I realize I'm being a whining woossie wimp about this, but I'm scheduled for port replacement surgery on Tues morning, and am a bit nervous. More than a bit nervous. My port is almost ALWAYS clogged, due to my body's seemingly exceptional blood-clot forming abilities. I know this is a minor surgery-I was awake when they put it in-but my Mom died a couple of years ago from a blood clot after a "minor" surgery and I find myself almost in a cold sweat when I think about it.
Having this condition has made me more "realistic" about the facts of life inasfar as death and dying is concerned, but I'm in the middle of just TOO MANY things-good things-to even have it on the horizon right now. I wake up most days bright-eyed, bushy-tailed and eager to deal with various challenges. I'm in really good health overall-and enjoying it.
I realize I'm blowing this WAY out of proportion, but if you-all could just lend me a shoulder for a moment to steady myself it would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks...you guys have been a major factor in my mental stability and ability to keep on keepin' on throughout this aspect of my life with a calm, clearheaded positive attitude... (well, MOST of the time anyway!):-p
Gordon

Hi Gordon,

Interesting as we are both getting port procedures this Tuesday. My first, your replacement. Maybe you can rub off some of my confidence things are going to go without a hitch.

I've not had a single worry about port placement, usage, or other issues. Even after reading about it, my feeling is this is a great option. Nothing sticking out, minimize the constant sticking which I know must get worse after many many pokes in the veins.

Not read much about infections or other issues having to do anything at all to maintain it except for the monthly purge if not used which neither of us has to worry about for some time.

You most likely mentioned already to your doctor that you have high blood clotting potential so maybe they can put some anti clotting stuff in just in case.

Rest assured that this procedure would not likely create any new issue you have not already experienced. Since you already have a port, it has been used a lot, and maintained monthly of more recent time, and you have not had any issues, why worry now?

Think about all the blood that collects in the tube when not used and it has not created any clotting problems so why worry now?

You already went through this already and no issues, so why worry now?

Man, you are good to go. You'll be bouncing up "bright eyed and busy tailed", not skipping a step Tuesday afternoon, so why worry?

oh - answer - NO need to worry!

Best
Don

Gordon, no worries! You have your own cheering section right here. We are always in your corner rooting you on.

Its always a little scary going in for any procedure. You arent alone in feeling apprehensive.

Wishing you all the best with the port change! Hope it goes smoothly and you bounce right back quickly.

Good luck!!!

Thanks, guys. I know I'll be okay but a lot of other stuff (financial/computer problems/living situation/lack of support system) is hitting me all at the same time and I feel a bit adrift.

Thanks for bearing with me

Can you option not to have the port placed in lieu of your difficulties?

There is risk with any surgery, and sure the doctors reviewed your medical history, and feel confident the benefit outweighs any risks, otherwise they would not do the surgery. It's your decision with elective surgery. Good luck.

Will post tomorrow evening-I'm sure I'll manage to live through it. I really HATE needles so a port is the way to go when you're having weekly chemo.

hiya,

port went in simple as pie. iu do have a pain in my upper chest, no surprise. one thing of note is mine is on left side. the dr said i would not be able to freely rotate my arm, lower chance that catheter might move. i am active and right handed so he put on left side, also said better on left as all cancer is right of midway.

Hello, all!
Surgery was a no-go today, as I had no one to take me home. I had tried for quite some time to get through yesterday (MLK day) to ANY human at the hospital to ask about that-but no luck. The whole thing was just so frustrating (both yesterday AND today) and I felt so de-humanized that I left in a funk. I think I'll "elect" to NOT have any more "elective" surgery-even when they're pressuring me into it. They did get the port working okay for the moment so I'm not going to worry too much more about the whole deal...
I DO, however, have to worry about leaving my phone on the gurney and it disappearing. I had taken the bus-was at the train station when I realized I'd left it; so it was almost a full hour later that I came hunting. It's insured, but I can't afford to pay the dang deductible! How pathetic!
Am doing what I can to get back into the swing of things as far as working-I do home repair/improvement-and USED to be pretty good at some of it. It seems I've slowly lost my "following" over the years and now I find myself without a cent for a good part of each month! If anyone has some projects that need attention...
...and I DO LOVE to travel! ;-p
I'll be fine as soon as I get my feathers unruffled!
Thanks, all, for putting up with me. (most of my "friends" and family DON'T!)