Why do you resist getting a port?

[Jana]

Well, before responding, I read Mandy's post. She pretty much covered it all.

I fought IVs forever, which was rather dumb looking back on it. However, PICC lines were always a problem for me, so the port decision wasn't so bad. My very first one got infected, and another sprang a leak, causing medicine to run right back out my arm as my dose started. Beyond that, getting them in was a mess, and my doctor began to hospitalize me since that was the easiest way to get it done. Even then, there were only a couple of times when it went in without a lot of drama--and sometimes different people having to try. As Mandy said, I always put off the IV thing since it would mean going through the ordeal, and I ended up begging my doctor to just let me keep the PICC lines for months on end rather than having to go through it again when I needed IVs.

The idea of a port was a bit upsetting, really for the same reasons everyone else gave. Basically it just made me feel more sick to have to do it. However, I was so tired of dealing with PICC lines that I reached the point of wanting it anyway.

I've had it for just over a year now, and it is much easier and really less obvious. When it's not accessed, I forget it's there and don't have to make any accomodation for it. It's barely visible; in fact, one time a nurse was preparing to access it and said, "Where is it?" For a few weeks after it was placed, I couldn't sleep on that side, but now it's not even noticeable. I still don't love IVs, but it's not such a drama anymore when they have to be started since it can just be "plugged in." I do find it a bit uncomfortable when it's accessed (it doesn't hurt to be accessed, but I notice it while it's in use), but my PICCs always took several weeks to heal to the point they were no longer uncomfortable, so it's a good trade off even in that way.

Good luck with your decision. It was definitely the right decision for me, but I do think it's important to feel like you're ready for the step rather than rushing into it.

 

[Jana]

Well, before responding, I read Mandy's post. She pretty much covered it all.

I fought IVs forever, which was rather dumb looking back on it. However, PICC lines were always a problem for me, so the port decision wasn't so bad. My very first one got infected, and another sprang a leak, causing medicine to run right back out my arm as my dose started. Beyond that, getting them in was a mess, and my doctor began to hospitalize me since that was the easiest way to get it done. Even then, there were only a couple of times when it went in without a lot of drama--and sometimes different people having to try. As Mandy said, I always put off the IV thing since it would mean going through the ordeal, and I ended up begging my doctor to just let me keep the PICC lines for months on end rather than having to go through it again when I needed IVs.

The idea of a port was a bit upsetting, really for the same reasons everyone else gave. Basically it just made me feel more sick to have to do it. However, I was so tired of dealing with PICC lines that I reached the point of wanting it anyway.

I've had it for just over a year now, and it is much easier and really less obvious. When it's not accessed, I forget it's there and don't have to make any accomodation for it. It's barely visible; in fact, one time a nurse was preparing to access it and said, "Where is it?" For a few weeks after it was placed, I couldn't sleep on that side, but now it's not even noticeable. I still don't love IVs, but it's not such a drama anymore when they have to be started since it can just be "plugged in." I do find it a bit uncomfortable when it's accessed (it doesn't hurt to be accessed, but I notice it while it's in use), but my PICCs always took several weeks to heal to the point they were no longer uncomfortable, so it's a good trade off even in that way.

Good luck with your decision. It was definitely the right decision for me, but I do think it's important to feel like you're ready for the step rather than rushing into it.

 

[Jana]

Well, before responding, I read Mandy's post. She pretty much covered it all.

I fought IVs forever, which was rather dumb looking back on it. However, PICC lines were always a problem for me, so the port decision wasn't so bad. My very first one got infected, and another sprang a leak, causing medicine to run right back out my arm as my dose started. Beyond that, getting them in was a mess, and my doctor began to hospitalize me since that was the easiest way to get it done. Even then, there were only a couple of times when it went in without a lot of drama--and sometimes different people having to try. As Mandy said, I always put off the IV thing since it would mean going through the ordeal, and I ended up begging my doctor to just let me keep the PICC lines for months on end rather than having to go through it again when I needed IVs.

