To Port or Not to Port

Getting a port-a-cath was a big stumbling block for me and caused a lot of stress. The port is implanted under your skin to allow for easier access to a major vein instead of a nurse trying to find one in your arm each treatment. My concerns with the port were many, among them being the fact that a foreign object would be put in my body, the procedure that was needed, the risk of infection/clotting and worrying about it being visible when wearing lower cut tops. The other thing that bothered me most was how the doctor approached it, as if getting the port was not a choice. In our initial meeting, I was given a date for the port procedure along with a small information pamphlet and that was it.

After reading other people's posts online, I know my fears were justified and I was not over-reacting. It took me a while to come around and I did end up getting the port, I just wish it would have been presented to me differently. There are other options (ex. a PICC line) that I was not told about which also added to my frustration. As a young, active person, the port was definitely a better choice since the location of the PICC line is right on the inside of your arm, it is bulky and cannot get wet so you have to keep it dry in the shower. I just wish that someone would have explained all of this to me along with the pros and cons and let me choose rather than making the decision for me. For anyone else debating whether to get the port, here are my words of advice:

• Ask a nurse or doctor to show it to you so you can see what it looks like. Ask them about the benefits of getting that over a PICC line or regular IV.
• The radiologist that inserts the port has some flexibility in where it is located. Talk to them ahead of time and if you are worried about it being visible, ask them if it can be placed in a location where it is hidden. The morning of the procedure, I tried on some t-shirts and tank tops and made a mark where I wanted the port to be placed. The radiologist was excellent and able to put the port where I had marked.
• Take the Ativan that they offer before the procedure if you are nervous.
• Follow the instructions they give you regarding caring for the incision after it is inserted. I was very careful with it and have not experienced any issues. 

I am not advocating for the port, in fact, it has been in my body for almost 3 months now and I refuse to touch it or even acknowledge that it is there but after weighing the alternatives, I am glad I got it.