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Joanne50steve's avatar
Joanne50steve
Member
13 years ago

Portacath

Hi everyone, The latest news is that me stomach polyps are harmless, thank god for some good news. My portacath was inserted last Tuesday but it is still causing me some very painfully moments. Can anyone tell me how long does it take to settle down and not feel like something is ripping inside. I was not given any info regarding what to expect. I also had more blood tests regarding my anemic state and had to have an iron infusion on Friday, in which they had to use the portacath. Needless to say I am bruised sore and chemo starts tomorrow. My one wish at the moment is to be able to sleep on my left side which I have not done since the middle of Feb. I can only lie on my back. Oh for a night of uninterrupted slumber. Simple pleasures is all I want right now.
coping

3 Replies

  • justtrina's avatar
    justtrina
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Joanne

    Like the others it took me a little while to get use to the Port... I thought it would go in and that would be the end of it... but give it time. It's worth the discomfort.. trust me.

    Ask your Doctor for a script for some LMX or Emlar... put it on the port 30 mins or so before the nurses access it and your port will go numb so you don't feel it... expensive but worth it.

    Good luck

    Trina

  • LouiseTurner's avatar
    LouiseTurner
    In Memoriam
    13 years ago
    It took me a few months to be able to really feel completely comfortable with the port. After about 5 months I was sleeping any which way. I have found it very bothersome. But great at chemo time. Give yourself time to heal...maybe take some Swisse sleep to help you get off to sleep. I found if I couldn't sleep, my threshold for irritations dropped. Take care, hopefully chemo will not be too bad for you. L:)
  • Chell72's avatar
    Chell72
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Joanne 

    I have had my portacath in for 3 weeks now ,was diagnosed on 13/2/13 . I can tell you it does get better . I still sleep on my back but ocassionally I roll to my side , but for only short periods at a time . If you are a side sleep it makes it hard to get uninterrupted sleep . The pain does ease , it just takes some getting use too .

    This journey is a rollercoaster , best of luck with Chemo tomorrow .