Port or Picc

[anonymous]

I don't usually post, but I do have a question for some of the adults out there that have been through so much. I have had several Picc lines in the past and I always develop blood clots from them. I know that I am at the point where I have to go in again, and I don't know what to do. I am putting off call my doc because I don't want to have to deal with another clot. Do any of you have problems like this with a picc? Does getting a port help at all, or even make any difference?

Please help, I am waiting to call me doc.

Thank You

 

[anonymous]

We had the same problems with a PICC. Each and every time we would end up with a clot. My son had a mediport put in 3 years ago and has not had any problems with it at all
Michelle

 

[AbsintheSorrow]

I never had clots with PICCs, but I got mechanical phlebitis every single time I had a PICC placed. It was not worth it. I had a port placed 2 years ago, and I love it. The surgery and recovery wasn't the most fun thing ever, but it was totally worth it. I have to access it once a month to flush it so that I don't throw a clot, but the needles you access it with are very very thin. 22 gauge, if you know anything about needle sizes. And the other thing with ports is that you can become entirely self reliant with them, whereas you cannot really with PICC lines. I access my own port, change the needles and dressings myself. Administer all my meds myself, it's lovely. If I feel like I really need a shower one day, I can take the needle out long enough to shower and relax for a few hours, and then replace it with a new one before I need anotehr dose. I much prefer not needing to rely so much on nurses. The only time I see them anymore is when they need to draw blood to check my levels. I'd say if you continually have trouble with PICC lines, talk to your doctor about a port. It was definitely a good decision for me, and may be for you as well.

 

[ladybug]

hi!
i also have terrible problems with blood clots when i have a picc. i now am put on heparin flushes after each set of meds and last time they put me on coumadin once a day to assure my blood stays thin while getting meds. i have also been through very painful procedures of "exchanging" the picc when it clots so badly, but i don't know if i'd go to a port yet in my situation. i guess it depends how you feel about it and how often you're going in. you could ask your doc about heparin and coumadin (warfarin) to keep the line open. have you already done those things? i don't think its likely at all for a clot if you're on warfarin.... its pretty potent. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[anonymous]

Emily mentioned needles w/ the port. I have only used PICC lines & I guess I don't really know really what a port a cath is. I've heard it is often inserted under the breast or in that area & I assume it doesn't need replaced unless there are complications or infections w/ it?
With the PICC lines that I've used, it's needle-less, I just screw the syringes onto the end of the PICC, so other than getting the initial PICC put in, it's not painfull at all. I guess I assumed that the port was basically the same (uses the screw in type syringes)?
What do you do w/ needles and the port? Do you know of a website that has a information on a port with a picture of one?
Thanks

 

[anonymous]

The port usually isnt placed IN the breast but either above it under the colar bone or below it (if your female)., you can also get them placed in the upper arm. as for needles you only get stuck once when you have a port. when you need meds they just insert a special needle into the port. once that is in no more sticks. jsut hook up your meds ...you dont even feel the needle once it is in place...you may feel the initial stick but thats all. it (the special needle in the port) is also supposed to be replaced every 7 days to prevent infection....remember this is only when you need iv meds....when you dont need ivs you just flush it once a month by insterting the special needle flush with saline and heperain and your done. take it out and go about your day.
now when the port is placed it is a surgery. and you will have pain depending on how it is placed and the skill of the surgeon and your pain tolerance...and you are usually given pain medication for this too. the pain on average will last 2-4 days like i said depending on the above. for me it was only 2 days. the first day is the worse as with anything. but they last years. i have heard of some lasting 10 years. i have had mine for 3 with no problems.
if you copy and paste this link there is a page with info on ports. look for the title medi-port info and click on it.
http://groups.msn.com/CysticFibrosis2chat

hope this helps some

 

[anonymous]

the port is much better i have gone through many piccs only one with a clot though and i have even had central lines in my neck. i got the port and i love it so much more

 

[gstvixen]

get a port, it'll be the best thing you could do...
i love mine and wish i never had to go through the crap of getting PICC lines! or that i wouldnt have been so stubborn in not getting one!
take care

 

[anonymous]

i usually get picc lines and have no probs with them but from everyones response im thinkin of gettin a port they sound so much better.