Having IVs Placed

Princess Puppy Lovrwrote:

Isn't long term infection a concern? I think that is an issue with people who get kidney dialysis but correct me if I am wrong. Also when you botch the top out of a boulder with a body snail move you will look super legit when your covered in blood!

There is infection risk for any vascular access method. Regarding the kind of chest port I have: From: 4rai.com/procedures/interve…

"because they're concealed beneath the skin, ports are far less prone to infection compared to IVs that have openings on the skin's surface."

Some central lines like PICC and Hickmann lines have a tube going through the skin terminated in luer lock hanging on the protruding tube. There is always an open hole that needs te be kept sterile and bandaged. That indeed is a potential route of infection 24/7.

The chest port skin is only punctured when accessed, and done so with a higher degree of sterility than peripheral IV access. I had a peripheral IV related life threatening infection and hospitalization this year... I'll take the chest port and higher standard of sterility for access thanks.

For now, I am not bouldering or climbing anything. Just hoping to get better. If I was, I would be choosing routes with this limitation in consideration. When you are sick like this, there are restrictions on living life as you please anymore.

mountainhickwrote:

There is infection risk for any vascular access method. Regarding the kind of chest port I have: From: 4rai.com/procedures/interve…

"because they're concealed beneath the skin, ports are far less prone to infection compared to IVs that have openings on the skin's surface."

Some central lines like PICC and Hickmann lines have a tube going through the skin terminated in luer lock hanging on the protruding tube. There is always an open hole that needs te be kept sterile and bandaged. That indeed is a potential route of infection 24/7.

The chest port skin is only punctured when accessed, and done so with a higher degree of sterility than peripheral IV access. I had a peripheral IV related life threatening infection and hospitalization this year... I'll take the chest port and higher standard of sterility for access thanks.

For now, I am not bouldering or climbing anything. Just hoping to get better. If I was, I would be choosing routes with this limitation in consideration. When you are sick like this, there are restrictions on living life as you please anymore.

Good to know, they have offered that to me in the past but I declined i guess I didn't really understand the multiple options. Hoping you can get back out there!  I read your post as you were out f the woodwork so to speak. If mountain project has taught me one thing, even if you can't climb you can still be a spray lord! 

mountainhickwrote:

I have Cancer. I've had over 80 IV sticks in the last year. During one hospitalization i received a PICC line because my arm veins were collapsing, and hardening. The PICC line was awful in its own way, being through the bicep and dangling hardware attached to the arm, but better than having more veins collapse due to bad sticks and vein destroying drugs. 

Then i received a very good solution; A chest port. I wish I had known and it had been offered from the get go. Fantastic, easy access, no more peripheral vein trauma. I was concerned about whether it would be a problem under a backpack strap, but since I specifically asked she placed it where it would not be a problem... can't wear a sternum strap though. It is in the wrong place for seatbelt when riding passenger, but I usually just drive. 

I will keep this as long as possible while any chance remains that I need lab draws, infusions and transfusions. That you need lifetime access, I would check into it.

Doh! Now I see your previous post.. wondering why you had your port removed?

Mine was a Broviac and it was very early on in my treatment, when a BMT was on the table. Thankfully not. However, cleaning and maintaining it was a PITA. But as far as access for meds or labs, it could not be beat.

Hope your treatment goes well, good luck to you.

Tony Bobwrote:

Mine was a Broviac and it was very early on in my treatment, when a BMT was on the table. Thankfully not. However, cleaning and maintaining it was a PITA. But as far as access for meds or labs, it could not be beat.

Hope your treatment goes well, good luck to you.

Broviac, pretty similar to a Hickman. 

Mine's a "powerport", no dangly, and no cleaning. The only ongoing maintenance is needing to be heplocked at the termination of each access or otherwise once a month.

Thanks for the well wishes!

My phlebotomist LOVES my veins. I need a draw every couple months to monitor my X levels. She will use different veins depending on her mood. Always a single stick, four vials. If your phlebotomist is not getting it right on the first stick, something is wrong, this is what they do for a living. They do have stories about extremely overweight people and junkies, not being able to get a good vein, but someone your age it should not be a problem. 

Drink water starting about two hours before to plump them up.