| | Joined: Nov 2011 Posts: 33 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | OP  Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2011 Posts: 33 | Hello;
On January 20th I had a port-a-cath inserted into my right subclavian (I think) vein. Starting a couple of days after surgery and continuing to this day I have been dealing with the most intense (8/10) pain in my right shoulder. The surgeon belives this to be due to the fact that he had to do some extra tunneling to get to my vein and may have disturbed some nerves. I am currently on a fentanyl patch for the pain which only helps a little but I really want to avoid the NSAIDs as I am starting chemo on Tuesday and don't want to overload my kidneys or liver.
Has anyone else experienced this type of shoulder pain following port-a-cath insertion? If so, how long did it last? Any input would be helpful.
Last edited by Richard T.; 01-28-2012 02:52 PM.
2006 SCC T0 N1 M0; 2006 EBRT x 33, chemo x 3; 2010 Extraction 2 molars; 2010 HBOx30; 2011 Dx osteosarcoma of mandible; 12/20/11 mandibulectomy with temp. titanium plate; 1/31/2012 chemo x 4; 9/19/2012 Reconstruction of mandible with graft from hip and bone morphogenic protein
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | I had some pain when I initially had my port placed. I had the port and feeding tube done at the same time so I hurt all over. After about 2 days I began to feel better. I can imagine you must hurt like heck if your doc had to do some digging to get the port placed.
The fentanyl patch can be increased. It takes up to 24 hours to adjust to an increase in dosage. I would notice the difference after about 12 hours it would start to work. If you are still in alot of pain, ask for an increase. Being in pain will not make things easier for you. Somewhere I have heard that studies were dont on this and it is actually detrimental to the patient to be in pain. I understand not wanting to take the NSAIDs but think of it as a tool. Its only temporary so make use of it.
Feel better soon!
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | | | | | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,264 Likes: 5 "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,264 Likes: 5 | Sorry you're in pain! I'll leave the rest to Christine as she's been there... Hope you get some relief soon!
Cheryl : Irritation - 2004 BX: 6/2008 : Inflam. BX: 12/10, DX: 12/10 : SCC - LS tongue well dif. T2N1M0. 2/11 hemigloss + recon. : PND - 40 nodes - 39 clear. 3/11 - 5/11 IMRT 33 + cis x2, PEG 3/28/11 - 5/19/11 3 head, 2 chest scans - clear(fingers crossed) HPV-, No smoke, drink, or drugs, Vegan
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 167 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 167 | Hi Richard - mine hurt like a son of a gun but only for 3-5 days. "Digging" does not sound like a good thing at all and I can only imagine that would contribute to the pain. If you're at an 8/10 WITH the fentanyl patch then you are not getting adequate pain coverage.
Like Christine suggests - time to discuss better pain management.
Sorry you're having these complications - the porta-cath is supposed to help in these situations not contribute to the issues!
Jennifer (39)
02/10 SCCa Tongue & Base, HPV-
03/10 Partial Glossectomy & ND 11/10 Revision due to additional nodes 12/20-2/2/11 IMRT & concommitant chemo 2/11 PEG in 3/11 PEG out
Back at work and feeling good 03/24/11!
12/20/11 - 9 month f/u PET/CT - all clear!
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2011 Posts: 33 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | OP Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2011 Posts: 33 | Okay, the shoulder pain disappeared overnight last week. I did start physical therapy for myofacial release because of all the scarring around my neck and coincidentally or not, the next morning the pain had gone from an 8 to a 0. Removed the Fentanyl patches and have not been bothered since. No explanation but I'm happy.
2006 SCC T0 N1 M0; 2006 EBRT x 33, chemo x 3; 2010 Extraction 2 molars; 2010 HBOx30; 2011 Dx osteosarcoma of mandible; 12/20/11 mandibulectomy with temp. titanium plate; 1/31/2012 chemo x 4; 9/19/2012 Reconstruction of mandible with graft from hip and bone morphogenic protein
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Be careful with the fentanyl patches. Those are very powerful meds and should be stepped down from. I think the lowest they come is in 12.5 dosage. Also the fentanyl patches will continue to work for roughly 24 hours after removal. Hope you continue to be pain free!
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive | | |
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