Getting IV's Through Port Need Help

Capi · Mar 18, 2009

I posted in the Hospital section last week that I was going in for a port.

I have had a pick line since August and the doctors said they wanted to put a port.

Never had one before and the surgery went fine last week. I have been using the pick line as they said it would take about seven days before I should start using it. I have a home nurse that is coming in later on today to put inject the port. But I have a few questions that I hope you all can help.

1. They sent the supplies last night so that the nurse has them for today. I looked through them and the needle is huge...... I got a double port and I am pretty sure that needle is to big. Are there different size needles or are they all the same and I am only imagining it being to big?

2. I do IV's twice a day. They only sent one needle. I thought I was to do the IV and take it off. Does this mean I have to stay with the needle connected to my chest? If that is the case then what is the advantages as I still have to go through hell to take showers? Or is the needle something that can be taken of and used again?

3. Is this something that eventually I will be able to do on my own? Do some of you inject yourselves?

4. Lastly, did I mentioned the size of the needle? Holy crap that thing is big??? I don't think I have the *&^ to inject that into my chest......

Capi · Mar 18, 2009

I posted in the Hospital section last week that I was going in for a port.

I have had a pick line since August and the doctors said they wanted to put a port.

Never had one before and the surgery went fine last week. I have been using the pick line as they said it would take about seven days before I should start using it. I have a home nurse that is coming in later on today to put inject the port. But I have a few questions that I hope you all can help.

1. They sent the supplies last night so that the nurse has them for today. I looked through them and the needle is huge...... I got a double port and I am pretty sure that needle is to big. Are there different size needles or are they all the same and I am only imagining it being to big?

2. I do IV's twice a day. They only sent one needle. I thought I was to do the IV and take it off. Does this mean I have to stay with the needle connected to my chest? If that is the case then what is the advantages as I still have to go through hell to take showers? Or is the needle something that can be taken of and used again?

3. Is this something that eventually I will be able to do on my own? Do some of you inject yourselves?

4. Lastly, did I mentioned the size of the needle? Holy crap that thing is big??? I don't think I have the *&^ to inject that into my chest......

Capi · Mar 18, 2009

I posted in the Hospital section last week that I was going in for a port.

I have had a pick line since August and the doctors said they wanted to put a port.

Never had one before and the surgery went fine last week. I have been using the pick line as they said it would take about seven days before I should start using it. I have a home nurse that is coming in later on today to put inject the port. But I have a few questions that I hope you all can help.

1. They sent the supplies last night so that the nurse has them for today. I looked through them and the needle is huge...... I got a double port and I am pretty sure that needle is to big. Are there different size needles or are they all the same and I am only imagining it being to big?

2. I do IV's twice a day. They only sent one needle. I thought I was to do the IV and take it off. Does this mean I have to stay with the needle connected to my chest? If that is the case then what is the advantages as I still have to go through hell to take showers? Or is the needle something that can be taken of and used again?

3. Is this something that eventually I will be able to do on my own? Do some of you inject yourselves?

4. Lastly, did I mentioned the size of the needle? Holy crap that thing is big??? I don't think I have the *&^ to inject that into my chest......

Capi · Mar 18, 2009

I posted in the Hospital section last week that I was going in for a port.

I have had a pick line since August and the doctors said they wanted to put a port.

Never had one before and the surgery went fine last week. I have been using the pick line as they said it would take about seven days before I should start using it. I have a home nurse that is coming in later on today to put inject the port. But I have a few questions that I hope you all can help.

1. They sent the supplies last night so that the nurse has them for today. I looked through them and the needle is huge...... I got a double port and I am pretty sure that needle is to big. Are there different size needles or are they all the same and I am only imagining it being to big?

2. I do IV's twice a day. They only sent one needle. I thought I was to do the IV and take it off. Does this mean I have to stay with the needle connected to my chest? If that is the case then what is the advantages as I still have to go through hell to take showers? Or is the needle something that can be taken of and used again?

3. Is this something that eventually I will be able to do on my own? Do some of you inject yourselves?

4. Lastly, did I mentioned the size of the needle? Holy crap that thing is big??? I don't think I have the *&^ to inject that into my chest......

Capi · Mar 18, 2009

I posted in the Hospital section last week that I was going in for a port.
 
 I have had a pick line since August and the doctors said they wanted to put a port.
 
 Never had one before and the surgery went fine last week. I have been using the pick line as they said it would take about seven days before I should start using it. I have a home nurse that is coming in later on today to put inject the port. But I have a few questions that I hope you all can help.
 
