I was just wondering if anyone could share their experience of having an arm port inserted? I’m due to get one next week for second round of chemo as my veins are struggling. I’m probably worried about nothing but I’m a bit scared about what the procedure will be like - have been told by my CNS that I won’t need/get any sedation but a bit of Googling seems to suggest that sedation is advised?? Could anyone with experience let me know what you think??
Many thanks
Fiona
I have a portacath which was put in under heavy sedation and it really was a doddle. However I think you might mean a pic line? I’m sure someone will get back to you on this.
Hi, I have an arm port fitted at RM London. Took about 45 mins, they put a local in then I didn't look but I could feel fiddling a bit. They told me everything they were doing, making a insison, guiding a tube in , checking position on ultrasound. I got an impressive bruise but it was fine and is so much better than a cannilar. Hope goes well xxx
Thank you that’s really reassuring - I’m at the RM too - also having chemo infusion straight after insertion which also sounds a bit scary but sure I will be fine! I certainly won’t look, as you suggest! Really appreciate the advice. Apparently it’s a relatively new thing that they seem to use instead of the chest port - am hoping to be able to swim with it at some point
I got a port 6 and a half years ago in upper clavicle area. Local anesthetic. Godsend. It's easy and fast. Veins...start working your arms w weights. Hugs from paris
They usually give Valium or such. My chest Port has been a Godsend.
I think an "arm port" is what is known as a picc line. A port is usually in your chest. I had a picc line inserted and was very scared but it took only minutes with local anesthetic and I felt nothing. So quick, so painless and so less of a fight than nurses having to find a vein every time they need to give you chemo drugs. Best wishes x
This is definitely a port - I need to swim (if possible) so a picc line was not an option for me - I think it’s quite a new thing and the RM are using them instead of chest ports apparently in many cases. When I had my first chemo all the other people in the chemo room seemed to have these. I really appreciate all the replies - and if any form of sedation/ pain relief is offered I will definitely take it!! I’m sure I will be fine but I’m a bit of an anxious coward and worry a lot about these sort of procedures.
Had never heard of these. Good luck with the fitting and let us know how it went. Best wishes x
I had the port put in my arm and I liked it better than in my chest.
Hi Fred22 I had a PICC line inserted the day before my first chemotherapy It was painless at the time of insertion They used a local anaesthetic at the site of insertion in my arm No sedation The site did feel tender afterwards but others at chemo did not feel theirs at all The whole process was easy I hope this helps Lots of good wishes for next week
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