Robin Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 I am getting a port tomorrow,is there much pain afterwards? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowflake Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 Robin, Were I to need chemo, I would get a port. I have enough problems with contrast dye IVs for my CTs and MRIs - and the vampires can't seem to get me in one stick anymore. I believe there may be some discomfort after having it installed, but that it ends up being like a hole in a tooth - doesn't bother you unless you go looking for it (darn tongues with those teeth!)... I know that some have posted about a cream that is used to numb the skin prior to using the port, less discomfort than yet another stick and IV line. Hopefully, someone who has gone through the procedure will answer you soon! Good luck to you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jyoung20 Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 I did not feel alot of pain afterwards. I took Tylenol (OTC) and that was all I needed. The procedure was a little uncomfortable because I chose to use only local anesthesia.. Besides that, no problems... I will be praying for you!!! GOD BLESS!! Jamie P.S. It was one of the best choices I made!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mary colleen Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 Robin, First, I hope that you are feling better this week. Second, my husband has a port and had no real discomfort to speak of at the time of or since insertion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geri Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 I had my port for 3 years and it was the best thing I ever did. If I need chemo again I'd have another in a heartbeat. As for pain - some tenderness at the site for the first little while but no more than you'd expect with any other procedure of this type. Good luck Geri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ernrol Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 Robin, I think a port is a matter of preference and need. I did not have a port. I only went for chemo once a week and I had good veins, so I had no need. If they have problems finding your veins and the frequency is more often then you may have a need. This is what I preferred and it worked well for me. Stay positive, Ernie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marym Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 HI, No pain after my port was placed. I was black and blue and you can't lift anything for a week or so. But I don't recall any pain at all. Mary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Ry Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 I have had mine for 4 1/2 years, so you are asking my memory to work. I do not remember much pain. The most discomfort was when my seat belt laid against it. I also have excellent veins, but my first chemo ate through my vein. It was a low dose because I was getting daily radiation. After it burned through my vein they had to give my 10 injections around the area to counter act the chemo. I have the kind of veins they can hit from ten feet. My port was put in two days later. I had a local to get it. Mine is on my left side. Also make sure you get the numbing cream and apply it to the area one hour before use. Good luck. John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judy-OK Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 Like John mentioned the seat belt when I drive was the biggest problem ... so the kind folks at my chemo place gave me a little device with padding and velcro to slide over the seat belt and viola no more problem. One of my lungs collapsed during the procedure so I have chosen to keep my port in for a few years just in case I need it again. Would rather have the periodic flushing than to have to have the port reinserted. Even with the problems I encountered I would say get the port so the do not destroy your veins. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trish2418 Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 Hi Robin, I experienced no discomfort at all with the port. The surgeon prescribed some painkillers but I never needed to take them. Good luck and I hope your first chemo goes well. Trish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin Posted January 18, 2007 Author Share Posted January 18, 2007 I got my port in and I am just a little sore but otherwise I did ok. thank you all for your advice. I am so thankful that I found this site.Robin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mary colleen Posted January 18, 2007 Share Posted January 18, 2007 I'm glad that you had it done and are past it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasmine1963 Posted January 20, 2007 Share Posted January 20, 2007 My dad has a very low pain tolerancy.. we insisted on a port.. no problems at all, not even a bruise.. it is a real quick procedure and saves a lot of future discomfort. I had the Dr's write a script for a cream that numbs the skin and any time the port is used we prepare the area and he feels nothing at all... let me know how it went! Sandra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marym Posted January 20, 2007 Share Posted January 20, 2007 Hi Robin, Glad it went well. You will find it so mucj easier than using veins. Mary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
georgesalley Posted January 20, 2007 Share Posted January 20, 2007 I got a prescription for 2.5% Lidocaine & 2.5% Prilocaine cream, and apply to area of port an hour ahead. I use the large water block band-aids to cover the cream. Cheers, Geo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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