Port-a-cath

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Offline vampirebaby

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Port-a-cath
« on: September 27, 2011, 03:01:02 AM »
Hello Everyone,

The doctors have advised us to get a port surgically implanted into Eva's chest after the first transfusion. We have decided to go ahead with it when the time comes because I think it might be less traumatic that way. They struggle to even draw blood from the veins in her arm, let alone transfusing.

Can someone please shed some light on how the port works? Does it really make the transfusion easy?

Hope you can help. Thanks a lot.

Sameet & Eva :)

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Offline Narendra

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Re: Port-a-cath
« Reply #1 on: September 27, 2011, 03:42:58 AM »
Hello,

Please read the following threads regarding ports. Having a port is NOT Required. There have been a lot of discussions on this.

Points related to having a port
http://www.thalassemiapatientsandfriends.com/index.php/topic,2230.0

Ports In Infants
http://www.thalassemiapatientsandfriends.com/index.php/topic,455.0

Portacaths
http://www.thalassemiapatientsandfriends.com/index.php/topic,2597.0

Read post by Alia
http://www.thalassemiapatientsandfriends.com/index.php/topic,814.msg7605

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Offline vampirebaby

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Re: Port-a-cath
« Reply #2 on: September 27, 2011, 12:17:01 PM »
Thanks alot Narendra. That was extremely helpful :)

From the posts, I gather quite a negative image of ports. Has anyone heard of any positives at all? Do ports always necessarily get infected and cause problems?

Its just sooo hard to see our babies cry inconsolably after being jabbed  :wah


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Offline Andy Battaglia

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Re: Port-a-cath
« Reply #3 on: September 27, 2011, 03:30:29 PM »
There are pros and cons to ports. One of our members is on his 7th port. He is in his 30's and has always needed a port because it's so hard to find veins. He has had some stubborn infections over the years, but all were resolved. Yet, he still never considers trying to go without a port. Nurses will almost always push for a port because it makes their job easier, but this doesn't mean it's the best course. Sometimes all it takes is finding a really good tech who can find a vein and insert the needle. Before committing to a port you might want to talk to the hospital to see if there is someone who is more expert than the others on finding veins. If even their best can't find veins it may be there is little choice at this time. If you do decide on a port, make sure you know everything about maintenance and flushing and also signs of infection. The earlier they are caught, the easier they are to treat. Be aware that most hospitals will push for a port. The decision should be yours and not theirs.

Thanks for the collection of links, Narendra. Your help lately has been invaluable as my time is limited.
Andy

All we are saying is give thals a chance.

 

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