The use of ports

My son doesn't have a port, and our doctor from the very beginning has discouraged us from having one.  Personally, I am  glad that we didn't get one. Our doctor advised us that it is best for us to trust that our child can handle a poke once in a while rather than being put under general anesthesia and have his body alter - not to mention the possible complications of a port.  

We have trusted lil A's ability to handle the poke and he has done very well.  I know that this is not the case for all children, some children have a very hard time with IV pokes.  

Some doctors push families to use ports - As I have said I am strongly against them - and that is how I advise other parents. I would like for other patients and families to share their opinions about ports so that we can provide more complete information.  

Thanks for sharing,

Sharmin

As you all know, I am an old thal patient but never, not once in my life, have used a port.
Why do such a thing and make yourself suffer? It would only be justified, if it were the one and only solution - but as I have understood doctors propose it in any case.
No, if you are in a position to choose, why do that?

Lena

Thanks Lena, it helps to hear from an older and more experienced thal.  We have only 12 years of experience and overall we find that our son does not mind the transfusion process at all.  He is very interested in getting his IV, he is very athletic and he loves to swim.  I don't want a port to get in the way of all this.  I think its completely unnecessary. 

Sharmin

Glad to have helped, Sharmin.

The way I am looking at it, your son is a healthy thal which means his overall condition is good inspite of thal. Proceed the way you have done  these 12 years and everyting will be fine.

Lena

I sure agree with Lena,Sharmin....
You have done a great job raising Lil A and I think you set a good example for all the parents.....
I may be repeating myself, but hats off to you dear and I salute you for being such a good parent!
Lil A sure is a lucky boy!

And Lena, thank you for being at this site...your words really help us all a lot....!

Madhavi

Being a thal for all my life, why not get something useful out of it?    
 

Thanks for your kind words, Madhavi.



Lena

...Lena, only someone like you could come up with this amazing perspective of being thal!
I want to travel to all the places that you all are and meet you all lovely people....!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lots of love this festive season and always,
Madhavi

what i can tell u abouth ports is...
they save my live before 12 years.
myne and some of my friends to.
in a time where i start to become tired of
pocking every nigth for desferal and the ferritin
goes high to 16.000
the porth saved my live.

As long as it was your only solution...you did well, Pano.

Lena