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[shambelle]

I put this in the chronic illness thread, but I know there may be people that might have experience with ports that don't read that one.

Anyway, I might have to consider having a port installed for infusion treatments. My veins are pretty well blown out after a host of operations, other procedures, constant bloodwork, etc. I want to give two more rounds of infusions and another procedure a chance before seriously considering the port option. I was very surprised, though, when my doctor suggested it yesterday, almost without a second thought.

I am at a high risk for infections because I am very immunosuppressed. I'm just not sure the port is worth the risk, but the pain and difficulty of getting a line started is getting old, and the only way I can take the medication is by infusion.

Do you, or does anyone you know, have experience with ports? I'd be interested in hearing about both the good and bad parts of doing this. My ex's mother had one, but she was terminally ill and in the hospital long-term, which is not the case for me. I'm very active, all things considered.

Thanks!  :)

[epinonymous]

I had a port installed in early October when I began chemotherapy treatments. The port installation itself wasn't too bad - a bit uncomfortable (local anesthetic) but I went to a meeting that afternoon. I was very conscious of the port for about a week - but not because of pain, just because it felt "weird". After about a week I grew used to it, and now I don't even notice it at all. It looks like a little button is installed under my skin with a slight scar where they actually "plug" me in every week. The nice thing about a port, from my perspective, is that it actually makes any infusions much easier and definitely non-stressful (no anxiety about getting a vein). During my chemo, I have had a very low WBC count and have been neutropenic, but haven't had any problems with infection of my port site. The kind of port that I had installed allows you to do anything - I continue to run (very slowly) and can even swim and go in the hot tub. I would imagine that everyone's experience may vary, but from my perspective it has not impacted quality of life or activity at all.

Best of luck to you and wishing you healing in the New Year.

[southerntransplant]

I put this in the chronic illness thread, but I know there may be people that might have experience with ports that don't read that one.

Anyway, I might have to consider having a port installed for infusion treatments. My veins are pretty well blown out after a host of operations, other procedures, constant bloodwork, etc. I want to give two more rounds of infusions and another procedure a chance before seriously considering the port option. I was very surprised, though, when my doctor suggested it yesterday, almost without a second thought.

I am at a high risk for infections because I am very immunosuppressed. I'm just not sure the port is worth the risk, but the pain and difficulty of getting a line started is getting old, and the only way I can take the medication is by infusion.

Do you, or does anyone you know, have experience with ports? I'd be interested in hearing about both the good and bad parts of doing this. My ex's mother had one, but she was terminally ill and in the hospital long-term, which is not the case for me. I'm very active, all things considered.

Thanks!  :)

Hi -

I put a reply to this in the other thread, but just to summarize - I had one and it was really no trouble at all...

Good luck.