Port Flush and Awful Taste

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jennjenn
jennjenn Member Posts: 8
edited May 2018 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

Hi all--

Looking for suggestions on how to cope with the awful taste I get once they flush my port, it is so bad, I am gagging from it.  I've tried some of the basics like mint and candies and I can't chew gum because I have braces but, I was hoping to get some feedback on what's worked for others!!! 

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  • thenewme
    thenewme Member Posts: 1,611
    edited October 2010

    Ewww, I know exactly what you mean!!  That nasty balloon taste?  LOL -my nurses laugh because they say a lot of people don't notice it but it's almost overwhelming for me!  They say it's the preservative in some certain type of injections, but I notice the smell and taste anyway.  No advice, though - just plug my nose and hold my breath for a few minutes.  Thankfully it goes away fast.  Let us know if you find something that works!

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  • mamaof3bugs
    mamaof3bugs Member Posts: 198
    edited October 2010

    My gag reflex was so bad because of that taste that I would start gagging before I got to my blood draw :(  I do have a solution for you...orange anything!  Orange tic tacs, gum or my favorite orange 'ice breakers.'  The orange flavor masks the heprin and saline taste.  I would make sure to have one in my mouth before they even started accessing my port.  Good luck!  You will make it through the chemo, I promise!  I thought I would never finish but guess what??  I did and now I am half way through radiation and my hair is long enough to not have to wear a hat anymore!!!    

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  • TMarina
    TMarina Member Posts: 692
    edited October 2010

    The taste often makes me nauseated.  Plugging my nose works for me.  You can breathe through your mouth, but don't unplug your nose until the flush is completely done.  Others have suggested smelling a fragrant tea bag, but then you have to inhale through the entire flush.  I tried it once, and plugging my nose works better for me.

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  • o2bhealthy
    o2bhealthy Member Posts: 2,101
    edited October 2010

    I rarely ever drink soda but I have found sipping soda through a straw works for me...I think the carbonation and bubbles distract me... maybe orange soda Laughing

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  • Fearless_One
    Fearless_One Member Posts: 3,300
    edited October 2010

    Bring a blow pop - (but I know you can't have the gum part).   I know you said you tried candies, but try the blow pop, suck on it while they are doing it.

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  • luvmyself
    luvmyself Member Posts: 146
    edited October 2010

    Ask the nurse to use sterile water instead of saline.  There is no taste what so ever. Hope you find something that works :)

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  • jennjenn
    jennjenn Member Posts: 8
    edited November 2010

    Well ladies.......THANK YOU for all of your suggestions!!!  I found the combo that works, the sterile water and the orange tic tacs.  I taste just a tiny bit of the heperin but nothing even close to what it was before an I am happy to report.........no gagging the last two times!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  NOw, 9 more to go and then this port can come out!!!!

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  • kayfh
    kayfh Member Posts: 790
    edited March 2012

    But why do we taste the heparin and saline? Not every one does apparently. I asked the nurse yesterday. She did not know the physiology--anyone? Kay

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited March 2012

    I don't 'taste' anything. The saline part of flushes 'smells' like rubbing alcohol but it goes away quickly.

    Just realized this an old thread - sorry.

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  • MizMarie
    MizMarie Member Posts: 332
    edited March 2012

    I notice the taste only for maybe 10 seconds and it goes away.  Amazing how everyone is affected differently....

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  • Letlet
    Letlet Member Posts: 1,053
    edited March 2012

    I taste it too...but I found that chewing gum works for me

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  • kayfh
    kayfh Member Posts: 790
    edited March 2012

    I know this an old thread, but why does flushing cause some to have awful taste in their mouths when others don't?

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited March 2012

    Old threads have nothing to do rather/why certain things happen. By they can be sad/hurtful (sorry I can't think of a better word) in some cases for some if they bring up posts/threads from those who are no longer physicaaly here with us. A new thread might be in order.

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  • kayfh
    kayfh Member Posts: 790
    edited March 2012

    Oh. I hadn't thought of that. I am so sorry.

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  • Carmelita1951
    Carmelita1951 Member Posts: 12
    edited May 2018

    me too,

    Y boil a ginger root and drink it like tea

    I hate the salty taste in my mout

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  • varnadt
    varnadt Member Posts: 2
    edited May 2018

    i am about to start treatment after 14 years. I remember using vicks under my nose when i sat for infusions, also i used lemon drop candy during the infusion. This time i am going to try using some essential oils... wish you the best and hope this helps

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