 1. They sent the supplies last night so that the nurse has them for today. I looked through them and the needle is huge...... I got a double port and I am pretty sure that needle is to big. Are there different size needles or are they all the same and I am only imagining it being to big?
 
 2. I do IV's twice a day. They only sent one needle. I thought I was to do the IV and take it off. Does this mean I have to stay with the needle connected to my chest? If that is the case then what is the advantages as I still have to go through hell to take showers? Or is the needle something that can be taken of and used again?
 
 3. Is this something that eventually I will be able to do on my own? Do some of you inject yourselves?
 
 4. Lastly, did I mentioned the size of the needle? Holy crap that thing is big??? I don't think I have the *&^ to inject that into my chest......

NYCLawGirl · Mar 18, 2009

1. There are different sized needles - typically they vary from about 1/4 an inch to about 1 inch or a tiny bit longer. It depends on your port placement and the size of the port which one they will use, but they all look pretty similar. Ask you homecare provider if you think you need a different sized needle.

2. Nope, the needle stays in place, although it will be changed weekly. It will be covered with tagaderm similar to a picc. The advantages to a port don't really have anything to do with convenience of showering and things like that. Mostly it's easier on your veins, and it allows you to do IVs without a picc placement. Some people who have had negative picc experieinces find that a port makes their lives tons easier. Others just do it for the convenience of being able to do IVs at home with less hassle. YOU CAN NOT TAKE THE NEEDLE OUT AND REUSE IT.

3. If the port is in your chest you should be able to do it yourself. I have my port in my upper left arm, so clearly I can't self-access since it takes both hands (the port moves a bit and you need one hand to hold it steady). Most people with chest ports eventually learn to access themselves, but it may take some getting used to. You will have to access once a month (IVs or no) to flush the port with heparin.

NYCLawGirl · Mar 18, 2009

1. There are different sized needles - typically they vary from about 1/4 an inch to about 1 inch or a tiny bit longer. It depends on your port placement and the size of the port which one they will use, but they all look pretty similar. Ask you homecare provider if you think you need a different sized needle.

2. Nope, the needle stays in place, although it will be changed weekly. It will be covered with tagaderm similar to a picc. The advantages to a port don't really have anything to do with convenience of showering and things like that. Mostly it's easier on your veins, and it allows you to do IVs without a picc placement. Some people who have had negative picc experieinces find that a port makes their lives tons easier. Others just do it for the convenience of being able to do IVs at home with less hassle. YOU CAN NOT TAKE THE NEEDLE OUT AND REUSE IT.

3. If the port is in your chest you should be able to do it yourself. I have my port in my upper left arm, so clearly I can't self-access since it takes both hands (the port moves a bit and you need one hand to hold it steady). Most people with chest ports eventually learn to access themselves, but it may take some getting used to. You will have to access once a month (IVs or no) to flush the port with heparin.

NYCLawGirl · Mar 18, 2009

1. There are different sized needles - typically they vary from about 1/4 an inch to about 1 inch or a tiny bit longer. It depends on your port placement and the size of the port which one they will use, but they all look pretty similar. Ask you homecare provider if you think you need a different sized needle.

2. Nope, the needle stays in place, although it will be changed weekly. It will be covered with tagaderm similar to a picc. The advantages to a port don't really have anything to do with convenience of showering and things like that. Mostly it's easier on your veins, and it allows you to do IVs without a picc placement. Some people who have had negative picc experieinces find that a port makes their lives tons easier. Others just do it for the convenience of being able to do IVs at home with less hassle. YOU CAN NOT TAKE THE NEEDLE OUT AND REUSE IT.

3. If the port is in your chest you should be able to do it yourself. I have my port in my upper left arm, so clearly I can't self-access since it takes both hands (the port moves a bit and you need one hand to hold it steady). Most people with chest ports eventually learn to access themselves, but it may take some getting used to. You will have to access once a month (IVs or no) to flush the port with heparin.

NYCLawGirl · Mar 18, 2009

1. There are different sized needles - typically they vary from about 1/4 an inch to about 1 inch or a tiny bit longer. It depends on your port placement and the size of the port which one they will use, but they all look pretty similar. Ask you homecare provider if you think you need a different sized needle.

2. Nope, the needle stays in place, although it will be changed weekly. It will be covered with tagaderm similar to a picc. The advantages to a port don't really have anything to do with convenience of showering and things like that. Mostly it's easier on your veins, and it allows you to do IVs without a picc placement. Some people who have had negative picc experieinces find that a port makes their lives tons easier. Others just do it for the convenience of being able to do IVs at home with less hassle. YOU CAN NOT TAKE THE NEEDLE OUT AND REUSE IT.

