No problem, I figure pics are worth a thousand words, sometimes more <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Honestly, PICC placements were far worse for me hands down than port placements. This is my second port, my first port got infected, could not be saved and had to be removed. They were on top of it, the infection cleared quickly and I was able to get my present port within two months of the first's removal...and you know what? I would do it over again if I lost this one.
<br />I have had a few traumatic PICC placements too, to the point of needing sedatives because they had such a hard time threading them. Granted, I hadn't had many PICC's done, I think I was on my 5th PICC before I said 'nuff of this and went for the port, knowing that I would be needing IV's in the future. At the time of my first port, I was on IV's maybe 2 a year, but they usually were longer courses. When I got B. cep, I was on IV's for nearly 3 months straight...it didn't take long before I bit onto that dangling carrot and got my port.
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<br />The first port, I was put all the way under, it didn't take long at all. I was a bit sore on the incision, but nothing that a little percocet couldn't handle. I did have a bit of bruising, but I am on blood thinners, so it probably looked worse than it really was. Vesting was a bit tough the first few days, but I padded the area well or cupped my hand over the accessed part and got through the shakes and quakes in one piece LOL. I also pre medicated each session with either a percocet or some Ibuprofen (works wonders) about a half hour before so that the pain would be minimal.
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<br />I went home accessed and on IV's with the first, so I didn't shower, but on the day of the needle change, the needle was left out so I could shower and then I was reaccessed. That was pure heaven <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
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<br />As far as being out of commission, I would say take it easy the first few days, listen to your doc and your body too. If you have a pretty active job, give it time to heal. If you work at a desk, you could probably go back the next day. Again, it depends on how you feel and what your doc is comfortable with. General care was pretty easy, for me it was to keep it clean and dry. There might be a little oozing. They also ask you to watch your temps, report any unusual bleeding or extreme tenderness etc....
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<br />My second port was done under twilight sedation, I was there but not really...lights on, nobody home LOL. I woke up as the doc took out my needle, he was flushing it to make sure it was patent. Honestly, I didn't feel a thing, Versed is a wonderful drug, they also gave me some Fentanyl through my IV for pain. It was quick, he was done within a hour tops.
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<br />Again, I was sore a few days, but that was it. I only needed Ibuprofen by day 2. I sleep on my back, so positioning wasn't difficult and my port did not interfere with my comfort on that level. I wore loose blouses/shirts and stayed away from bras for a few days as the strap did tend to rub. My port is located about 3 inches below my left collar bone...easy enough for me to see and access myself. Request a power port if you decide on one, mine isn't, but my next one will be should I need another one, I get enough CT scans with contrast, they will be able to push the dye in via the port instead of having to start another line to do it.
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<br />You do have a choice where to put your port...I would avoid your breast. I went for accessing ease, I didn't care where it was just as long as I could get at it and maintain it myself. I know there are several here that have them in their arms, breasts, even thigh. It's all personal and they have their pro's and cons. Mine does not jut out that much, if it gets bumped, it doesn't hurt really...but I am pretty careful about it when it is accessed as I would imagine it would sting a bit if I smacked it with the needle in.
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<br />Okay, so I have rambled enough LOL
<br />Hugs, Jenn <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
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<br />I hope this all helps