The idea of a port was a bit upsetting, really for the same reasons everyone else gave. Basically it just made me feel more sick to have to do it. However, I was so tired of dealing with PICC lines that I reached the point of wanting it anyway.

I've had it for just over a year now, and it is much easier and really less obvious. When it's not accessed, I forget it's there and don't have to make any accomodation for it. It's barely visible; in fact, one time a nurse was preparing to access it and said, "Where is it?" For a few weeks after it was placed, I couldn't sleep on that side, but now it's not even noticeable. I still don't love IVs, but it's not such a drama anymore when they have to be started since it can just be "plugged in." I do find it a bit uncomfortable when it's accessed (it doesn't hurt to be accessed, but I notice it while it's in use), but my PICCs always took several weeks to heal to the point they were no longer uncomfortable, so it's a good trade off even in that way.

Good luck with your decision. It was definitely the right decision for me, but I do think it's important to feel like you're ready for the step rather than rushing into it.

 

[Jana]

Well, before responding, I read Mandy's post. She pretty much covered it all.

I fought IVs forever, which was rather dumb looking back on it. However, PICC lines were always a problem for me, so the port decision wasn't so bad. My very first one got infected, and another sprang a leak, causing medicine to run right back out my arm as my dose started. Beyond that, getting them in was a mess, and my doctor began to hospitalize me since that was the easiest way to get it done. Even then, there were only a couple of times when it went in without a lot of drama--and sometimes different people having to try. As Mandy said, I always put off the IV thing since it would mean going through the ordeal, and I ended up begging my doctor to just let me keep the PICC lines for months on end rather than having to go through it again when I needed IVs.

The idea of a port was a bit upsetting, really for the same reasons everyone else gave. Basically it just made me feel more sick to have to do it. However, I was so tired of dealing with PICC lines that I reached the point of wanting it anyway.

I've had it for just over a year now, and it is much easier and really less obvious. When it's not accessed, I forget it's there and don't have to make any accomodation for it. It's barely visible; in fact, one time a nurse was preparing to access it and said, "Where is it?" For a few weeks after it was placed, I couldn't sleep on that side, but now it's not even noticeable. I still don't love IVs, but it's not such a drama anymore when they have to be started since it can just be "plugged in." I do find it a bit uncomfortable when it's accessed (it doesn't hurt to be accessed, but I notice it while it's in use), but my PICCs always took several weeks to heal to the point they were no longer uncomfortable, so it's a good trade off even in that way.

Good luck with your decision. It was definitely the right decision for me, but I do think it's important to feel like you're ready for the step rather than rushing into it.

 

[Jana]

Well, before responding, I read Mandy's post. She pretty much covered it all.
<br />
<br />I fought IVs forever, which was rather dumb looking back on it. However, PICC lines were always a problem for me, so the port decision wasn't so bad. My very first one got infected, and another sprang a leak, causing medicine to run right back out my arm as my dose started. Beyond that, getting them in was a mess, and my doctor began to hospitalize me since that was the easiest way to get it done. Even then, there were only a couple of times when it went in without a lot of drama--and sometimes different people having to try. As Mandy said, I always put off the IV thing since it would mean going through the ordeal, and I ended up begging my doctor to just let me keep the PICC lines for months on end rather than having to go through it again when I needed IVs.
<br />
<br />The idea of a port was a bit upsetting, really for the same reasons everyone else gave. Basically it just made me feel more sick to have to do it. However, I was so tired of dealing with PICC lines that I reached the point of wanting it anyway.
<br />
<br />I've had it for just over a year now, and it is much easier and really less obvious. When it's not accessed, I forget it's there and don't have to make any accomodation for it. It's barely visible; in fact, one time a nurse was preparing to access it and said, "Where is it?" For a few weeks after it was placed, I couldn't sleep on that side, but now it's not even noticeable. I still don't love IVs, but it's not such a drama anymore when they have to be started since it can just be "plugged in." I do find it a bit uncomfortable when it's accessed (it doesn't hurt to be accessed, but I notice it while it's in use), but my PICCs always took several weeks to heal to the point they were no longer uncomfortable, so it's a good trade off even in that way.
<br />
<br />Good luck with your decision. It was definitely the right decision for me, but I do think it's important to feel like you're ready for the step rather than rushing into it.