3. If the port is in your chest you should be able to do it yourself. I have my port in my upper left arm, so clearly I can't self-access since it takes both hands (the port moves a bit and you need one hand to hold it steady). Most people with chest ports eventually learn to access themselves, but it may take some getting used to. You will have to access once a month (IVs or no) to flush the port with heparin.

NYCLawGirl · Mar 18, 2009

1. There are different sized needles - typically they vary from about 1/4 an inch to about 1 inch or a tiny bit longer. It depends on your port placement and the size of the port which one they will use, but they all look pretty similar. Ask you homecare provider if you think you need a different sized needle.
 
 2. Nope, the needle stays in place, although it will be changed weekly. It will be covered with tagaderm similar to a picc. The advantages to a port don't really have anything to do with convenience of showering and things like that. Mostly it's easier on your veins, and it allows you to do IVs without a picc placement. Some people who have had negative picc experieinces find that a port makes their lives tons easier. Others just do it for the convenience of being able to do IVs at home with less hassle. YOU CAN NOT TAKE THE NEEDLE OUT AND REUSE IT.
 
 3. If the port is in your chest you should be able to do it yourself. I have my port in my upper left arm, so clearly I can't self-access since it takes both hands (the port moves a bit and you need one hand to hold it steady). Most people with chest ports eventually learn to access themselves, but it may take some getting used to. You will have to access once a month (IVs or no) to flush the port with heparin.

Havoc · Mar 18, 2009

Capi,

I do not personally have experience with a port of my own, but I have encountered cancer patients with them. They are typically accessed with a Huber needle, which range in sizes both length and gauge. Gauge ranges between 20g and 22g and length ranges between .5 and 1.5 inches. However, if you have a power port it seems that they use a 20g 1 inch needle exclusively.

So, basically what I am saying is that you may be able to request a smaller needle if you are using something other than a power port. A reason that this might be denied is that a smaller needle might restrict the flow of the pump or drop set too much. You also may be able to request an anesthetic cream prior to access.

You can leave a needle in for up to 7 days, if I remember correctly. I think most services have a nurse access the port and change the needle. Frankly, I would do it myself, but that's me. Yes, if you leave the needle in you will still have a dressing and showering will be a pain in the ass.

Havoc · Mar 18, 2009

Capi,

I do not personally have experience with a port of my own, but I have encountered cancer patients with them. They are typically accessed with a Huber needle, which range in sizes both length and gauge. Gauge ranges between 20g and 22g and length ranges between .5 and 1.5 inches. However, if you have a power port it seems that they use a 20g 1 inch needle exclusively.

So, basically what I am saying is that you may be able to request a smaller needle if you are using something other than a power port. A reason that this might be denied is that a smaller needle might restrict the flow of the pump or drop set too much. You also may be able to request an anesthetic cream prior to access.

You can leave a needle in for up to 7 days, if I remember correctly. I think most services have a nurse access the port and change the needle. Frankly, I would do it myself, but that's me. Yes, if you leave the needle in you will still have a dressing and showering will be a pain in the ass.

Havoc · Mar 18, 2009

Capi,

I do not personally have experience with a port of my own, but I have encountered cancer patients with them. They are typically accessed with a Huber needle, which range in sizes both length and gauge. Gauge ranges between 20g and 22g and length ranges between .5 and 1.5 inches. However, if you have a power port it seems that they use a 20g 1 inch needle exclusively.

So, basically what I am saying is that you may be able to request a smaller needle if you are using something other than a power port. A reason that this might be denied is that a smaller needle might restrict the flow of the pump or drop set too much. You also may be able to request an anesthetic cream prior to access.

You can leave a needle in for up to 7 days, if I remember correctly. I think most services have a nurse access the port and change the needle. Frankly, I would do it myself, but that's me. Yes, if you leave the needle in you will still have a dressing and showering will be a pain in the ass.

Havoc · Mar 18, 2009

Capi,

I do not personally have experience with a port of my own, but I have encountered cancer patients with them. They are typically accessed with a Huber needle, which range in sizes both length and gauge. Gauge ranges between 20g and 22g and length ranges between .5 and 1.5 inches. However, if you have a power port it seems that they use a 20g 1 inch needle exclusively.

So, basically what I am saying is that you may be able to request a smaller needle if you are using something other than a power port. A reason that this might be denied is that a smaller needle might restrict the flow of the pump or drop set too much. You also may be able to request an anesthetic cream prior to access.

You can leave a needle in for up to 7 days, if I remember correctly. I think most services have a nurse access the port and change the needle. Frankly, I would do it myself, but that's me. Yes, if you leave the needle in you will still have a dressing and showering will be a pain in the ass.

