[vicstir]

Should I have my port (portacath) removed?

by vicstir on Sat Aug 06, 2016 9:14 pm

Hello All,

I am looking for some advice. My doctor has taken me off Zometa, which was the only infusion I was on. So now I have a port that is not being used. So she asked me if I wanted my port removed.

I am of two minds.

The bonus of having it removed means not being tied down to a monthly flushing.

Not having it removed means that when this multiple myeloma increases, I won't have the extra stress of having another port inserted. Which was quite a painful process for me. My veins are very inaccessible, so not having one wouldn't be an option.

This is another occasion where a crystal ball would come in handy. If I knew when the multiple myeloma was going to raise its ugly head again, I could weigh up the option.

I keep thinking that I will get it removed just to need it again in a short period. Which would make its removal a waste of time. Also pain to have it reinserted which I need not go through if I keep it. I am not keen on the pain of it.

But then if I am in stable disease for 12, 24, or 100 months, then it would be beneficial to not have to maintain it.

Having the port has been a good thing. Which is why I hesitate in making a decision.

Thanks Vicki

[Ron Harvot]

Re: Should I have my port (portacath) removed?

by Ron Harvot on Sat Aug 06, 2016 11:57 pm

It is a personal choice. Certainly it is not necessary. I have had multiple myeloma for over 7 years and have never had one. But I have good veins. If you have rollers and are having to be stuck often, then perhaps the port is good. However, if your veins are good and you have no current need for the port, why bother with it?

[vicstir]

Re: Should I have my port (portacath) removed?

by vicstir on Sun Aug 07, 2016 4:17 am

G'day Ron,

Therein lies the problem. My veins are not good. Every canulation takes on average 5 tries to get it in. So not having a port when I need infusions is not really an option. For a one-off infusion I would just cop the 5 attempts. But as most treatments need numerous infusions ... well that is why I am finding this decision a hard one to make.

Vicki

[Ron Harvot]

Re: Should I have my port (portacath) removed?

by Ron Harvot on Sun Aug 07, 2016 1:30 pm

Vicki,

I completely understand and if I had to be stuck 5 times each time I had an infusion, that would lead me to wanting the port as well. If the only issue is flushing it periodically then I guess I would keep it. Just to be safe, I would make sure that there are not any side issues like the possibility of getting an infection from the port.

Ron