Anyone who has had your port more than 3 years...

[Bev G]

could you let me know how long you have had it, and if you've had any problems with it? Mine is going to have it's 3 year birthday in a couple of days--I want to keep it in forever, once in a while my onc asks me to get it out. I have NO...ZERO peripheral veins. For my PET/CT (where they refuse to use my port ) I now have to go to interventional radiology and basically get a cut down. Anyway, just wondering about the aging of the ports we all have. I don't need to know about all the new-3 year old port, as that ship has already sailed for me---just wondering about the older ones? Thanks a lot!

Bev

[lohidoc]

If your veins are that bad I'd be inclined to keep the port. Biggest issue is port associated DVT (like I got). Regular flushing, and I strongly suggest low dose aspirin.

[Phuong]

I was on the old model as well. Kept it in for 5 years with no real problems. I had the initial issue with infection when they put it in, but once that was resolved it was smooth sailing. I actually just had it taken out in November because I moved further away from the cancer center and I wasn't so diligent about going in to have it flushed, so it was a bit more difficult to get proper blood return. I felt like it was time for me to have it taken out, but my onc said that he had a patient keep theirs for over 10 years and that it was fine. Like Lohidoc said, just make sure to keep it flushed.

[hannahw]

My Dad has had his for more than five years. No problems.

[dianne052506]

Port installed June 10, 2006. My live sure hasn't been the same since then, but other than some stiffness the first couple of months, no problems since.
dianne

[SkiFletch]

Right there with ya Bev. Pretty sure my port gets it's 3-year tomorrow... I love it and will not be the one that lets it go. While I have wonderful veins, I HATE getting an IV. Some form of unrealistic phobia tbh. I only once had a trouble with my port for a CT scan. Had to arch my back for the iodine injection to get it to flow right. Every other time it's been great. I wonder if these thigns have some kind of shelf life on them?

[Rob in PA]

Mine is 5 years, two months old today! Not a hint of problem With it other than being the old fashioned mediport instead of power port Can't use it for pet/Ct scan....which irks me.

Rob

[mstults]

I have a cousin that has had hers almost 8 years. Without any problems. I've had mine 6 months and am already on the 2nd one.

[Bev G]

If your veins are that bad I'd be inclined to keep the port. Biggest issue is port associated DVT (like I got). Regular flushing, and I strongly suggest low dose aspirin.

I hadn't really thought of the low dose ASA, M. Thank you--well, actually, I've thought of it a million times because of the type 1 dm (for 48 years) but haven't done it--now I will. Really good idea. Best to you, always, every day!

[pollo65]

I have had mine in for very close to 4 years, I have seldom had a blood return on starting or flushing, have had to put my arm over my head at times to get it to run well but never have the problems that I was told I would have. I have really crummy, itsy bitsy rolling veins so don't really want to give up my port though the onc at Stanford said he would switch to oral chemo if cancer reappears. I just like the safety net that it gives me and really would rather not go through having another put in down the line.
pollo 65

[meeko]

I have had mine 4 yrs this month. great blood return always. get it flushed or used every 3 months. mine isnt a power port its something like a Baard port? have some irritation with it sometimes like itching or if i lay wrong it pulls something and hurts. thinking i would like it out this year sometime but kinda scared to...

[tytiff]

Bev G, Ty has had his port since 09/09 and except for the initial pain of the placement, has had no issues with it. Doc says we can talk about removing it when he's 5 years NED. He'll be NED two years this March. We have it flushed about every six months with no problems so far. Just our two cents.

Tiff

[lauragb]

I've just had mine since July 2011 and I plan on keeping it for awhile as long as I don't have issues with it. I had a pneumothorax with insertion and skin rashes at first. After the initial problems, it has functioned very well. With small veins and IV phobia, it makes sense. I just finished up a 16 day hospital stay for a small bowel obstruction with surgical repair.
That port sure came in handy. CT, blood draws, IV access, it was used for everything. I was so glad I still have it.

Laura

[horizon]

I was on the old model as well. Kept it in for 5 years with no real problems. I had the initial issue with infection when they put it in, but once that was resolved it was smooth sailing. I actually just had it taken out in November because I moved further away from the cancer center and I wasn't so diligent about going in to have it flushed, so it was a bit more difficult to get proper blood return. I felt like it was time for me to have it taken out, but my onc said that he had a patient keep theirs for over 10 years and that it was fine. Like Lohidoc said, just make sure to keep it flushed.

Mine doesn't bother me too much but 10 years? Good gravy.

[nicola smith]

I am about 5 months short of 3 years with my port. I have had no issues although I do wonder if the port is linked to frozen shoulder issues that developed about a year ago on the same side of the body as the port.

When I was last at the oncologist, I asked, just casually, what the plans were, if any, to remove the port. They were astounded - 'what do you mean? - do you still have it in!!!'. Erm, yes I do. Mild panic ensued on their part as they explained they thought it had been taken out yonks ago and the hospital practice was, now, not to leave the port in because it is regarded as a foreign object in the body and not a good thing. Hmmm.