all about. I actually access mine myself, but that is by personal choice. I have had different levels of sedation, but all went well each time. If they are going to use it immediately the only thing I would recommend is that they access it while you are under/sedated. My first one I was not and that was the last time I let that mistake happen. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0"> Someone else mentioned using Emla cream, but I do not use it. The pressure you feel when it is accessed, which is the one thing I do not care for, would not be resolved with a topical cream. Overall like I said my port is my best friend. I am sure your placement will go great. Good luck!
 
J

just4fun

New member
Personally I love my port and it was the best thing I ever did. My last one was placed 9 years ago, but I have had 4 total. Since I have blood clotting issues, I was sometimes surprised by the location when I woke up. So I have had one in my thigh, my forearm and both sides of my chest. The one in my thigh was my favorite because it was so easy to access, which is something you will learn all about. I actually access mine myself, but that is by personal choice. I have had different levels of sedation, but all went well each time. If they are going to use it immediately the only thing I would recommend is that they access it while you are under/sedated. My first one I was not and that was the last time I let that mistake happen. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0"> Someone else mentioned using Emla cream, but I do not use it. The pressure you feel when it is accessed, which is the one thing I do not care for, would not be resolved with a topical cream. Overall like I said my port is my best friend. I am sure your placement will go great. Good luck!
 
M

minimedic304

New member
My port was the smartest thing I ever did. Conscious sedation was a lot of fun...great buzz !! However I was very sore for a few days after, so make sure they give you something for a few days after. Most important thing is to make sure you flush the port every month, keep the area clean with antibacterial soap. Other than that you will be glad you got this !!
 
M

minimedic304

New member
My port was the smartest thing I ever did. Conscious sedation was a lot of fun...great buzz !! However I was very sore for a few days after, so make sure they give you something for a few days after. Most important thing is to make sure you flush the port every month, keep the area clean with antibacterial soap. Other than that you will be glad you got this !!
 
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