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Does anyone have or consider having a portacath put in?

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 1/23/2008 8:31 AM (GMT 0)
Now I am aware that portacaths are generally put in for patients that are needing chemotherapy, but I am seriously considering this little baby. First off if you dont know what a portacath or port is here is some general info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port-a-Cath

 

I am considering this because I have the worst time getting veins accessed for all of my blood work, remicade and recent hospital stays. One hospital stay I literally had 10 IV changes until I was finally given a PICC line. I am recieving remicade every 6 weeks and I generally have my blood drawn at least twice a month if not more. Wouldn't it seem logical to just have a portacath becasue the IV pokes are getting really painful and pathetic now since all of my veins have scarred up and are pretty much mad at me.

 

Any advice would be awesome, and if anyone has actually had this done please explain how it was, and whether or not you are happy with it and how the procedure to inserting it was.

Posted 1/23/2008 10:53 AM (GMT 0)
I have no personal experience with a portocath, but I went through my mother having one for her chemotherapy and it was awful. It was up on her neck/shoulder area, and it drove her nuts. It constantly pulled and hurt her skin, made it difficult to sleep, and difficult to wear the clothing she was used to (the collar area on most shirts constricted the area where the portocath was.

I totally understand where you're coming from, though. Once my veins decide to hide or get mad at me - it's miserable getting poked over and over. Maybe someone will chime in with a wonderful portocath experience, but there isn't one in my future.
Posted 1/23/2008 1:22 PM (GMT 0)
I have one.   I hate it.  Do not do it unless you have too.  It is not comfortable.  It gets in the way.  When I get bumped , it hurts like hell.  It also has to be flushed once a month.  A real PITA.  Procedure to put mine in was under a local and I have a very big scar that is noticable with everything I wear.  There is also a large tube that sticks out in the vein in my neck.  I hate that too :( 

JMHO

Posted 1/23/2008 8:15 PM (GMT 0)

Many people have Port-A-Caths and like them. Another opiton is a PICC line but anytime you have another foreign object inserted you run the risk for a portal of entry for bacteria.

I have seen Port-A-Caths on cases where IV access is just not available any other way.  They take scrupulous care as well as someone else in your household that is knowledgable on care of the cath in case you cannot do your own care.

I don't know that I would volunteer for one just yet, good conversation to have with your physician. :)

Posted 1/23/2008 9:37 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all the glorious advice. Very helpful. I am not sure if I would get one just wanting to know about the option becasue all of these IV pokes are getting pathetic.
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