 

[Skye]

Mandy....thank you for sharing your port story. I am one of the reluctant ones. I should know better too because I am a HUGE proponent of the insulin pump and Yes it changed my life dramatically.

I love your line that you made the decision to fight the way you want to fight. I usually don't have PICC problems and I usually have them less than 1x/year. I have only had 4. That being said....my last PICC placement experience was NOT good at all. It took 5 attempts because I was dehydrated. So now I am a bit intimidated about my next need for a tune-up. There is enough stress that goes with needing IV's and it would be nice to not have to deal with ALL that placement garbage. I do wonder if having a port would affect a docs decision to do a tune-up? Easier to set up, no hospitalization, easy access, no scheduling, not as big of a deal. Just a thought. I know it would certainly be easier for me to want to do a tune-up.

 

[Skye]

Mandy....thank you for sharing your port story. I am one of the reluctant ones. I should know better too because I am a HUGE proponent of the insulin pump and Yes it changed my life dramatically.

I love your line that you made the decision to fight the way you want to fight. I usually don't have PICC problems and I usually have them less than 1x/year. I have only had 4. That being said....my last PICC placement experience was NOT good at all. It took 5 attempts because I was dehydrated. So now I am a bit intimidated about my next need for a tune-up. There is enough stress that goes with needing IV's and it would be nice to not have to deal with ALL that placement garbage. I do wonder if having a port would affect a docs decision to do a tune-up? Easier to set up, no hospitalization, easy access, no scheduling, not as big of a deal. Just a thought. I know it would certainly be easier for me to want to do a tune-up.

 

[Skye]

Mandy....thank you for sharing your port story. I am one of the reluctant ones. I should know better too because I am a HUGE proponent of the insulin pump and Yes it changed my life dramatically.

I love your line that you made the decision to fight the way you want to fight. I usually don't have PICC problems and I usually have them less than 1x/year. I have only had 4. That being said....my last PICC placement experience was NOT good at all. It took 5 attempts because I was dehydrated. So now I am a bit intimidated about my next need for a tune-up. There is enough stress that goes with needing IV's and it would be nice to not have to deal with ALL that placement garbage. I do wonder if having a port would affect a docs decision to do a tune-up? Easier to set up, no hospitalization, easy access, no scheduling, not as big of a deal. Just a thought. I know it would certainly be easier for me to want to do a tune-up.

 

[Skye]

Mandy....thank you for sharing your port story. I am one of the reluctant ones. I should know better too because I am a HUGE proponent of the insulin pump and Yes it changed my life dramatically.

I love your line that you made the decision to fight the way you want to fight. I usually don't have PICC problems and I usually have them less than 1x/year. I have only had 4. That being said....my last PICC placement experience was NOT good at all. It took 5 attempts because I was dehydrated. So now I am a bit intimidated about my next need for a tune-up. There is enough stress that goes with needing IV's and it would be nice to not have to deal with ALL that placement garbage. I do wonder if having a port would affect a docs decision to do a tune-up? Easier to set up, no hospitalization, easy access, no scheduling, not as big of a deal. Just a thought. I know it would certainly be easier for me to want to do a tune-up.

 

[Skye]

Mandy....thank you for sharing your port story. I am one of the reluctant ones. I should know better too because I am a HUGE proponent of the insulin pump and Yes it changed my life dramatically.
<br />
<br />I love your line that you made the decision to fight the way you want to fight. I usually don't have PICC problems and I usually have them less than 1x/year. I have only had 4. That being said....my last PICC placement experience was NOT good at all. It took 5 attempts because I was dehydrated. So now I am a bit intimidated about my next need for a tune-up. There is enough stress that goes with needing IV's and it would be nice to not have to deal with ALL that placement garbage. I do wonder if having a port would affect a docs decision to do a tune-up? Easier to set up, no hospitalization, easy access, no scheduling, not as big of a deal. Just a thought. I know it would certainly be easier for me to want to do a tune-up.

