Port placement shoulder pain

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azrescue
azrescue Member Posts: 116
edited March 2016 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

I had my port placement yesterday. It is a power port. I have pain (very intense at times even with hydrocodone). The pain is mostly in my shoulder blade. With some expected discomfort in the port area. Spoke with rn & she said she's never heard of that. Should I be concerned????? Start chemo tomorrow terrified. They said X-ray showed port in place. Anyone else experience this??

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  • Spookiesmom
    Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
    edited March 2016

    could be the position you were in during placement. Be sure to let MO and nurses know something hurts before you start.

    Breathe! You will be ok😍

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  • DoggieBytes
    DoggieBytes Member Posts: 100
    edited March 2016

    I did have discomfort with my port. At first it is normal. In my case the discomfort did not lessen and there was a problem.

    However, after the first day or so I wouldn't worry. Keep your oncologist and Chemo nurses advised.

    If there is a problem with the port it's not a big deal to remove it. You can also ask about a PICC line in your arm. Some oncologists don't like those as they are more maintenance but I got along just fine with mine and made sure to take good care of it.

    I know it's scary but just know, the Doc and Nurses deal with these ports day in and day out and know how to take care of you should there be a problem. You will be O.K.

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  • KarenInCanada
    KarenInCanada Member Posts: 271
    edited March 2016

    My port was no treat for me and I really have only been less focused on it now that is was used on Monday. I had a lot of pain at my neck where the top part is and the freezing went in. I do still have a small bit of swelling there over 2 weeks out but it works fine and I will show my MO if it still has the swelling next time I see him. In the end it has been worth it all, so much easier for treatments and pain free as well

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  • azrescue
    azrescue Member Posts: 116
    edited March 2016

    Thank you everyone for the great comments. My first chemo went well today. I did tell the nurse how much it'd bothered me. She was very careful to check it out before she accessed it. She cleaned it well. Made sure it worked. And said from what she could tell it looked good.

    The surgeons office called yesterday to follow up & I told that nurse about it. She said she'd never heard of shoulder blade pain. And that if it wasn't better by Thursday to call them.

    As for first chemo it went well. Way easier then I'd made it in my mind. So one down six to go. They did tell me my hair will not make it to the next appointment in 3 weeks. So I bought a wig, cute hat & a scarf.


    Good luck all my fellow chemo buddies.

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  • Deaconlady
    Deaconlady Member Posts: 158
    edited March 2016

    I hope your shoulder is feeling better soon. I had my port placement yesterday. I feel pretty good today, just some soreness. I've also got quite a lot of blood coming through the gauze and it's very itchy. I have chemo tomorrow and see my MO. I feel better knowing that they will let me know if everything is all right. I have to admit that I'm a little nervous about using the port since it's so sore, but I am looking forward to not having 2 needle sticks every week!

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  • rozem
    rozem Member Posts: 1,375
    edited March 2016

    like kayb I have a friend who is dealing with a blood clot from picc line insertion. So it can happen. Not to scare you but just to be aware

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  • azrescue
    azrescue Member Posts: 116
    edited March 2016

    thanks all ... It does seem to be feeling better. Chemo went fine with it. They think that it might be from position I was in on the table. Also, I'd injured the same shoulder many years ago in a car accident. So they said sometimes an old injury can act up.

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