Port removal and exercise

bomber410
bomber410 Member Posts: 564
edited June 2014 in Working on Your Fitness

So I had my port removed yesterday.  BTW I demanded (in a nice way) conscious sedation and got it.  I cannot imagine having that bugger removed with just a shot of local. 

My question is when can I really get back to exercising like running.  If you ask the medical staff, they err on the side of caution and will say to lay low for some ridiculous time period.  Is two days reasonable?  

Debbie 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2007

    Bomber...I think the only thing you need to worry about is the incision/excision site and try to ensure that you don't jar it so much that it bleeds. If you take fish oil, vitamin E or anything else that acts as a blood thinner, you'll need to be even more careful about that. But other than a potential bleed, what could prevent your running? It's not like you're planning to bench press your weight or anything! I say go for it and just stop if it's uncomfortable.

    BTW, congrats on the port removal....you're really moving on!!!!!

    ~Marin

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2007

    I didn't have a port, but I hear you about medical folks tending to err on the side of caution by having you sit out until the area is completely healed. I know how hard it is for an active person to sit still, but Marin gave some good advice (doesn't she always?!? She's like our own little Martha Stewart of fitness, lol). I agree with listening to your body - as you know it better than anyone. If it hurts/is uncomfortable, stop or modify it so you don't hurt anymore. Two days seems fine to me, lol, but let your body dictate the time frame.



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  • bomber410
    bomber410 Member Posts: 564
    edited December 2007

    Thanks guys!  Logic will prevail.  For example, I'll run roads for the next few days instead of finding myself alone on a trail.  I'll also keep my distance to a minimum and my pace will be easy as I let this area heal. 

    One of my concerns was the repair to my vein from where they removed the port tube.  I was wondering if my blood started to pump fast would it bust the vein open.   

    Thanks for your advice.

    Debbie 

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  • joanne_elizabeth
    joanne_elizabeth Member Posts: 499
    edited December 2007

    Hi Debbie,

    I had my port removed with a local. It was very long, which I hadn't expected, but not bad at all. I didn't want to go to the OR again, been there 3 times this year.

    I excercised the next day, walking, but not running and had no issue, except a stitch which won't get re-absorbed.

    I am impressed you are running again so soon.

    Joanne 

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  • bomber410
    bomber410 Member Posts: 564
    edited December 2007

    Hi guys, actually I did opt to not run for the past few days.  It worked out because we got a nice snow fall.  Got to shovel snow instead.  I will go out today.  Thanks to the snow I got some recovery time.

    Returning to running has been the best thing mentally.  I'm thrilled.  My speed is returning (slowly).

    Joanne, as for the procedure, I would have been in the same little back room with or without the Versed so no OR for me.  I am happy that I wasn't aware of them removing the tube from my vein and sliding the device out. Just the thought, left me queezy. I was conscious but not in touch with the sensations.  The PA and nurses were great.  At the end, they "presented me my port" while I was laying there semi-drugged.  It was like they were showing me my newborn. Very cute! I was not one to opt to take it home for a souvenir.   They said others do. 

    Today's milestone is that I finished my 4 weeks of daily lymphadema treatment.  And after I see my rad onc for post-rad follow up at 2:30, I don't have to see anyone about this stupid BC for 3 months.  I am just giddy with emotion.  :-) I need a break.   

    Happy Friday!

    Debbie 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2007

    Hey bomber...I just saw your post and thought about the vein thing. I'm pretty sure that the tube is inserted into the vein with a teeny, tiny catheter, much like a needle. When the catheter is removed, the healthy blood immediately coagulates and heals the hole. I'm thinking this because I had a spinal anesthetic some years back for a cyst or something and the hole didn't heal, so the spinal fluid was leaking and this resulted in a severe headache for days. I finally went back in and the anesthesiologist took a drop of blood from my arm and placed it into the hole. It immediately coagulated and the headache went away completely. It felt like a freakin' miracle! Anyway, I suppose that by now you're up and running just fine!

    ~Marin

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  • my3girls
    my3girls Member Posts: 3,766
    edited December 2007

    Hi Debbie,

    I too had my port removed.  I had it taken out in November, and was running the week of Thanksgiving.  I have had no problems regarding running and the port/vein. 

    It does feel really good getting back into the zone again!!  Just starting to feel like our old selves is a plus!

    I had mine taken out in the or..but only with the local.  I can tell you, that I wish I had demanded the sedation.  The local hurt going in, then she had to keep testing to see if I was numb enough to cut..that was bizare to say the least.  I ended up needing a 2nd round of local!! I could feel the tugging and pulling...it was very strange, and nerve racking!  Luckily, a neighbor of mine happened to be working the or that morning, and she was there to hold my hand, and talk to me to take my mind off of it.

    Well...looks like we are both getting back to our old routines.  I too, don't have to go see the oc for another 3 mos.  I do have reconstruction surgery on Feb. 4th.

    Best to you...happy running!

    xoxo

    Lisa

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  • bomber410
    bomber410 Member Posts: 564
    edited December 2007

    Hey guys, thanks for all the help.  I did go running on Friday (3 days later) with no problems.  Ran again on Saturday.  Sunday was for shoveling.  December has been a snowy one so far.  Of course, it turned wet and heavy by Sunday mid-day. 

    Lisa, we are getting our groove back.  We get to follow in the footsteps of Marin, Felicia and others.  It does feel good.  Makes me cry every time I think about it.  Tears of joy!

    Marin, my girlfriend also shook the marbles up in my head regarding the hole in the vein.  Guess the clotting factor is working.  Sometimes I can be a little slow.  :-)  Boy, that spinal fluid leak sounded awful.  Glad it was easy to remedy once the problem was understood.

    Happy Monday!

    Debbie 

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