Pain After Port Removal?

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Denise726
Denise726 Member Posts: 6
edited June 2014 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

Hi All! I got my port removed 9 days ago and I am happy about that but I have some issues going on that concern me. It always makes a person feel better to know that they are not the only one with an issue. I am having pains that are really uncomfortable along the collarbone area where the catheter was placed in the vein. It makes me panic because I keep thinking that I am having a clot forming or my blood is not flowing properly through this area causing the pain. Has anyone else had pains after the port was removed? This is truly bothering me because I can't get my mind off the issue but I am so tired of driving to the doctor and if this is something that is normal during the healing, then I won't worry about it. Please Share Your Experience! Any advice is welcomed! Some might ask why haven't I just called and asked? Well to be honest, speaking to a receptionist that will only schedule me an appointment to come in and ask this question will not help me one bit. I prefer to ask people who have already experienced this situation. I will attempt to calm my anxiety as I wait for a response. This is really hard sometimes.

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  • Pbrain
    Pbrain Member Posts: 863
    edited April 2014

    Denise, so sorry no one has answered you on this yet.  I get my port removed tomorrow.  Is the procedure difficult?  I'm really nervous and I have no idea why.  They said I will be under conscious sedation.  YIKES!

    My thoughts, if you had a blood clot, it is likely that the area where the clot was would be reddish and your skin would be warm.  This is not always the case, but it is common.  Tell me a little bit more about the pain.  Is it a dull ache, or a tightness, or a sharp stab?  Do you take blood thinners or have a history of clots?  Do you take tamoxifen?

    Jane

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  • encyclias
    encyclias Member Posts: 302
    edited April 2014

    Denise, I am so sorry you are having pain from  your port removal.  Hopefully, they will get it under control quickly.

    I had my port removed a week ago Monday.  They just used Lidocaine.  All went smoothly and painlessly, got stitched up and then glued shut.  All the bandages and steri-strips are gone now; just a bit of bruising left.  The incision looks good.  Trying to get used to not having it anymore; it was my companion for almost a year and a half.

    Good luck to you tomorrow, Jane!

    Carol

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  • Pbrain
    Pbrain Member Posts: 863
    edited April 2014

    Carol, thanks so much!  I'm oddly dreading it and excited at the same time.  It means I'm really honestly finally done.

    Denise, feel free to PM me if you need any one to talk to.  

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  • Denise726
    Denise726 Member Posts: 6
    edited April 2014

    Ladies I am so sorry for not responding back yet. I am feeling somewhat better. It is still an awkward soreness to that area near my collarbone but I don't think I should freak out like I was. 

    Jane I hope your removal went well? I was put to sleep for mine because I do not numb. :(

    Carol did you have any issues with the lymph node removal? I had my surgery 6 months ago and it still causes pain when I move my left arm too far. I am wondering if you have tips for stretching it or does this ever go away?  I ask a bunch of questions. Thank you both for responding.

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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited April 2014

    After I had my port out, the area stayed tender and sore & it was just not getting better. I finally went in and they found that a dissolvable stitch that had NOT dissolved. Once they got rid of it, then I finally healed up. So if things don't seem right, get them checked out.

    I still feel some 'pulling' in the arm years and years later. I do stretch/lift light weights/exercise a lot, and that seems to help. I feel worse when I don't. That being said, if you haven't been exercising, you will want to get back into it very slowly and carefully because of the lymphedema risk. Maybe a few sessions with a PT would be a good idea.

    Here is a link to exercises after breast surgery. It talks more about what to do soon after surgery, but the exercises would be good any time too.....

     http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/MoreInformation/exercises-after-breast-surgery

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