We're getting a port-a-cath whenever we can clear the yeast from Dakota's blood, hopefully mid-late next week. Since we're not in the oncology ward or our typical respiratory wing, no one here really sees ports much. I'm wondering what the recovery is like? Does it heal pretty quickly? Are they just a little sore or is there more pain involved? Can it be used immediately after being placed?
portacath ?
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My son was up and about and dismissed from the hospital within hours of his surgery. It was accessed pretty quickly after it was placed. He didn't ever complain of any pain.
Originally Posted by irangel  We're getting a port-a-cath whenever we can clear the yeast from Dakota's blood, hopefully mid-late next week. Since we're not in the oncology ward or our typical respiratory wing, no one here really sees ports much. I'm wondering what the recovery is like? Does it heal pretty quickly? Are they just a little sore or is there more pain involved? Can it be used immediately after being placed? |
My son was up and about and dismissed from the hospital within hours of his surgery. It was accessed pretty quickly after it was placed. He didn't ever complain of any pain.
obviously pain varies from one kid to another (and depends on how easily the placement went), but in general, most kids just complain of being a little sore. some kids take tylenol, others are good without it. it should be able to be accessed almost immediately. most parents with kids with portcaths (at least the ones i met) really were glad to have them. i hope everything goes well for you guys!!
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I've been thinking about you, hope she is doing ok and that she'll be well enough to go home real soon!
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Jackson is always a bit sore after getting a port placed, because they kind of have to 'dig around' to make a spot for it. Nothing that Tylenol w/Codeine can't handle though, and usually only for a day or so. It's usually done outpatient and he goes home that day. Many times they access the port in surgery, because that first access after surgery can be rough so it's nice to do it when they're under anesthesia.
They can be used right away. Make sure to get a prescription for some EMLA or other lidocaine cream so you can numb the skin before it gets accessed! Also I would highly suggest being trained to access it yourself, because of exactly what you mentioned. People just don't see them in peds very often, so you'll encounter a lot of nurses that have never accessed a port before. It's nice to be able to say "Bring me the supplies, I'll do it myself" when a nurse is standing there trying to figure out what to do
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They can be used right away. Make sure to get a prescription for some EMLA or other lidocaine cream so you can numb the skin before it gets accessed! Also I would highly suggest being trained to access it yourself, because of exactly what you mentioned. People just don't see them in peds very often, so you'll encounter a lot of nurses that have never accessed a port before. It's nice to be able to say "Bring me the supplies, I'll do it myself" when a nurse is standing there trying to figure out what to do
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That's a great point! I was already planning to learn how to access it but thanks for confirming that.
Originally Posted by jackson's mama Jackson is always a bit sore after getting a port placed, because they kind of have to 'dig around' to make a spot for it. Nothing that Tylenol w/Codeine can't handle though, and usually only for a day or so. It's usually done outpatient and he goes home that day. Many times they access the port in surgery, because that first access after surgery can be rough so it's nice to do it when they're under anesthesia. They can be used right away. Make sure to get a prescription for some EMLA or other lidocaine cream so you can numb the skin before it gets accessed! Also I would highly suggest being trained to access it yourself, because of exactly what you mentioned. People just don't see them in peds very often, so you'll encounter a lot of nurses that have never accessed a port before. It's nice to be able to say "Bring me the supplies, I'll do it myself" when a nurse is standing there trying to figure out what to do
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just wanted to say I'm so happy you guys are getting a portacath! If we have long-term infusion needs, that's what I want to do, too.
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thinking of you and kota right now
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A lot of parents I know whose kids have ports won't let nurses access the port, because they want to be sure the right sterile procedure is done. It's easier to avoid an infection if you make sure that you're the only one accessing, and that your sterile procedure is good.
Originally Posted by jackson's mama Also I would highly suggest being trained to access it yourself, because of exactly what you mentioned. People just don't see them in peds very often, so you'll encounter a lot of nurses that have never accessed a port before. It's nice to be able to say "Bring me the supplies, I'll do it myself" when a nurse is standing there trying to figure out what to do
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I'm feeling so good about the port. I was so conflicted about what type of line to do last week and was regretting the PICC decision just hours after it was placed. While I hate the fact that it only lasted a week and she became septic, I'm also so so so glad we can go ahead and get a port now.
Originally Posted by preemiemamarach just wanted to say I'm so happy you guys are getting a portacath! If we have long-term infusion needs, that's what I want to do, too. |
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So true. Once an ER nurse was getting ready to access Jackson's port and she dropped something on the floor. She bent down to pick it up WITH HER STERILE GLOVES ON.
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That was about the time that I decided to only access it myself from then on. The one exception was a nurse that had never done it before and I talked her through it (it's not complicated, just needs to be done right
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Originally Posted by mbravebird A lot of parents I know whose kids have ports won't let nurses access the port, because they want to be sure the right sterile procedure is done. It's easier to avoid an infection if you make sure that you're the only one accessing, and that your sterile procedure is good. |
Hmm, I'm thinking this might lessen DD's anxiety about the port access (we've run into a few nurses who draw out the process, and have built up the anxiety). I'm sure I could do it... what did you need to do to get trained? Just have the nurse show you? Do they give you all the supplies or do you have to get a scrip & take in a kit each time?
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I don't think it's routine like it is to teach parents how to care for central lines, but they'll probably train you if you ask (especially if home IV meds/fluids/TPN are going to be involved). The clinical nurse specialist for the oncology unit showed me and DH how to do it.
Your home health company will send you all the supplies you need (with orders from your child's doc). In the hospital they have premade kits that come with everything all sterile and ready to go, but our home health company doesn't do port access kits so I have to tell them what I need. I get all the supplies I'll need to access J for the month, then I make my own little kits and put everything together in ziploc bags. If you're not on a certain protocol for home infusion, you can probably ask for enough supplies for 2 or 3 accesses, just to have on-hand. Plus whenever you're in the hospital you can use their supplies.
Your home health company will send you all the supplies you need (with orders from your child's doc). In the hospital they have premade kits that come with everything all sterile and ready to go, but our home health company doesn't do port access kits so I have to tell them what I need. I get all the supplies I'll need to access J for the month, then I make my own little kits and put everything together in ziploc bags. If you're not on a certain protocol for home infusion, you can probably ask for enough supplies for 2 or 3 accesses, just to have on-hand. Plus whenever you're in the hospital you can use their supplies.
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