Picc line or Porto Cath

Hi Janina,

I had a portacath because my IV treatment went for 15months. It was put in the day before my second chemo, it would have been before the first but they couldnt fit me in. Mine was used the day after it was put in, but i believe they can be used pretty much immediately (same day). They are put in under sedation by a radiologist surgeon (dont know their official title) as they use xray to guide it into the right spot.

Mine took a while to heal, but i have since discovered after most of my surgeries since that my body rejects stiches. I found mine irritating for this reason unitil it healed. But then it was great, so easy.

At each treatment they flush it as a normal part of the procedures on treatment day. Nothing you need to do or worry about. My treatment is now complete and it will be removed 19 Dec. Some people keep theirs for a while after treatment finishes and then they need to be flushed regularly.

I have only heard of a picc line for short term treatment and you cant get it wet. The port is very easy to live with and has never stopped me doing anything. I swim regularly.

Hope this helps XXXLouie