After a few really awful experiences with canulas and lots of tears over over the taking of blood I was advised to get a line fitted for chemo
I went for a Porto cath rather than a Picc line. I didn’t want something flapping about That I would probably catch on something. I haven’t even started chemo yet due to ongoing problems with infections and seromas and a misbehaving implant, but just had another spell in hospital which entailed iv antibiotics, and wow what a difference having the portocath in has made. Painless and quick rather than ninety minute infusions of anti biotics through painful canulas.
It’s a general anaesthetic, but only a day / half a day surgery and nothing t o anyone who’s had an mx, and now that the skin has healed around it, you can barely notice the bump. It will sit there until all my treatment has finished. Which is probably going to be for the next 2 years if everything goes well.
I think some places don’t offer them and you have to fight for them, I didn’t have to fight at all thank goodness. But for anybody wondering if they should have one I can really recommend them. Well so far anyway, but if recent experience is anything to go by, I will probably be taken in again with an infection around it!
If anyone has had bad experiences with them or tips for things you shouldn’t do with them in, I’d love to hear from you,
X
Hi impatiens,
Couldn’t agree more with you about the wonderful Portocath! I had mine put in nearly 18 months ago, as my veins are non-existent after chemo 3 years ago, and after bone mets diagnosis last May needed regular bone strengthener IV & now chemo again.
No hunting for veins & painful needles, plus treatment is quicker & much less stressful.
I’m certainly a fan!
Dugsy
Me too - I LOVE my portacath, and want to keep it forever!
Like you Dugsy, I’m a secondary girl, so mine gets used a lot - Zometa, chemo, blood transfusions etc, and as mine is a power port its also been used to administer the contrast for CT scans.
Judging by people on here, not only the availability of ports but also the insertion method varies from area to area - I didn’t have a general anaesthetic like you Impatiens, just mild sedation, and the whole procedure only took minutes.
The only care advice I have received is to ensure it is flushed every 4 weeks if it has not been used. Other than that, as it is sealed inside the body there is nothing really to do at all.
It’s FAB!
Julie x
I too only had heavy sedation and some local anaesthetic for the insertion. Had to have it as my veins gave in half way through chemo and so glad I did. It’s been brilliant. I did ask for one at the start of chemo so not sure why I didnt get one… maybe I should’ve pushed for it harder. I was advised port rather than picc as it only needs to be flushed every three or four weeks, its concealed inside your body, and less chance of infection. Every chemo patient should have one.