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BoraBora's avatar
BoraBora
Member
9 years ago

portacath info

Hi everyone,  I had a portacath inserted about 3 weeks ago for IV anti-biotics and will be restarting chemo next week.  Last night area around poratcath was very sensitive and I had a stinging sensation around it. Portacath is very prominent to me and still tender to touch.  Is this normal? I have not used it for chemo yet-first chemo sent mild infection on left side  into overdrive- I am concerned about next chemo doing the same and how do I know if there is an issue with portacath- will it be obvious to oncology nurses?

Thanks

Janette

8 Replies

  • BoraBora's avatar
    BoraBora
    Member
    9 years ago

    Hi Karen, had chemo today and asked them to give the portacath a good look.  They said it was fine with a very good line. I did have a very long stitch protruding that they removed. I thought you might be interested in the fact that they also gave me numbing patches for next time- said to put it on 45-60 mins prior to access. Janette x

  • BoraBora's avatar
    BoraBora
    Member
    9 years ago

    Hi Nadine,

    I agree that it is much easier than cannulas, my veins are so bad, my feet are used for blood tests. I am glad that any problem will be obvious to staff. Mine is suppose to be low profile but is still very prominent. Good luck with the  rest of your treatments. Janette x

  • BoraBora's avatar
    BoraBora
    Member
    9 years ago

    Thanks Kath - it does not appear to have any obvious infection symptoms. A couple of people I have spoken to said they did not even know it was there-I had mine done under twilight then local- not sure if they go deeper under a general. Janette x

  • BoraBora's avatar
    BoraBora
    Member
    9 years ago

    Hi Karen

    Thank you for info- will definitely voice my concerns to staff. It does not have any obvious signs of infection and is no longer stinging. Will try to locate emla cream you recommended.

    Janette x

     

  • Nadi's avatar
    Nadi
    Member
    9 years ago

    Hi. It will be obvious if there is a problem.  I had my portacath put in on 22 Jan. Then had another surgery on 3 June because it had flipped over after my stitches burst.   I got an infection in it after the second surgery. It was red, hot and pulsating - just like normal wound infections. The infection has now cleared. But my nurses wouldn't use it while it was infected as there is a risk that the infection could get into the blood stream when they pierce the skin. It is very prominent, still pulls a bit when I roll over in bed and is sore and sensitive at times. Mine is also constantly blocked with a fibrin sheath. Despite all my issues with it, it is still definitely better than cannulas in my arm as my veins are shot and I still have seven treatments to go. Just mention your concerns to the nurses and they'll check if it is ok.

    Good luck with it

    Nadine

  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    9 years ago

    My area was quite sore...I mean it is stiched to the muscle. Evrn 4 months on it is still uncomfortable in certain  positions. In bed I still just hug a very glat pillow to stop the muscles folding in on each other ...seems to work. If an infection the skin will get very red and hot above the port. Kath x

  • Cook65's avatar
    Cook65
    Member
    9 years ago

    Hi Janette

    i also had a portacath. Initially when it was inserted it was sore for about a month. Mine was very prominent to which the staff loved but I hated it. I had it in for 18 months and was "aware of it" the whole time. I couldn't bear having seat belts on it and even some clothes annoyed it. They can move and they can get infected so voice your concerns to the staff. They will be able to tell if there is a problem. And just a hint, put some emla cream from the chemist on it about 2 hours before they are going to access it. Good luck with it all. Karen xox