 

[Diane]

I'm also port shy. I still prefer peripherals to piccs. I go on iv's a few times a year ( 4 usually) and as long as i can still get a peripheral, i want it. I dont like the idea of anything long and foreign just sitting there in my arm, it gives me the heebie jeebies....lol
MY reasons for not wanting a port are as follows :

~ Laying flat for the procedure ( due to hemop probs. i never lay flat unless absolutely necessary)
~ Infection, fungal or bacterial ( with having cepacia, infection is an issue)
~ The port isnt permanent ( at some point it has to be removed and replaced)
~ personally i just dont like the idea of something foreign hanging around in my body.

Now with that all said, if i got to a point where i had no other choice i am guessing i would eventually get one because they do have their good points, but right now i am holdong off as long as i can.

 

[Diane]

I'm also port shy. I still prefer peripherals to piccs. I go on iv's a few times a year ( 4 usually) and as long as i can still get a peripheral, i want it. I dont like the idea of anything long and foreign just sitting there in my arm, it gives me the heebie jeebies....lol
MY reasons for not wanting a port are as follows :

~ Laying flat for the procedure ( due to hemop probs. i never lay flat unless absolutely necessary)
~ Infection, fungal or bacterial ( with having cepacia, infection is an issue)
~ The port isnt permanent ( at some point it has to be removed and replaced)
~ personally i just dont like the idea of something foreign hanging around in my body.

Now with that all said, if i got to a point where i had no other choice i am guessing i would eventually get one because they do have their good points, but right now i am holdong off as long as i can.

 

[Diane]

I'm also port shy. I still prefer peripherals to piccs. I go on iv's a few times a year ( 4 usually) and as long as i can still get a peripheral, i want it. I dont like the idea of anything long and foreign just sitting there in my arm, it gives me the heebie jeebies....lol
MY reasons for not wanting a port are as follows :

~ Laying flat for the procedure ( due to hemop probs. i never lay flat unless absolutely necessary)
~ Infection, fungal or bacterial ( with having cepacia, infection is an issue)
~ The port isnt permanent ( at some point it has to be removed and replaced)
~ personally i just dont like the idea of something foreign hanging around in my body.

Now with that all said, if i got to a point where i had no other choice i am guessing i would eventually get one because they do have their good points, but right now i am holdong off as long as i can.

 

[Diane]

I'm also port shy. I still prefer peripherals to piccs. I go on iv's a few times a year ( 4 usually) and as long as i can still get a peripheral, i want it. I dont like the idea of anything long and foreign just sitting there in my arm, it gives me the heebie jeebies....lol
MY reasons for not wanting a port are as follows :

~ Laying flat for the procedure ( due to hemop probs. i never lay flat unless absolutely necessary)
~ Infection, fungal or bacterial ( with having cepacia, infection is an issue)
~ The port isnt permanent ( at some point it has to be removed and replaced)
~ personally i just dont like the idea of something foreign hanging around in my body.

Now with that all said, if i got to a point where i had no other choice i am guessing i would eventually get one because they do have their good points, but right now i am holdong off as long as i can.

 

[Diane]

I'm also port shy. I still prefer peripherals to piccs. I go on iv's a few times a year ( 4 usually) and as long as i can still get a peripheral, i want it. I dont like the idea of anything long and foreign just sitting there in my arm, it gives me the heebie jeebies....lol
<br />MY reasons for not wanting a port are as follows :
<br />
<br /> ~ Laying flat for the procedure ( due to hemop probs. i never lay flat unless absolutely necessary)
<br /> ~ Infection, fungal or bacterial ( with having cepacia, infection is an issue)
<br /> ~ The port isnt permanent ( at some point it has to be removed and replaced)
<br /> ~ personally i just dont like the idea of something foreign hanging around in my body.
<br />
<br />Now with that all said, if i got to a point where i had no other choice i am guessing i would eventually get one because they do have their good points, but right now i am holdong off as long as i can.
<br />

 

[JennifersHope]

I was really, really hesitant to get Harry Porter... (my port) I hated the idea of having something stuck in my body forever, I hated the idea of thinking I was sick enough to need a port.. and I loved the idea when I was well my body could be totally free of any reminders of CF ..

