Attempted portacath insertion
Hi ladies,
Yesterday I went in for my portacath insertion. I came out with two wounds and no portacath = one very disappointed woman.
They told me my veins were too small, and I am petite so the...
Forum Discussion
hI Sam
It is very understandable to be frightened and confused about what might be best for you. There are lots of advantages to having a port, especially when you have veins that are tough to find. However, If you are not ready to go down this path yet, maybe have your first treatment through your veins and see how it goes. Drink lots of water the day before you go to chemo so you are well hydrated as that can make finding a vein a bit easier. You can also ask the nurses to put a heat pack on your vein first or soak you arm in warm water for ten mins or so. The chemo nurses are usually really skilled at finding veins but over time it can get tough. Make sure you let them know that lifting weights is important to your well being. You might even be able to ask for a referral to an exercise physiologist who could help you work out a weight program that could factor in a port.
Let us know how you go.
Best wishes
Danielle
It is very understandable to be frightened and confused about what might be best for you. There are lots of advantages to having a port, especially when you have veins that are tough to find. However, If you are not ready to go down this path yet, maybe have your first treatment through your veins and see how it goes. Drink lots of water the day before you go to chemo so you are well hydrated as that can make finding a vein a bit easier. You can also ask the nurses to put a heat pack on your vein first or soak you arm in warm water for ten mins or so. The chemo nurses are usually really skilled at finding veins but over time it can get tough. Make sure you let them know that lifting weights is important to your well being. You might even be able to ask for a referral to an exercise physiologist who could help you work out a weight program that could factor in a port.
Let us know how you go.
Best wishes
Danielle