Havoc · Mar 18, 2009

Capi,
 
 I do not personally have experience with a port of my own, but I have encountered cancer patients with them. They are typically accessed with a Huber needle, which range in sizes both length and gauge. Gauge ranges between 20g and 22g and length ranges between .5 and 1.5 inches. However, if you have a power port it seems that they use a 20g 1 inch needle exclusively.
 
 So, basically what I am saying is that you may be able to request a smaller needle if you are using something other than a power port. A reason that this might be denied is that a smaller needle might restrict the flow of the pump or drop set too much. You also may be able to request an anesthetic cream prior to access.
 
 You can leave a needle in for up to 7 days, if I remember correctly. I think most services have a nurse access the port and change the needle. Frankly, I would do it myself, but that's me. Yes, if you leave the needle in you will still have a dressing and showering will be a pain in the ass.

Capi · Mar 18, 2009

Wow, I was under the assumption that I would be able to take it off and put it on pretty much everyday.

I love to go swimming I have a pool and heater so I can use it pretty much year round plus I live in Miami. One of the things that doctor told me the advantages of the port was that I would be able to go back to swimming. He knows that before the pick I would use the pool pretty much on a daily basis.

The other thing was that he told me I would not have to go through the hassle of having to cover up my arm every day so that the pick line would not get wet. With a needle stuck to my chest how do you all then bath? I would think is harder to cover it than the arm?

The pick line has worked for me fine and the reason I got the port is because from what my doctor can see I will be on antibiotics for a while and he advised me it would be a lot more convenient for me. But its not sounding that way right now.

Capi · Mar 18, 2009

Wow, I was under the assumption that I would be able to take it off and put it on pretty much everyday.

I love to go swimming I have a pool and heater so I can use it pretty much year round plus I live in Miami. One of the things that doctor told me the advantages of the port was that I would be able to go back to swimming. He knows that before the pick I would use the pool pretty much on a daily basis.

The other thing was that he told me I would not have to go through the hassle of having to cover up my arm every day so that the pick line would not get wet. With a needle stuck to my chest how do you all then bath? I would think is harder to cover it than the arm?

The pick line has worked for me fine and the reason I got the port is because from what my doctor can see I will be on antibiotics for a while and he advised me it would be a lot more convenient for me. But its not sounding that way right now.

Capi · Mar 18, 2009

Wow, I was under the assumption that I would be able to take it off and put it on pretty much everyday.

I love to go swimming I have a pool and heater so I can use it pretty much year round plus I live in Miami. One of the things that doctor told me the advantages of the port was that I would be able to go back to swimming. He knows that before the pick I would use the pool pretty much on a daily basis.

The other thing was that he told me I would not have to go through the hassle of having to cover up my arm every day so that the pick line would not get wet. With a needle stuck to my chest how do you all then bath? I would think is harder to cover it than the arm?

The pick line has worked for me fine and the reason I got the port is because from what my doctor can see I will be on antibiotics for a while and he advised me it would be a lot more convenient for me. But its not sounding that way right now.

Capi · Mar 18, 2009

Wow, I was under the assumption that I would be able to take it off and put it on pretty much everyday.

I love to go swimming I have a pool and heater so I can use it pretty much year round plus I live in Miami. One of the things that doctor told me the advantages of the port was that I would be able to go back to swimming. He knows that before the pick I would use the pool pretty much on a daily basis.

The other thing was that he told me I would not have to go through the hassle of having to cover up my arm every day so that the pick line would not get wet. With a needle stuck to my chest how do you all then bath? I would think is harder to cover it than the arm?

The pick line has worked for me fine and the reason I got the port is because from what my doctor can see I will be on antibiotics for a while and he advised me it would be a lot more convenient for me. But its not sounding that way right now.

Capi · Mar 18, 2009

Wow, I was under the assumption that I would be able to take it off and put it on pretty much everyday.
 
 I love to go swimming I have a pool and heater so I can use it pretty much year round plus I live in Miami. One of the things that doctor told me the advantages of the port was that I would be able to go back to swimming. He knows that before the pick I would use the pool pretty much on a daily basis.
 
 The other thing was that he told me I would not have to go through the hassle of having to cover up my arm every day so that the pick line would not get wet. With a needle stuck to my chest how do you all then bath? I would think is harder to cover it than the arm?
 
 The pick line has worked for me fine and the reason I got the port is because from what my doctor can see I will be on antibiotics for a while and he advised me it would be a lot more convenient for me. But its not sounding that way right now.

Getting IV's Through Port Need Help

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