port surgery recovery question

[anonymous]

Hello all. I just have a question about a port being placed. I had a PasPort placed over 10 years ago and it's time to get a new one. (I am having surgery tomorrow-Mon). And I'm getting nervous about the recovery time. I remember my last one being very painful (they had to try several veins) so I was black and blue for a while and couldn't move my arm (that is where the PasPort is placed.) I am going to try to get another port in my arm because I'm not fond of the idea of it being in my chest. (I'm really weird about my port being touched) so I figured if it is in my chest, I'll never want to be hugged, etc.
Can any of you tell me what to expect and how your recoveries were. I'd really appreciate it. I'll be checking this later today to look for responses and I'll also post again on how I'm doing. Thanks for your help.
Health and happiness to all,
Kelli 27 year old CF'er

 

[gstvixen]

Hi Kelli!! I had my Mediport placed last summer (my first one ever) they had tried in my arm, but I have no veins left, so my only other option was the chest. I, like you, was not fond of having this thing there. But, it was prolly the best thing I could have done. Mine is on the left side right under my collar bone. I have a scar that is really still noticeable, and you can see the port when I loose weight, but it covers nicely with a tank top!! I dont remember anything about them putting it in...but was in alot of pain afterward, it felt like I got shot in the shoulder (not to scare you or anything, just being honest). They gave me IV pain killers and alot of tylenol. It hurt like that for about 2 days. It was achy though for a good 2 weeks, and I didnt want anyone to touch me around my shoulder and was really gaurded for awhile. The first time the nurse came to flush it out, I was like stop being so rough..but, it gets less sensitive the more you use it...I hope everything goes well for you tomorrow!! Write me back if you want to know anything else!!! Good Luck!!!! <img src="i/expressions/rose.gif" border="0">

 

[anonymous]

Thanks for your help, Megan. I really appreciate that. I'm still unsure of what will happen tomorrow but I do appreciate your advice. I see that you are from Canton, Ohio. I went to college at U of A. Small world. What hospital do you go to? I go to Akron Childrens for treatment. I love the team there.
Thanks for giving me your input. I will go to Akron City tomorrow for surgery.
Take care,
Kelli
ps. I would have logged in but I forgot my password.

 

[jenhum]

I hope your surgery went well! I had my second port put in this summer and I was TERRIFIED. They put me to sleep the first time they did it, so the second time when I found out I'd just be out of it, not asleep, I freaked out and was VERY nervous. I didn't want to be aware of what they were doing to me!! I won't be next time, though, as I really was out of it and I don't remember a thing. The worst is the first 2-3 days. I threw up a few times, but I think that was b/c of the drugs. I was sore and didn't want anyone near my left side for about 2 weeks. After that I was pretty much fine, and since they put mine in the exact same spot, it didn't hurt when they started flushing it.

Just a note, if you ever have to have one put in your chest, it's not so bad. Mine is under my collarbone and while you can see the scar, you really can't see the port at all-it's covered by breast tissue. Also, I don't think I've ever felt anyone touch it while hugging me, unless they are really short and their head is pressing against it!

 

[anonymous]

Hey Jenny,
Thanks for your input. I had my port placed in my chest this time. The dr's thought it was a much better option, so it is under my coller bone on my right side (since the veins on the left we torn up due to the pasport). It really feels secure and overall I am very ok with it. I haven't hugged anyone yet so we'll see about that.
My pasport came out fine, but the tube that went to my heart had adhered to the vein itself and they had a horrible time getting it out. Tons of pulling, tugging, etc. And I wasn't under anthestic (spelling?). I kept talking to them telling them it hurt (that's how aware I was). They finally had to call in the anthesiologist (you know the person who puts you under) because I was not going to sleep. I had my eyes open most of the procedure. That was nasty. I remeber a lot of it.
But the main thing is, the port is in and I survived! I am anxious to see how I react to this being in my chest. I'm happy to have the old one out of my arm, it was so sensitive and always got grabbed.
Thanks for your advice and input. I really appreciate it. I'm going to take some Tylenol. I'm not in much pain at all, but want to keep the pain I do have under control so I can sleep tonight.
Take care and thanks again.
-Kelli 27 y.o. with CF and A BRAND NEW PORT!!!!