heart problems from port placement?

Kayleigh3483 · December 2009

Finally was going to start chemo yesterday (been long haul, delayed for necrosis on recon) had port placement in morning. All seemed to go well, felt fine, no post op probs. I was in good spirits as I've been wanting to get to chemo for a LONG time (had surgery at end of July!)

Then suddenly while I was in oncology waiting room heart started to race. At first I thought maybe nerves were setting in after all, but quickly realized this was a bit more than that. To make this long story shorter my heart rate went to 215 (normal is 60-100) and they had to take me to the ER by ambulance. Tons of tests all show normal but oncologist was pretty scared by it all. Now I have to have a cardiology consult. Chemo delayed again.

I do have mitral valve prolapse but haven't had so much as a flutter in 8 years. I used to weigh 300 lbs and smoke 2pks a day -- once I lost the weight and quit nicotine the heart flutters disappeard. The docs that have looked at me so far don't think it's the MVP, but they don't know what else it is either.

I have a gut feeling the port placement did something, but what? Anyone ever had or heard of anything like this ever before???

LJ13-2 · December 2009

First thought: panic attack.

Any history of it?

Please don't take it the wrong way. I have them and have dealt with racing heart, arrythmia, etc.

The morning of my first chemo I had diarrhea from anticipation.

This is heavy stuff we're dealing with ....

GryffinSong · December 2009

I'm so sorry chemo was delayed again. I hope its nothing serious. For what its worth, as LJ13-2 suggests, my grandfather had a panic attack and his symptoms sound like yours ... very much like a heart attack. The docs should be able to diagnose that though.

Hugs and good luck!

Kayleigh3483 · December 2009

Thanks -- I wish it were a panic attack...that would make me feel a whole lot better actually. Nope, I've been assured that isn't what this was. In fact, ironically I have suffered from anxiety before and was afraid I'd be dismissed and told to calm down when this started, I can't explain it but I just knew this was different somehow...thankfully they all seemed to know right away that this was not anxiety either. My oncologist actually called me at home that night to check on me she was so freaked.

I've got a cardiologist appt on Monday...between now and then am tryinig to take it easy. I just know the port has something to do with this but I can't figure out what. Hopefully the cardio doc will.

Thanks again for the replies and support

LJ13-2 · December 2009

I hope they can figure it out for you. I'm sure in spite of the uncertainty, you want to get things moving.

I always felt some light pressure from the port, but mostly where the line went into the jugular. I could feel the blood pressure in my head increase if I leaned forward. It was as if certain positions slowed the flow of blood from my head. It was weird. But nothing heart related.

ReneeJean · December 2009

Please tell me they did a chest xray and comfirmed the placement of the port tip and that it was intact????

You were MOST DEFINATELY NOT HAVING A PANIC ATTACK with a heart rate of 215! That is SVT and very serious and I am very surprised they let you go home. And I assume you are not on a 'holter' monitor at home? I would have refused to discharge you if you were my patient! You are not oxygenating blood with a heart rate like that. If you feel ANY heart racing/palpations or any discomfort at all, please do not hesitate to call 911 immediately and get to the ER. Do not let anyone drive you or drive yourself. Remember if you have trouble, the person driving you (or if you are driving) CANNOT help you....if you are in an ambulance, they have medications and oxygen and can save your life. I don't want to alarm you, but it is easy to brush things off when we have been down the road we have.....don't brush this off.

I am sorry you had to delay chemo again...and I pray you have a restful and uneventful weekend. Hugs.

Anonymous · December 2009

Yes, someone some time back had problems with their port. I cannot remember who. But the post would be gone now. This was a very long time ago.

When you see your cardio MAKE SURE you tell him what you suspect. They can check it out and see if something happened. Something CAN happen..I just cannot remember what...LOL

Anonymous · December 2009

ReneeJean, thank you so much for helping to clear this up. I just didn't know what the port could do, but I do know it can...does that make sense. NOPE! LOL

swimangel72 · December 2009

Port placement could definitely cause heart problems..........either through incorrect placement, through infection or other problems. This happened to my cousin - fortunately they removed the port and loose piece before it got lodged anywhere near her heart. I hope you did get an x-ray as ReneeJean suggested.......and I second her advice about calling 911 if you have any problems at all! May God's angels watch over you!

Alpal · December 2009

Months ago Anitach posted that a piece of the catheter was lodged in her heart. Do a search for port and Anitach and you can bring it up. For some reason I am unable to copy and paste the link here. I agree with the others about 911. I'll be thinking about you over the weekend.

Kayleigh3483 · December 2009

Thanks you SO, SO, SO much everyone -- I am glad I'm not crazy! Yes, they did an x-ray during the surgery and then another one later in the ER...was told the port is properly placed. Frankly, I don't care what anyone says I've decided I want this thing OUT. For whatever reason my body is not handling it and frankly who needs this worry on top of chemo?

If I'm not mistaken a PICC line can be used instead -- it takes daily care and is considered less convenient since it's in your arm, but at this point that sounds like nothing compared to how I feel now. I once had to give myself daily injections of Lovenox during pregnancy so I could handle flushing a line or whatever else was needed if I was shown how, I'm sure.

The racing heartbeat has not come back, but my heart feels like it's beating harder than usual and my chest still feels tight...not where the port is but across the whole thing. I can also feel my neck pulsing sometimes when I sit still. I am taking it easy and will call 911 if the slightest change happens, believe you me, I'm no foolish hero.

Thanks again for all the advice and support -- I just knew this was the right place to come (as usual)...you all are just WONDERFUL!!!

(Will keep you posted, appt w/cardio guy on Mon.)

heart problems from port placement?

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