ports...

[smoothdave]

how many of u guys can say u think ur port is a good thing? i got asked last night i was sick if i wanted one in but i just refused it cause i didnt want to get one put in. i have never really thought much about it to be honest, just thought i would ask every one what they think of thier's... if you have one that is?

 

[CowTown]

Hi Dave,

I actually asked the same thing a ffew weeks ago, so I thought I'd paste the link to that thread for you. I got a lot of really helpful responses. Hopefully this will help you.

Ports: Does everyone like theirs?:
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://forums.cysticfibrosis.com/messageview.cfm?catid=5&threadid=9384&highlight_key=y
">http://forums.cysticfibrosis.c...=9384&highlight_key=y
</a>
I just got one about 2 weeks ago and so far so good. I'm still getting used to it.
Kelly

 

[thelizardqueen]

I've never had one myself, and I know I haven't reached the point where I need one put in, but I've heard that they are sooo much better then a PICC line. I'll stick to piccs for awhile though, because I've only ever had the need for one 1 in 10 years.

 

[fourkidsmom]

Smoothdave

From a parents view with a child with cf I think they are GREAT! Our now 5 yr old had his first one put in at 2 months of age after a failed central line and many PICC lines. He had his second one put in at 4 1/2 yrs old. We never thought of not having him get another port. He has been a real trooper, even though he still crys thru the port flushes, I think it is more anxiety than really hurting him. But he prefers us doing the port flushes than a nurse. We don't enjoy doing the flushes but we know it is better than not having the port at all. We are 100% for the port. There have been a few times that he has had to get blood from his arm and he tells us he likes them getting it thru his port better. As far as looks of the port, his sticks out quite a bit, but at this point doesn't bother him at all. Other kids will kind of stare at it and if they ask him he is like "yeah-that's my port" he kind of acts like "dah". He is so funny.

Good luck with your decision.


Fourkidsmom

 

[Jane]

My 15 yr old is going to have one put in on Friday. Everyone here and at the hospital have said good things. I'll let you know.

If you are on IVs very often, it makes sense.

 

[Jennie]

Hi SmoothDave,<br>
I LOVE my port. I've had it since Feb of 1998. I want to shake the
had of the person who invented this thing, its the best thing ever
invented....I use it anywhere from 3-6 times a year. I don't even
know its there when I'm not using it. Mine is located over my
right breast kind of beside my arm pit...it's great
because it don't "stick out" like other ports I've
seen....so I'm more comfortable in my clothes like low cut shirts,
bikini's (not that you have to worry about that) LOL!<br>
Good luck with your decision. <br>

 

[smoothdave]

so how often do u guys use your port? the most i have ever been on IV'S is twice in one year. would uz all think it would still be worth getting this put in? i just dont no how to make a decision.. if it will be easier or worth it in the longer run.

 

[kybert]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>smoothdave</b></i>

how many of u guys can say u think ur port is a good thing?</end quote></div>

ask me again in a week and i will tell you lol!

 

[CowTown]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>smoothdave</b></i>

so how often do u guys use your port? the most i have ever been on IV'S is twice in one year. would uz all think it would still be worth getting this put in? i just dont no how to make a decision.. if it will be easier or worth it in the longer run.</end quote></div>



I don't really have an answer for you since I just got mine. I'm figuring that it will be worth it in the long run since my viens are done with needles and piccs. One thing I'm hoping though with it is to maybe do more home IVs rather that hospital time. We'll see.

Maybe think of it terms of whether you're viens can still handle the Ivs or piccs. If it's still easy for them to get those in, then dont bother getting a port yet. When it starts getting tougher to access, then you might want to reconsider for your own sanity.

 

[Bumblebee]

I luuuuuurve my port..  I've had one since 2002 and it's in my
arm! (it's a passport so it's small)  My veins are
knackered, they were rejecting venflons (cannulas) after
practically everydose and just couldn't get long lines in them (are
long line PICCs? UK person here!).  Had a port infection last
year which was scary as when it was flushed my body went into shock
(that's how they discovered the infection).  Despite this
incident i aboslutely love my new port even though i only have IV's
about 3-4 times a year. It's so much easier and makes me happier to
be at home knowing my line isn't about to suddenly fail
 Just make sure you keep it flushed once a month! My infection
probably arose as i left it for about 7-8 weeks -oops!<br>
<br>
<br>
ps hello everyone i've just joined this shebang!

 

[littledebbie]

Hey SmoothDave, I'm with Kelly and Bumblebee on this...I think if
you need iv's more than like twice a year and your veins are (to
borrow Bumblebees phrase) Knackered (Ha!) then a port would
probably me a bit of freedom and peace.<br>
<br>
I knew one guy who was so comfortable accessing his own port that
even during his meds he would pull the line once in a while to go
do something or soak in the shower without being hooked up just for
the break.  <br>
<br>
I was too squeamish for doing my own needle so i never did that but
you know after being hooked up 3 weeks a long hot soak starts to
get tempting.  For me it was like Bumble said...it's a relief
not to worry your line's gonna blow...specially at like 3am when
theres no one around to do a picc so they try to put in a reg iv
and you know that's not going to go in on the first, second, or
even third try - and it will only last about 12 hours...oh
lord pass the jack daniels!

 

[HairGirl]

another advantage with the port (at least for me) is that you change the needles once a week, so once a week I get a shower without taping up!!!! That's better than a Picc!!! And along with everyone else, the reassurance that I have it if I need it and don't have to have IV's or Picc lines put in.

And welcome to the site Bumblebee<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">