Port pain?
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Hi Katie, sorry about the pain. I hope they can provide you with some relief! My Dad’s patches were yellow at times too- the patches that covered his port and pic lines. The window dressings would sometimes have a yellow film on them after just a day or two. The docs., nurses, and even the window patch manufacturer & distributor had no explaination for this… we sort of came to the conclusion that it was the bile leaking from his pores- but there was never any confirmation on this. The docs even tested it, as we feared that it was indicative of an infection, but not so…. it was just yellow.
Wishing you all the best Katie!
-Tess
To all:
My port pain has been resolved for the most part. After numerous test, my oncologist figured it was the clinical trial drug that I was on that was causing the pain. I doubted her in my mind, but after a month – no more pain. I was able to control the pain somewhat by taking 10-15mg of oxycontin every 12 hours – AM and PM. I would then take percocets for breakthrough pain (which helps against inflammation because it contains tylenol).
Good luck
JohnPS – Your port might look yellow from the iodine stuff they swipe around it to sterilize it.
PPS – I always apply lidocaine 30 min prior to access to numb the skin. Ask for a prescription if you don’t have it.
Hi, Katie,
I’m wondering if weight might be a factor. When my port was put in, I weighed over 200 pounds. When I laid on my side, the shoulders sort of formed a bow and the soft tissues had nowhere to go but to press against the port. It was uncomfortable. Since then, I’ve lost weight (I’m under 180) and the discomfort is rare. Alternatively, if you’re real skinny, the port may just press against the bone with every movement you make. Without wiggle room, each movement may be jarring. So for me, posture, patience, and weight management were all part of the answer. Unfortunately, I can’t guarantee that any part of that will answer your questions or diminish your pain. I’ll be praying for you.
Louise
Oh dear, this thread hasn’t been posted in for a while, but this is driving me nutso!
My port always gets pains in it, even when it’s not accessed. But then I’m not sure if it’s the actual port because it’s like.. right above where it is. I assume this isn’t supposed to be normal. When I took my bandages off from yesterday’s treatment today, it was all.. yellow instead of the usual blood it’s supposed to be.
When it was accessed yesterday it hurt so so bad too! The nurses wanted to do a chest x-ray but it stopped hurting after about 20 minutes (figures, the Gem only takes 30!). I have been told mine is at a weird angle too, maybe that’s it? Anyone have any ideas?
I am having problems with my port–the incision opened about 2 week after implantation and got infected, but I dont have any pain (except when my 12 pound cat decides to step on it!)
I know this sounds silly, but I did experience loads of pain from the external stent and the doctors and nurses came to the conclusion i was allergic to the plastic. It could be somethin like that..maybe?
Kris
I must admit, I’ve never had enough pain having to do with my port that I needed to take pain meds, except of course when it was installed.
I would take Marions suggestion and keep after the docs on this one.
Had the ultrasound this morning. No clots or clogs. Which is good I guess. A random doctor at the facility took a look and said, “hmmph. I don’t have any answers for you and I would just say ‘take two aspirin and call me in the morning'”. He did recommend Motrin over Oxycodone simply for its anti-inflammatory properties. I’m going to give it a shot.
John……I am happy to hear that it is not an infection…so the puzzle continues. Hopefully, you will have an answer real soon. Thinking of you and sending my very best wishes.
MarionUpdate – Saw my oncologist today. She doesn’t think it’s an infection. She ordered an ultrasound to check for clots (to be done tomorrow morning). She suggested it could be the clinical trial drug that I’m on, or my body rejecting this foreign object inside of it. In the meantime, I’m staying medicated on oxycodone for the pain. Hopefully it will decide to go away as randomly as it decided to show up.
John….As Suzanne has also mentioned, the discomfort could be caused by an infection something, you definitely need to have ruled out. I would contact the physician asap.
MarionNo redness/infection. I wonder if I slept wrong somehow because it is more sensitive when I turn my neck to the left (pulling the muscles away from the catheter).
The port itself does not hurt.
Thanks for your reply Suzanne. Looking forward to what others have to say.
Hi John – I get a little tender there sometimes. I have to make sure the car seatbelt doesn’t lay on top of the line going from the port to the artery, and even over the port itself. Does the area around it look red, as in infection? I have heard it is possible to get an infection but I have no idea what form it takes with a port.
Also, my port gets sore after chemo. I think just the needle going in and out makes it sore, the muscle, skin, etc.
If it continues, I would definitely contact your doctor about it.
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