For the first few months after I got my port, I hated it, I cursed it and wanted to cut it out myself because it was just a reminder of things I didn't want to think of..

Now having had it for almost two years, I am happy with it. I always take care of it myself, I flush and maintain the lines. I agree I am more likely to agree to IV antibiotics because it is so easy to access.

I also before being admitted to the hospital access the port myself.. (I have control issues) so when I am admitted, they can draw blood, and start fluids right away.

Overall it is your decision, one of the things I didn't like about the PICC line is the scars it left on my arms as well as some nerve damage I got from so many insertions.

 

[JennifersHope]

I was really, really hesitant to get Harry Porter... (my port) I hated the idea of having something stuck in my body forever, I hated the idea of thinking I was sick enough to need a port.. and I loved the idea when I was well my body could be totally free of any reminders of CF ..

For the first few months after I got my port, I hated it, I cursed it and wanted to cut it out myself because it was just a reminder of things I didn't want to think of..

Now having had it for almost two years, I am happy with it. I always take care of it myself, I flush and maintain the lines. I agree I am more likely to agree to IV antibiotics because it is so easy to access.

I also before being admitted to the hospital access the port myself.. (I have control issues) so when I am admitted, they can draw blood, and start fluids right away.

Overall it is your decision, one of the things I didn't like about the PICC line is the scars it left on my arms as well as some nerve damage I got from so many insertions.

 

[JennifersHope]

I was really, really hesitant to get Harry Porter... (my port) I hated the idea of having something stuck in my body forever, I hated the idea of thinking I was sick enough to need a port.. and I loved the idea when I was well my body could be totally free of any reminders of CF ..

For the first few months after I got my port, I hated it, I cursed it and wanted to cut it out myself because it was just a reminder of things I didn't want to think of..

Now having had it for almost two years, I am happy with it. I always take care of it myself, I flush and maintain the lines. I agree I am more likely to agree to IV antibiotics because it is so easy to access.

I also before being admitted to the hospital access the port myself.. (I have control issues) so when I am admitted, they can draw blood, and start fluids right away.

Overall it is your decision, one of the things I didn't like about the PICC line is the scars it left on my arms as well as some nerve damage I got from so many insertions.

 

[JennifersHope]

I was really, really hesitant to get Harry Porter... (my port) I hated the idea of having something stuck in my body forever, I hated the idea of thinking I was sick enough to need a port.. and I loved the idea when I was well my body could be totally free of any reminders of CF ..

For the first few months after I got my port, I hated it, I cursed it and wanted to cut it out myself because it was just a reminder of things I didn't want to think of..

Now having had it for almost two years, I am happy with it. I always take care of it myself, I flush and maintain the lines. I agree I am more likely to agree to IV antibiotics because it is so easy to access.

I also before being admitted to the hospital access the port myself.. (I have control issues) so when I am admitted, they can draw blood, and start fluids right away.

Overall it is your decision, one of the things I didn't like about the PICC line is the scars it left on my arms as well as some nerve damage I got from so many insertions.

 

[JennifersHope]

I was really, really hesitant to get Harry Porter... (my port) I hated the idea of having something stuck in my body forever, I hated the idea of thinking I was sick enough to need a port.. and I loved the idea when I was well my body could be totally free of any reminders of CF ..
<br />
<br />For the first few months after I got my port, I hated it, I cursed it and wanted to cut it out myself because it was just a reminder of things I didn't want to think of..
<br />
<br />Now having had it for almost two years, I am happy with it. I always take care of it myself, I flush and maintain the lines. I agree I am more likely to agree to IV antibiotics because it is so easy to access.
<br />
<br />I also before being admitted to the hospital access the port myself.. (I have control issues) so when I am admitted, they can draw blood, and start fluids right away.
<br />
<br />Overall it is your decision, one of the things I didn't like about the PICC line is the scars it left on my arms as well as some nerve damage I got from so many insertions.
<br />
<br />