Port

[Shoshanna]

Hi All,
I haven't been on this site in ages. I am 39 and 6 years post-transplant with CF.
My transplant center requires monthly lab work and my veins are horrible so I've always had a port.
It's time for a new one, but they want to try Interventional Radiology instead of using a surgeon to place it.
I've heard that IR ports are more superficial (over the clavical bone instead of under) and the wiring/tubing may show a little through the skin.
I am very petite with a thin chest (as many CFers can relate) and I'm wondering how the port would look and feel and if it would show with a V-neck or scooped neck?
Scared to proceed and hopeful for some feedback. Thanks so much!

 

[nmw0615]

I just had an IR port placed. The line does show, but it looks more like a vein than anything else. The port sticks out a little bit as well, but where mine is placed it doesn't really show through clothes too much. I'm also on the thin side, so I get where you're coming from there.

 

[triples15]

Hi there,

I had mine placed in the OR by a thoracic surgeon. My CF doc preferred a surgeon over IR, so it was easy for me to make a decision. It was subclavian, as opposed to jugular. I could easily feel the catheter, but it wasn't visible and tunneled under my clavicle.

I've never seen or heard of one that has the catheter go over the clavicle. To be honest, it doesn't sound pleasant to me, and I'm assuming it would be quite visible and also you would really feel it. I would ask if it is, in fact, true that if you have it done in IR it would go over your clavicle. If that is the case, I would ask to have it done by a surgeon. But that's just my OPINION.

Good luck to you and take care! Let me know if I can answer anything else about my experience.

Autumn 33 w/CF

 

[LittleLab4CF]

Anybody wishing to have a scar not contrasting to their natural skin is wise to use sun screen as soon as the doctor allows. I was told to do this for a month or two, so several weeks anyway. An easy cosmetic fix.

LL