IV Ports

[hannahsutton]

Hey everyone, I was wondering if anyone has an IV port? Ive just come back from hospital where I had an (unsuccessful) lignocaine infusion. They tried to place the cannula three times, one is now infected and the other badly bruised. One of my friends said her brother has a port that they can inject meds/fluids into and also draw blood.

For the amount of tests and stuff I need I was thinking this might be a good option? Does anyone have any experience with this and would I have a good enough reason to get one??

Thanks ) xx

[vrystaat]

My suggestion is to have a skilled Radiologist insert the line.
They almost never fail. They tend to use the brachial vein, under ultrasound control.
Sometimes, they need to insert it into the subclavian vein.
I've had this done about 3 times.

[anita]

I have had a medi-port for 19 years.  The first one lasted about 6 years, and the current one has been in and working wonderfully for the last 13 years.  It is perfect for my monthly IVIG infusions as well and iron and other infusions.  My veins are horrible and this makes any IV or blood draws so much easier.

[angeldancer]

I had one and I would say let a skilled radiologist do it.  I was lucky to get one that was highly recommended.  I also suggest to be put to sleep if you cannot tolerate pain like me.  Numbing the area was not good enough so I had a light sedation.  It took a while for me to heal and of course the doctor blamed it on the sjogrens.  It did help that it was in during my treatments.  My veins lost elasticity and could not handle the treatments.

[irish]

Ports have been in use for many years with good results. I have never had one but have worked some with them years ago as a nurse. I get IVIG and there are people who have ports and receive IVIG on a routine basis. Usually the inability to get into a vein often and easily is the reason for a port.

You would do well to discuss the pros and cons for this procedure and the long term and the long term maintenance of a port. Good luck. Irish

[anita]

As Irish commented, It's all about the quality of the veins, not what you receive through them.