PowerPort Surgery

November 5, 2009 (Thursday) I had my surgery for my PowerPort, I was excited it was not the Metaport this is a newer version. The PowerPort is a implanted Port it is a new technology designed to accommodate Power-injected CECT scans (Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography scans)and IV therapy without having to undergo repeated needlesticks in your arm or wrist area.

It is a small device placed completely beneath your skin (in front of my right shoulder) in a short procedure (about an hour)It is a cylinder with a hollow space inside that is sealed by a soft top. It connects to a small, flexible tube called a catheter that is inserted inside one of the large central veins that deliver blood to your heart. When a special needle is put into the soft top of the PowerPort device, it creates "access" to your bloodstream, meaning that medications and fluids can be given and blood samples drawn. It is triangular in shape with three bumps called Palpation Points on the top of the port(mine is purple). So this is where I will receive my Chemo and blood work. You can keep these in for years some people all their lives depending what they are having done. It will make life easier.

When I went in for surgery I found out I would not have to go all the way under I was so happy. My Doctor was a Doctor Hein, he was young and very nice, he explained how exactly they were doing this and showed me what it looked like. Any bad effects were very rare, he mentioned to make one thing a hundred percent proof is that I would have to "HUM" when he asked me. That would make sure all air was out of tiny tubing (catheter). Well one of the guys says he would be giving me the "Margarita" to make me sleepy. I remember they were ready to start and I was talking away, all I can remember doing was talking and then I remember him asking me at one point to take a deep breath and then "HUM". I then remember asking if he had any children, I believe he said 2 boys, I mentioned my kids and grand kids, I could feel him doing something (no pain) and then him saying "Okay we are done" I was like "What, it feels like it has only been 10 minutes". Boy I do not know if I fell asleep or I just rambled on the whole time. My husband Sam said when he came to get him, the guy said "I gave her the equivalent of 4 Margaritas but she just kept talking". How embarrassing!!!! Those of you who know me will think that is hilarious I am sure! It was a great experience very easy surgery, I do have some discomfort and have had to take Tylenol but it is only suppose to last a few days. I had to wait 2 hours before going home to make sure no bleeding appeared or anything else, so I went home 2 hours later and I am very happy I will have no more IV's or blood work taken from my poor veins again!