Posted: 8/2/2004 12:06:43 PM EDT
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Man this thing is bugging the shit out of me today. I cannot wait till next month to get the damn thing out!(Was installed in Feb this year) Seems like everything hits it. So am I the only one dealing with this? If so just tell me to STHU. |
It feeds into the subclavian vein. Most people I talk to seem to get used to it. Plus you don't get the burning irritation of some medications and it keeps you from getting stuck lots of times for blood specimens. That being said, I see a lot more PICC lines being used nowadays compared to port-a-caths(easier to install). |
Mine was installed toward the center of the chest (to keep it out of the way, so I could still shoot). And yes about the PICC lines. While I was at OHSU for chemo they were using those (PICC) for the lighter chemo users. For the heavy use guys (max dose/nasty chemicals) they were still using the POC. |
Thanks.... Im finishing Radation this week or next. Tumor removed margins good. Check (along with 2 hamstrings) Chest scan before chemo. Normal Check 5 months of week long chemo. Crap that sucked... Check Post chest scan. Normal. Check. (But oops we damaged your heart a little.) Radation 6 weeks. Almost done. Check. Im doing good an will be back into the smithing as soon as I get my wind back. And Liberty 86 if you see this. I still got your bullets to send you.. |
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My advice is, make sure the area is thoroughly cleaned with betadine prior to having the port accessed, and make sure it is covered properly with some type of in-site (looks like sticky cling-wrap) while it is being used for meds or blood work. This ensures bacteria cannot migrate into the body via the site. Also, make sure the needle being used to access the cath is clean/sterile. This may seem basic, but you would be amazed at the number of times people drop them on the floor and then still want to use them. In-dwelling catheters and the such are some of the most notorious causes of bloodbourne and site infections. These ports offer a direct route in to the body for micoorganisms, and they can wreak havoc an an all ready immunocompromised patient. Some nurses don't take this serious enough, so it is up to you to stay vigilant. Give 'em hell! Let me know if you need come Betadine! Good luck! |
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My wife has one for the meds she takes while on chemo. They were constantly trying to stick her arms till her viens were totally fucked up. She had the port put about 6 months ago. She gets a bit irritated with it, but I tell her, would she rather be stuck about 8-10 times trying to find a vein and then having to have a femural stick or back of the hand IV put in. The port has saved her plenty of pain. |
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As an RN on an oncology unit, I'd much rather deal with a PortaCath than have to constantly stick chemo patients. IMHO, the constant sticking would constituent 'cruel & unusual' punishment if done to prisoners. It is a wonder to me why they(PICCS & POC) aren't used more. Does everyone remember the pix of the EOD guys that got the mustard gas/blister agent on them? Well, a lot of the chemo drugs are relatives to those fine chemicals; that is why these catheters are used to keep them from damaging the smaller veins. Hope everything turns out clean and you get it out permanently. wganz ΒΆ |
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Fat_McNasty, Good luck with everything! Weird story: When I was an intern, one of the oncologists took care of all the sickle cell anemia patients. They were all on narcotics and many of them had ports for easy access when they came into the hospital for a sickle cell crisis. It seemed like all of them were physically dependent on opiates. One evening, one of the frequent flyers came in very sick. She had apparently made a suspension of ground up Percocet tablets with water and injected it into her port.  She died a couple of days later because of all the Tylenol plugging up her lungs. |
| Being a Picc certified nurse for about 10 yrs, I'll just say this, piccs are really indicated for young (read good vasculature) short term outpatient infusion. They are very delicate and still offer an easy portal of entry for all sorts of nasty bacteria. Porta caths are the ticket for long term infusion. 1 stick and when the juice is done, out comes the huber. skin seals, no access until next dose. I have been dealing with long term Heart Failure patients receiving Ionotropic therapy. Many have had portacaths for up to 3 years without difficulty. If I ever need long term infusion therapy I would insist on a portacath. |
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Good point about the decreased chance of infection Whitedog. You also a lot less maintaince issues when using the port-a-cath versus PICCs, Hickmans, etc. Only real downside despite the potential for infection and thrombus is that after extended use the port seal may not close properly. The only difference I have seen compared to your experience is that we use a lot of PICCs on patients with terrible veins (IVDA's). Have you seen the forearm port-a-caths yet? I have read about them but not seen one. edit: twice I was here and did not say this. Good luck and prayers sent, Fat_McNasty. |