luluc Posted August 16, 2003 Share Posted August 16, 2003 Has anyone with a Port-a-Cath been given any directions for care when it is not in use any longer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdaW Posted August 17, 2003 Share Posted August 17, 2003 Dear Luluc, The port still needs to be flushed every 28 days. This can be done at the oncologist's office. My doctors also prescribe a very low dose (1 mg per day) of Warfarin, a blood thinner. Ada Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 17, 2003 Share Posted August 17, 2003 Hi I have to have mine flushed every 4 to 6 weeks if I've had not used it. Funny thing is I've had to use it for some kind of reason or another since I stopped chemo. I.E., blood draws, contrast injection for my ct and bone scans, etc. Hope this helps. Sue M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted August 17, 2003 Share Posted August 17, 2003 It should be flushed with saline and then heparin after every use, and probably before when there is lag time. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luluc Posted August 17, 2003 Author Share Posted August 17, 2003 Thank you all for the information about the maintenance of the port-a-cath Unfortunately not all doctors have informed their patients that this needs to be done. The flushing process has never been mentioned,since the chemo was stopped several months ago. I have read that this is standard procedure on the internet. Thank you all for the information. Wish we would have know,since it is clogged now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted August 17, 2003 Share Posted August 17, 2003 Oh my luc, the danger of infection and flushing should have been explained to your brother. I can't believe no one has asked him at his appointments when he was last flushed. You have to be careful that you don't swim etc due to the risk of infection. I know a woman whose young son has a terrible infection from his port (he has leukemia) because he went swimming. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.