maybe a clot in my port

J

Jana

New member
I went yesterday for my monthly port flush, and the nurse couldn't get a blood return. All that came out was this icky brown stuff. Once that was out, nothing else would come out. She finally spoke to a doctor, and he said it sounds like I probably have a clot in the line. That sounds like a reasonable assumption to me, but this is totally new territory for me, so I have no idea what happens at this point.

When my picc line had a clot, they were able to clear the line out. Can they do that with ports as well?

I sent a note to my doctor so suppose I'll know more soon. I'm just feeling impatient to find out what happens with this kind of situation.

Thanks for any input!
 
J

Jana

New member
I went yesterday for my monthly port flush, and the nurse couldn't get a blood return. All that came out was this icky brown stuff. Once that was out, nothing else would come out. She finally spoke to a doctor, and he said it sounds like I probably have a clot in the line. That sounds like a reasonable assumption to me, but this is totally new territory for me, so I have no idea what happens at this point.

When my picc line had a clot, they were able to clear the line out. Can they do that with ports as well?

I sent a note to my doctor so suppose I'll know more soon. I'm just feeling impatient to find out what happens with this kind of situation.

Thanks for any input!
 
J

Jana

New member
I went yesterday for my monthly port flush, and the nurse couldn't get a blood return. All that came out was this icky brown stuff. Once that was out, nothing else would come out. She finally spoke to a doctor, and he said it sounds like I probably have a clot in the line. That sounds like a reasonable assumption to me, but this is totally new territory for me, so I have no idea what happens at this point.
<br />
<br />When my picc line had a clot, they were able to clear the line out. Can they do that with ports as well?
<br />
<br />I sent a note to my doctor so suppose I'll know more soon. I'm just feeling impatient to find out what happens with this kind of situation.
<br />
<br />Thanks for any input!
 
A

Aspiemom

Guest
I had a clot in mine last year and they inject something they call a "clot buster" into it. Then you wait a period of time (30 min? Can't remember) and it opens it up and they can flush. Easy solution, so let's hope that's what it is.
 
A

Aspiemom

Guest
I had a clot in mine last year and they inject something they call a "clot buster" into it. Then you wait a period of time (30 min? Can't remember) and it opens it up and they can flush. Easy solution, so let's hope that's what it is.
 
A

Aspiemom

Guest
I had a clot in mine last year and they inject something they call a "clot buster" into it. Then you wait a period of time (30 min? Can't remember) and it opens it up and they can flush. Easy solution, so let's hope that's what it is.
 
T

tleigh

New member
Jana,
It is possible that there is a clot or what they call a fibrous sheath that has grown over the end of your line. Usually they will try Activase or TPK. They will put in around 5cc's, let it sit over 30 minutes and then draw that back out (they don't typically flush it through the line). The Activase dissolves any clots or residue that may be hindering blood return. The other option is to get radiology to make sure that the line is still viable.

This is not an unusual thing...in fact I am in the hospital right now and we have had to activase my port twice already in 3 weeks.
 
T

tleigh

New member
Jana,
It is possible that there is a clot or what they call a fibrous sheath that has grown over the end of your line. Usually they will try Activase or TPK. They will put in around 5cc's, let it sit over 30 minutes and then draw that back out (they don't typically flush it through the line). The Activase dissolves any clots or residue that may be hindering blood return. The other option is to get radiology to make sure that the line is still viable.

This is not an unusual thing...in fact I am in the hospital right now and we have had to activase my port twice already in 3 weeks.
 
T

tleigh

New member
Jana,
<br />It is possible that there is a clot or what they call a fibrous sheath that has grown over the end of your line. Usually they will try Activase or TPK. They will put in around 5cc's, let it sit over 30 minutes and then draw that back out (they don't typically flush it through the line). The Activase dissolves any clots or residue that may be hindering blood return. The other option is to get radiology to make sure that the line is still viable.
<br />
<br />This is not an unusual thing...in fact I am in the hospital right now and we have had to activase my port twice already in 3 weeks.
 
A

Asexyblond23

New member
I have had more of these then I can count. I just had one about 2 weeks ago. I just call the clinic and they order TPA. They will flush your port with it, let it sit for an hour in the line and it breaks up any sheeths or clots in the line. Also know that your line could have just moved and is stuck against the wall of your vein. But the TPA is super easy I just found out that my IV pharmacy carrries it and I am going to have them order it for me so when it does sheeth off I can just TPA it and go on with my day <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
A

Asexyblond23

New member
I have had more of these then I can count. I just had one about 2 weeks ago. I just call the clinic and they order TPA. They will flush your port with it, let it sit for an hour in the line and it breaks up any sheeths or clots in the line. Also know that your line could have just moved and is stuck against the wall of your vein. But the TPA is super easy I just found out that my IV pharmacy carrries it and I am going to have them order it for me so when it does sheeth off I can just TPA it and go on with my day <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
A

Asexyblond23

New member
I have had more of these then I can count. I just had one about 2 weeks ago. I just call the clinic and they order TPA. They will flush your port with it, let it sit for an hour in the line and it breaks up any sheeths or clots in the line. Also know that your line could have just moved and is stuck against the wall of your vein. But the TPA is super easy I just found out that my IV pharmacy carrries it and I am going to have them order it for me so when it does sheeth off I can just TPA it and go on with my day <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
J

Jana

New member
Thanks for the quick responses, everyone. I've had this port for 2 1/2 years and have never had any issues, so this made me nervous. Hopefully it is a clot and can be easily fixed.
 
J

Jana

New member
Thanks for the quick responses, everyone. I've had this port for 2 1/2 years and have never had any issues, so this made me nervous. Hopefully it is a clot and can be easily fixed.
 
J

Jana

New member
Thanks for the quick responses, everyone. I've had this port for 2 1/2 years and have never had any issues, so this made me nervous. Hopefully it is a clot and can be easily fixed.
 
K

kristenb

New member
Hi, Jana. Haven't talked to you for a while. Sorry to hear about the port-a-cath 'hiccup'. Thinking about ya! I, too, have had what every here has said and used the same injectable medication that they are speaking of. Let us know how it turns out.
 
K

kristenb

New member
Hi, Jana. Haven't talked to you for a while. Sorry to hear about the port-a-cath 'hiccup'. Thinking about ya! I, too, have had what every here has said and used the same injectable medication that they are speaking of. Let us know how it turns out.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top