Port Surgery In 2 Weeks... Eek!

[Bailey Vincent]

Just found out I'm getting port surgery in 2 weeks, and I'm starting to get nervous. What was your pain like after surgery? How was the healing process? Was your scar super yucky (I have an engagement party 2 weeks after and am being vain, lol)

Would love input!

 

[jmv]

My port surgery was not bad at all! It went by super fast, I was in and out of the hospital in a few hours. I was pretty sore the few days after- more sore than they told me I would be. But just take Advil or whatever every 4 hours and it's not too bad. I was only sore for 3-4 days and then I felt totally normal.

As far as the scar, mine was still pretty much a scab 2 weeks after. I'm a really slow healer though so it might be different for you, but you might want it covered if you can, depending on where it is. Once the incision finally healed, I started putting Mederma on it so that scar isn't too bad anymore.

Good luck!

 

[ksy8384]

I have had several ports put in and taken out. I don't remember any of them being super painful, I am a stomach sleeper and could sleep on my stomach the night of surgery. Where is it being placed? All of mine are in my upper chest area above my bra line. I am so happy to have my port I could give a rats about the scar. lol It isn't too bad though to be honest. Best of luck.

 

[keefer11]

Here is a link to my forum post which asked a similar question in case you want to read others responses. I think everyone's port surgery can be a little different. I think my surgery was particularly painful because the surgeon said it was difficult to place (probably because Ive had so many PICC lines and I honestly think my dr waited to long to place one.

As for the scar, mine is a little over an inch and still pretty obvious, i would definitely buy a dress that isnt strapless(or spaghetti strapped) if you are feeling vein The port itself you can't really tell it is there, but that is because I have a good amount of fat. My sister who had a port hers stuck out and was pretty obvious because she was so thin.

http://forum.cysticfibrosis.com/threads/37656-When-does-your-port-stop-hurting?p=914800#post914800
Good luck!

 

[breatheforher]

My daughter did not have much pain with the first port and it healed up beautifully. She was diligent with using cocoa butter on the scar several times a day and protecting it from the sun and in time you couldnt even see the scar anymore. Her first port lasted 8 years then had to be replaced because they said she outgrew it (height) and it was no longer sitting where it should. The 2nd surgery was also a success and they said if she takes care of it as well as she did the first then this one will not need to be replaced. She has had both placed in the axilla (below armpit) which has been wonderful. She never has to worry about what she wears and it is well protected under her arm.

 

[sugarcookie]

Good luck with your upcoming procedure to place a new port. I have had mine for 3 years and LOVE it. Have you thought about where you are going to have it placed on your body? Mine is in the standard and common place, upper-right chest-third rib from top. My port does stick out, so I can't wear strapless or spaghetti straps, and even some tops with thin straps. Bathing suits are a nightmare to find, because none of them have chest coverage that high (unless it's aqua swimsuits that are less than flattering). My port sticks out, even though it is the slim bard power port, because I am thin and have no fatty tissue in my upper chest. This is a big issue that you need to discuss ahead of time with the people placing your port, whether there are different options in placement of your port. I have heard of women getting the port placed between their breasts or under the armpit.

Also, I was quite sore for a few days. I got a prescription pain med and was glad for it. I doubt you will have pain for 2 weeks, if you even have pain, everyone is different. So, enjoy the wedding and good luck with your new port!